French Spy Camera produced by S.F.O.M (Société Française d'Optique Mécanique)

Extremely rare spy camera, brass body INCLUDING optics, 2.8/20mm lens focusing up to 30cm, film size 8 x 11 mm exposures on 8mm film, metal focal plane shutter 1/20–1/250 sec., film transport via rack-and-pinion mechanism. This camera was made in France at the beginning of WW2. It is possible that it was produced on special order by the French National Defense Secret Services. During many years this camera was not attributed to S.F.O.M sit was kept a secret until the remaining stock was sold through government auctions were the optics have been removed. Only around 15 cameras exist in complete condition worldwide.