Many of these devices are fiction, but some spies and detectives in the real world did use similar gadgets. 

In feature films about spies, we are always shown cool devices that help to discreetly photograph secret documents or silently neutralize guards. For example, the famous “Agent 007” James Bond has “smart” watches, hidden cameras and voice recorders, and even a jetpack that allows him to fly in some movies. Many of these devices are fiction, but some spies and detectives in the real world did use similar gadgets. Today, these spy tools are completely defunct and are kept in museums. Within this article, we suggest taking a look at photos of these spy gizmos and find out what they were intended for.

Lucky Strike spy camera
One of the most important tools of any spy or detective has always been a hidden camera. Of all the compact cameras that have ever existed in reality, the most original is considered to be the development of Mast Development - released in 1949, a device disguised as a pack of cigarettes Lucky Strike.

It was designed specifically for military purposes, but no one ever used it. The “cigarettes” pulled out of the packet are actually the control buttons for the camera. Inside the device is installed 16-millimeter film, and which can capture up to 18 frames. Included with the camera was a box of Ohio Safety matches with a built-in exposure meter - in the 20th century, this device was necessary to measure the illumination of objects being shot.

Only two copies of the Lucky Strike camera were produced in total. According to 2015 data, they were auctioned off at Bonhams for a price between $40,000 and $65,000. Whether or not anyone bought them is unknown.

A watch with a built-in Steineck camera
There was another hidden camera in the 20th century - it was developed by Steineck in 1948. From afar, it looked like an ordinary wristwatch on a person's wrist. But if you looked closely, you could see a small camera lens. Spies could pretend to look at the dial, but actually press the shutter button and take up to 8 small pictures. The device was sold in a red box until 1951 and was very popular with private detectives.

Doryu 2-16 gun-shaped camera
The cameras listed above are disguised as ordinary things to attract less attention. But the Doryu 2-16 camera developed in 1954 by Japanese engineers could not go unnoticed - it was produced in the shape of a pistol.

The Doryu 2-16 camera worked like a regular pistol, but it did not do damage, but simply recorded what was happening on 16-millimeter film. In the grip of the device was a magazine loaded with six magnesium rounds. These fired from the top of the gun and illuminated the surrounding area. In an open area it was possible to illuminate everything within 15 meters, and indoors it was possible to illuminate an area within 20 meters.

The intimidating looking camera was supposed to be used by the police to record crimes. However, it was never taken into use, so the unusual camera gun was released for free sale. Now it is no longer available in regular stores, but collectors often find this model on websites with ads at a price of about 10 thousand dollars.

The smallest camera in the world
Another spy device can be called the creation of Italian designer Giampaolo Ferro. In a ring with a diameter of 25 millimeters, he was able to place a lens, with the help of which it was possible to discreetly take six photos. The Ferro GF81 is said to be the world's smallest camera.

A spy shoe with a built-in bug
Another piece of spy equipment is a bug built into the sole of the shoe to listen in on conversations. It was used in the 1960s and worked extremely simply. The device was activated by removing a pin from the heel and then all ambient sounds were transmitted to a nearby station. Today, the shoe with a built-in bug is on display at the International Spy Museum, which opened in 2002 and is located in the heart of Washington, DC.

Spy glove with a gun
During World War II, the United States developed a very stealthy weapon - a pistol built into an ordinary glove. With this firearm, it was enough for spies to slap the target on the back and he would fall dead. However, the photo shows that not everyone could cope with the use of such a clever device, because a careless movement could accidentally shoot a finger.

Lipstick with a built-in gun
A gun in the form of a lipstick is also a reality. A copy of such a device is also on display at the International Spy Museum and from afar it really does look like a piece of women's cosmetics. Such an inconspicuous gizmo could be smuggled anywhere. To shoot a target with a 4.5-millimeter bullet, the lipstick was enough to lean against his body.

Spies exist even today and actively use current technology. For example, in 2019, for the first time, a photo created by artificial intelligence was used for spying.

Translation of the article by Ramis Ganiev

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Our spy bug, a small UHF bug, was used in Bogomolov's TV series "Mistresses".