The Hat Detective Camera was manufactured by the Adams & Co. of London from approximately 1892 to 1896. A true detective camera that was fitted into a bowler-style hat, which could be worn with comfort and was always ready for use. Most hidden detective cameras only produced small images, while the Hat Detective camera produced quarter plate, or 4 1/4 x 3 1/4 inch images. The plate was placed in a a strut inside the hat and is readied for exposure by extending the strut. It was fitted with a special rapid rectilinear lens working a f/11 and rendered everything in focus from a distance of 8 feet to infinity. The shutter works between the two lens for time or instantaneous exposures. The Lens and shutter may be immediately placed into position by a bayonet joint. The camera weighed 2 1/4 ounces and the addition of the lens-shutter brings the weigh up to only 3 1/2 ounces.

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Historic Camera Value and Rating - Estimating Overall Worth (about)

# 1189
2015-06-09 08:49:06