Difference between revisions of "Eastman M.B."
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| − | The '''Eastman M.B.''' | + | The '''Eastman M.B.''' matchbox camera, also known as the '''Camera 'X'''', is a spy camera made by [[Kodak]] at the end of World War II, for use by the Secret Service.<REF name="Pritchard 140"> Pritchard, p.140. </REF> It is said that the official name was "Eastman M.B." (with M.B. standing for <u>m</u>atch<u>b</u>ox),<REF name="Pritchard 140" /> but the name "Camera 'X'" is also found on original accessories.<REF> An Eastman M.B. was sold as [http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=3780258 lot no.251] of the October 20, 1994 sale by Christies with a box marked ''Auxilliary Supply Kit for Camera 'X''' on the lid. </REF> |
The camera takes up to 34 exposures in ½×½″ size on a 2ft strip of 16mm film.<REF> Number of exposures, film stock: Pritchard, p.140. Exposure size: {{MK}}, p.509. </REF> The internals are made of [[bakelite]], and are slid inside a metal outer casing.<REF name="Pritchard 140" /> The film is advanced by a wheel slightly protruding on the camera's smaller side. | The camera takes up to 34 exposures in ½×½″ size on a 2ft strip of 16mm film.<REF> Number of exposures, film stock: Pritchard, p.140. Exposure size: {{MK}}, p.509. </REF> The internals are made of [[bakelite]], and are slid inside a metal outer casing.<REF name="Pritchard 140" /> The film is advanced by a wheel slightly protruding on the camera's smaller side. | ||
| − | The Tessar 25mm f/5 fixed-focus lens is on the front side, and has two aperture settings: full or f/8.<REF name="Pritchard 140" /> The shutter has <u>B</u>ulb or instant settings.<REF name="Pritchard 140" /> | + | The Tessar 25mm f/5 fixed-focus lens is on the front side, and has two aperture settings: full or f/8.<REF name="Pritchard 140" /> The shutter has <u>B</u>ulb or instant settings.<REF name="Pritchard 140" /> Some of the cameras, but not all, have a serial number.<REF> Compare the cameras sold by Christies linked at the bottom. </REF> |
It seems that a Japanese copy was made during World War II, see [[Japanese matchbox camera]]. | It seems that a Japanese copy was made during World War II, see [[Japanese matchbox camera]]. | ||
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* {{McKeown12}} P.509. | * {{McKeown12}} P.509. | ||
* {{Pritchard}} P.140. | * {{Pritchard}} P.140. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Links == | ||
| + | In English: | ||
| + | * Past sales at [http://www.christies.com/ Christies]: | ||
| + | ** [http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4062955 Eastman M.B.], lot no.241 of the March 11, 2003 sale | ||
| + | ** [http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4485133 Eastman M.B.], lot no.167 of the May 6, 2005 sale | ||
| + | ** [http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4556704 Eastman M.B.], lot no.148 of the September 6, 2005 sale | ||
[[Category: 16mm film]] | [[Category: 16mm film]] | ||
Revision as of 19:23, 30 January 2009
The Eastman M.B. matchbox camera, also known as the Camera 'X', is a spy camera made by Kodak at the end of World War II, for use by the Secret Service.[1] It is said that the official name was "Eastman M.B." (with M.B. standing for matchbox),[1] but the name "Camera 'X'" is also found on original accessories.[2]
The camera takes up to 34 exposures in ½×½″ size on a 2ft strip of 16mm film.[3] The internals are made of bakelite, and are slid inside a metal outer casing.[1] The film is advanced by a wheel slightly protruding on the camera's smaller side.
The Tessar 25mm f/5 fixed-focus lens is on the front side, and has two aperture settings: full or f/8.[1] The shutter has Bulb or instant settings.[1] Some of the cameras, but not all, have a serial number.[4]
It seems that a Japanese copy was made during World War II, see Japanese matchbox camera.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Pritchard, p.140.
- ↑ An Eastman M.B. was sold as lot no.251 of the October 20, 1994 sale by Christies with a box marked Auxilliary Supply Kit for Camera 'X' on the lid.
- ↑ Number of exposures, film stock: Pritchard, p.140. Exposure size: McKeown, p.509.
- ↑ Compare the cameras sold by Christies linked at the bottom.
Bibliography
- McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P.509.
- Pritchard, Michael and St. Denny, Douglas. Spy Cameras — A century of detective and subminiature cameras. London: Classic Collection Publications, 1993. ISBN 1-874485-00-3. P.140.
Links
In English:
- Past sales at Christies:
- Eastman M.B., lot no.241 of the March 11, 2003 sale
- Eastman M.B., lot no.167 of the May 6, 2005 sale
- Eastman M.B., lot no.148 of the September 6, 2005 sale
