Eastman M.B.

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The Eastman M.B.[1] 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.[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.[2] 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.[2] The shutter has Bulb or instant settings.[2]

It seems that a Japanese copy was made during World War II, see Japanese matchbox camera.

Notes

  1. ↑ Pritchard, p.140, says that this was the camera's official name, with M.B. standing for matchbox.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Pritchard, p.140.
  3. ↑ Number of exposures, film stock: Pritchard, p.140. Exposure size: McKeown, p.509.

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.
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