Optical and Electronic Research (O&ER) Simul-Shot II
Entry/Object ID
528
Tags
Workhorse
Description
This is a fascinating piece of industrial photographic equipment. The Simul-Shot II was a specialized camera used primarily for government and institutional ID photos. Its "Simul-Shot" name refers to the dual-lens system, which allowed the operator to take two identical photos simultaneously on a single sheet of Polaroid pack film—typically one for a passport/license and one for the record. The camera is a complete studio-in-a-box, featuring a built-in electronic strobe (the large frosted box on top) and fixed settings for consistent results. This camera utilized Polaroid "Pack Film" (like Type 669 or 108). The operator would pull the paper tab from the back, wait 60 seconds, and peel it apart to reveal the ID photos. You can still see a vintage Polaroid checklist sticker on the back of the film door. A typed note remains on the back of the camera with specific instructions for "Passport Type" and "License Type" settings. This is a wonderful piece of operational history!