Publication/Creation Date

1886

Creators/Contributors

C.P. Stirn (creator)

Description

One of the most prevalent recent developments in wearable technology design is the body-mounted camera, made popular by devices like the GoPro. This early spy camera—or concealed vest camera, as it was more widely known—offered a similar possibility to early adopters of still film technology over a century ago. Equipped with a 40 mm lens and rotary diaphragm shutter for high-resolution still photography, this camera came fitted with a neck strap and shutter release cord for one-handed operation. Designed to be as inconspicuous as possible, its thin profile kept it flush against the chest, presumably hidden under a vest or waist coat, while its small protruding lens was meant to poke through a button hole for a clear shot. The release cord could then be pulled discretely, from below the camera, engaging the shutter without drawing unwanted attention.

Made in Berlin, Germany.

Location on Body

Neck, Chest

Augments

Collecting, Concealing, Deceiving, Evading, Gathering, Recording, Reporting, Revealing, Sneaking, Spying, Surveilling

Keywords

History, Surveillance, Spy Operations, Museum, Photography

Source

https://ingeniumcanada.org/ingenium/collection-research/collection-item.php?id=1981.1098.001