Micro-Camera
The micro-camera was a miniaturized photographic device developed by Dr. von Gunsmith. It was capable of taking photographs at a fraction of the size produced by a regular camera device, and could store up to one hundred and five pictures on a single roll of film. Photographs captured by the micro-camera could not be viewed without returning the device to Dr. von Gunsmith's laboratory for processing.
Description
The micro-camera was a small device, compact enough to be carried in a pouch strapped around the user's waist or stowed within a satchel. It was described as easy to use. Despite its diminutive size, it was capable of functioning in low-light conditions, having been used successfully with the illumination provided by street lamps. The device contained film on which captured images were stored until the film could be developed at the scientist's laboratory.
The micro-camera is distinct from conventional cameras of the era, which were larger instruments mounted on wooden tripods and equipped with flashbulbs, as seen in use during events depicted in The Steam Knight.
Role in The Iron Wedding
In The Iron Wedding, the micro-camera was given to Zaira von Monocle to conceal and employ as a spy operating within the Wyranth Empire. Zaira carried the device in her satchel as well as in a small pouch strapped around her waist.
While moving through the streets of the Wyranth Capital, Zaira used the micro-camera to snap photographs of the automatons deployed in the city streets, working by the light of street lamps. She took care to keep the device out of the view of Melker during this operation.
Zaira subsequently planned to use the micro-camera inside the Wyranth War Factory to document further intelligence. After the film contained images of the automatons, Zaira passed the device to Marina du Willet to carry back to Rislandia so that the photographs could be developed and reviewed at Dr. von Gunsmith's laboratory.
"one to take photographs but at a fraction of the size of a regular device"
"Recalling my micro-camera, I pulled it from my satchel, careful to keep it out of the view of Melker"
"I reached into the small pouch I had strapped around my waist and set the micro-camera on her leg."
Role in The Steam Knight
In The Steam Knight, a conventional camera — distinct from the micro-camera — appeared during a promotion ritual. One of the masked men present operated a camera mounted on a wooden tripod, which was equipped with a flashbulb. The camera was used to take a picture of James Gentry during the ritual.
"One of the men had a camera on a wooden tripod"