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.[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:
- Eastman M.B. at Submin.com
- 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
