The miniature spy camera “Minox” was invented and developed in Riga in 1936 by Baltic German Walter Zapp, and manufacturing was launched at the Valsts Elektrotehniskā fabrika (VEF) in 1937. The camera was made in Riga until 1943, but production was later resumed by Germany in 1948.

Even as late as the 1980s, the “Minox” camera was standard equipment for most intelligence operatives in a large number of countries, and many remember it to this day as the “world famous tiniest camera...”

VEF, Latvia’s largest factory, has long since shut down, but its various production plants are a cultural landmark and a historically-significant industrial complex – an interesting tourist site. The old plants have been revamped into stores, boutiques, small workshops and offices.

Before WWII, VEF was famous not only for its spy camera, but also for its top quality telephones, radios, irons and even sport planes.

After the war, VEF was one of the leading factories in all of the Soviet Union, manufacturing modern radios, telephones and switchboards. Its popular “Spīdola” was the first mass-produced portable radio with shortwave frequency.
VEF is a short distance away in uptown Riga, accessible by #6 tram (address: Brīvības gatve 214).

Not far is VEF Culture Palace (Ropažu ielā 1), home of the VEF History Museum, a showcase for the factory’s illustrious lifetime since 1919. The museum has over 6'000 display items. Free of charge, but call to book your visit at +371 67181635.