Early Minox Riga as sold on eBay for US $5,357.00 on 22-Dec-04

 

Here is a very early specimen of the Minox VEF Riga stainless steel subminiature camera, in excellent condition.  Serial No. 01023, made in Latvia in 1938 (or possibly 1937), "Pat. App." 

1:3.5 15mm Minostigmat lens with horizontal engraving on lens cover.  Early scroll-style "VEF Riga" engraving, rare twelve-tooth takeup spindle.  Metric focusing dial.  No dents or serious scratches; shows some normal wear, overall quite nice.  Original leather zippered case included.

See below for photos and more information:

 


Camera in open position for picture-taking. (the yellow filter is seen partly in position)

The camera is untestedand unused for the last 50 years or soand is sold "as is." Everything seems to function okay, except the shutter spring doesnt always unwind immediately, presumably a bit gummed up from age. It does usually unwind, howevermaking a buzzing soundand if not, lightly tapping the camera, or re-cocking the camera with a firm action, releases the spring. Cleaning and lubrication would likely restore reliable shutter spring function. Shutter speeds sound true, though may be slightly slow.

  

 

The engraving is very light. Apparently only the first 100-300 or so cameras were engraved in this elongated, decorative style. VEF, for Valsts Elektrotechniska Fabrika, was the state-run company in Riga, Latvia where pre-War Minoxes were manufactured.

 


Camera in closed/carry mode.

 

 

 


Early Riga cameras were marked "Pat. App." before patents were secured.

 

 

Most sources agree that Minox serial numbers started at 1000; that would make this camera the twenty-third commercially made Minox!  Also note the original 12-claw take-up spindlefound only on the earliest models, and especially scarce since many (if not most) were replaced with the later 3-tooth version during factory servicing. Uses available 8x11 film in cartridges (cartridge not included).

   


Two screws on the endpiece, as found only on the earliest models.

 

 

 Shutter speeds from second to 1/1000 second, plus T and B.

Shutter-speed and focus dials turn fine, though the shutter dial turns more easily.

 

 


Lens cover with horizontal engraving.

The small circle showing in the lens port (at left) indicates the shutter is tripped.
To the right is the parallax-correcting viewfinder. Glass looks clean throughout.

The knurled bar slides the yellow filter into position and indicates a
2-stop exposure correction needed for the consequent light loss.

 


The porthole-style viewfinder is clear and clean.

 

 


The worn black leather case bears the "Minox VEF" logo, though the logo is faint.
The zippers stitching is undone along about an inch of its length but it still zips up okay.

  

 

The camera was acquired second-hand by a friend in the 1950s from a Seattle camera dealer in a private sale, for use in a police corruption investigation. The camera hasn't been used since. The camera dealer, our friend tells us, was not forthcoming about how or where he acquired it; possibly it was a War souvenier, but in any case these very first models were not exported to the U.S.
 
(Note these first Rigas had no measuring chain or chain loop.)

Printable Minox Riga manual is available online.

 

 
We hope this special Minox will find a good home in a collection and bring happiness to its new owner. Feel free to e-mail with any questions, inquiries are welcome, we'll answer to our best ability.
 
 
 
Winner pays actual shipping cost only:
Choice of Priority Mail $3.85 or Express Mail $17.85 within the United States.
International bidders please e-mail for USPS shipping quote if desired.
We will pay for insurance on this item (where available/no extra charge).

 

Please see our other auctions.


-- Thanks for looking --

 

 

On Dec-14-04 at 17:39:42 PST, seller added the following information:

 

Here is some addition information e-mailed in by eBay users:

  A friendly eBayer wrote to say that these Rigas were actually chrome-plated brass (as opposed to stainless steel with brass components); we've never heard this---it's commonly said these cameras are chiefly stainless steel---but mention it here for any interest.

  Another helpful eBay user writes to assert that this camera, No. 01023, is the earliest known existing Minox (!) -- not surprising if so, since of course many Rigas are lost to posterity, logically beginning with the oldest ones.

Thanks to all who wrote, and good luck to bidders!

 

On Dec-17-04 at 08:29:42 PST, seller added the following information:

 

In response to the question about the engraving of the words "Made in Latvia" another closeup picture was taken, to better capture the lightly engraved wording:

 

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