What is "a-minima"

The A-Minima is a Super 16 movie camera that was introduced by Aaton in 1999. Touted as the smallest reflex viewfinder movie camera at the time, the camera is distinguished by its low-profile form-factor. It has a size comparable to a small prosumer video camera, and weights including film and battery. In order to accommodate the camera design, Aaton worked with Eastman Kodak to create a specially designed flexible flange daylight spool. Because of the spool's particular design and the fact that the camera requires A-wind 16 mm film, the A-Minima can only use Kodak film stock, manufactured specifically for use with the A-Minima. The 200 foot length (approximately 5.5 minutes at 24 ft/s) and slightly noisy sound rating of 29 dB make it convenient as a B-camera or second unit camera; however, the small size and ease of use, along with an integrated AatonCode timecode unit, allow for less conspicuous and cumbersome shooting on Super 16.