Micro 16: The Compact Spy Camera Loved by Police and Detective Agencies

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John Wade

1 July 2026 / 10:30 BST • 30 June 2026 / 09:50 BST

The Micro 16, produced by Whittaker in Los Angeles, is a legendary 16mm spy camera that measures a mere 70 x 50 x 25 mm—smaller than a packet of cigarettes. Its compact size and silent shutter made it the go‑to device for American police departments and detective agencies in the 1950s and 1960s.

Launch year: 1947
Launch price: ≈ £12
Current guide price (used): £25‑£50
Dimensions: 70 x 50 x 25 mm

Key specifications:

Film: 16 mm, 24 exposures per twin cassette
Shutter: single‑speed, ~1/50 s
Lens: f/6.3, adjustable to f/8 and f/11 via a small lever ("bright", "dull", "color")
Mechanism: lever‑activated shutter, side‑button film wind, gravity‑assisted latch for upside‑down use
Viewfinder: tiny square window on the top; optional sports finder available

While the Micro 16’s lens is often described as modest and its film‑wind mechanism can be finicky, its robust aluminium body—available in chrome, black, blue, green, and grey—has made it a prized collector’s item. For modern users, the camera remains functional if one can source 16mm cine film and load the cassettes in a darkroom.

Pros

Excellent build quality, easily concealable, ultra‑quiet shutter

Cons

Lens performance is average; film‑wind reliability can be inconsistent