Olympus Gastro Camera GTF-A medical endoscopic system, c. 1966
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1966
This Olympus Gastro Camera GTF-A, dating to circa 1966, represents a pioneering development in medical endoscopy technology. The system features a gastroscope with a camera unit at its tip, controllable via the eyepiece.
It is designed to capture up to 32 images on 6 mm wide color film with an image format of 4.5 mm, utilizing a 4 mm lens and built-in flash lamp illumination. The set is comprehensive, including a GTF Stabilized Regulator (220/240 V), connecting cables, a Gastro Projector with a Zuiko 1.9/32 mm lens, and an extendable screen. Accessories include an original tin box labeled for Olympus Gastro Camera color film, 18 film spools, spare lamps, and documentation.
The gastroscope itself measures 107 cm in length, including the eyepiece. The unit's minuscule film format is historically significant, noted for having influenced the design of various contemporary 'spy cameras.' This technical assembly remains a notable example of mid-20th-century Japanese medical optical engineering.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 107 cm (gastroscope with eyepiece)
- Film width
- 6 mm
- Image format
- 4.5 mm
Technical characteristics
- Capacity
- 32 images
- Projector lens
- Zuiko 1.9/32 mm
- Lens focal length
- 4 mm
- Power requirements
- 220/240 V
Design
- Model
- GTF-A
- Features
- Built-in flash lamp, detachable side connector for rubber hose
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Olympus
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.