Kodak Matchbox (MB) camera, 1943
Kodak matchbox (MB) camera, 1943. For use by OSS in occupied Europe. Miniature box camera for 16mm film on spool pictures 14 x 14mm. F:1 inch lens anastigmat F/5. Swinging plate with f/11 aperture. Shutter 75/T. Fixed focus, depth of field 4 foot to infinity. Measures 60 x 38 x 22mm. Eastman Kodak, 1943.
A simple metal and plstic camera shaped like a matchbox which was made for the Office of Strategic Services in 1944-45. The OSS was a World War II US intelligence agency and a predecessor to the Department of State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), and the independent Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The OSS was formed as an agency of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to coordinate espionage activities behind enemy lines for all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Other OSS functions included the use of propaganda, subversion, and post-war planning.
Details
- Category:
- Photographic Technology
- Collection:
- Kodak Collection
- Object Number:
- 1990-5036/1195
- Materials:
- metal (unknown) and glass
- Measurements:
-
overall: 61 mm x 22 mm x 39 mm,
- type:
- miniature camera
- credit:
- The Kodak Collection at the National Media Museum, Bradford
Parts
Pictorial instructions for a Kodak matchbox camera
Pictorial instructions for a Kodak matchbox camera, 1943. Eastman Kodak Co.
Rollfilm Spool
Rollfilm spool for 1/2 inch film used in Kodak matchbox camera, 1943.
- Measurements:
-
overall: 17 mm, 15 mm,
- Materials:
- plastic (unidentified)
- Object Number:
- 1990-5036/1195/3
- type:
- rollfilm back
