Introduction and contents

The Stylophoto camera was designed by Fritz Kaftanski and manufactured by SECAM of Paris, France in 1955. When the Color model was introduced in 1960 distribution was by Miniphoto also of Paris.

Although shaped like a pen, complete with pen clip for the top pocket of a jacket, they are without any pencil or pen for writing. It is 117 x 41 x 26mm (4 9/16 x 1 9/16 x 1 1/16 inch) and weighs 82g (2 7/8 oz). The bottom of the camera is a tripod socket.

They produce a 10x10mm image on double perforated 16mm film. The picture quality is mediocre even with the Roussel lens of the Luxe model. The perforations are used to push the film from one cassette into another operated by pulling on the metal frame at the top of the camera. Later versions have a red filter that is visible in the view finder so that the picture could be framed, but the shutter locked. When the plate is pulled up the film is advanced every time. Double exposure is prevented, but frames can be lost.

Kicam distributed the Private Eye model and Kunik under the name Foto-Füller.

Stylophot Solid slide

The original 1955 Stylophot has a fixed focus 27mm lens, two aperture settings for f6.3 and f11. The depth of field is 0.8m (2 feet) to infinity. Single shutter speed of 1/50 s. The metal sliding plate blocked the viewfinder when closed.

Stylophot Standard

The standard model has two or three aperture settings; f6.3 and f11 or f6.3, f8 and f11 and a red filter in the film advance plate. It is marked "STYLOPHOT SECAM FRANCE BREVET - PATENTS".

Stylophot Color

In 1960 the Color model has a simplified method of setting the aperture.  It now reads "COLOR" and "NOIR" instead of f6.3 and f11.0.  Black and white film of the time (ISO 25) used the "NOIR" (f11) setting, while colour film (ISO 10) used the "COLOR" (f6.3) setting.  It is marked "STYLOPHOT SECAM FRANCE BREVET - PATENTS"  or "STYLOPHOT COLOR FRANCE BREVET - PATENTS" on the name plate.

Most of these have a red circle that fills the middle of the film advance plate.

Stylophot Secreto

Through the use of a built in mirror in the viewfinder the Secreto version allowed the taking of photographs at right angle to the photographer's point of view. Although based upon the standard and color models very few Secreto cameras where made. It was sold in the USA as the "Detective", as distinct from the "Private Eye" model.

Ultra-Mite

The Ultra-Mite is the same as Stylophot Standard made for sale in the United Kingdom.

Kimac Private Eye

This camera is a variant of the Secam Stylophot Color sold in the United States.  In fact, the only difference is that the camera is not marked "Stylophot" - simply "Private Eye", all of the features are the same including the markings "COLOR" and "NOIR".   

Stylophot Luxe

The improved version of the Stylophot was made from 1956 until about 1970. This is the deluxe or simply Luxe model. The f3.5 27mm Roussel lens allowed for focusing down to 0.8m (26 inches). Some cameras are with out markings around the lens, others are engraved "Roussel PARIS ANASTIGMAT 1/3,5 F=27mm". The shutter is 1/75 s and a full range of apertures can be set down to f16. Early versions are equipped with an F synch for flash bulbs and later versions with a red point next to the synch contact X for electronic flash. The weight increased to 102g (3.5oz). Originally sold in the USA for 32.50USD.

Stereophot

A pair of Stylophots in a special plastic shield like holder.

Foto-Füller

In 1956 Walter Kunik obtained the rights to the distribution of the Stylophot standard (with aperture f6.3, 8 11) under the name Foto-Füller.

Foto-Füller Luxus

The Luxus model is the Foto-Füller with imitation snakeskin covering.

Accessories

Black and white film was sold for 1USD and empty cassettes for reloading at 6 for 3USD.

Spare Leather case 2.95USD

Flash attachment socket 1 USD

Teleramic daylight table viewer for use with mounting strips gives a 5x5 " picture with adjustable focus 24USD, adapter for 2x2" slides to accommodate and Minox and 16mm transparencies 3.95USD

Filters: yellow, green 2USD

Slide projector.

 

Go to the 16mm Collection index Last updated 28th June 2005