Kronke (Emil Kronke, Dresden), Emil Kronke was also the patentee of the Ben Akiba cane handle camera.

Photo-Oda

Photo-Oda of 1902 is an unusual rectangular metal subminiature for 18x18mm on special roll film. Meniscus lens, single-speed shutter. Nickel finish with decorative engraving. Produced at the same time as the cane handle camera, the Photo-Oda appears to have been a ladies detective camera. The only known example sold at auction in May 1989 for $9100 with original box and roll of film. Resold in 1997 for $15000. 

Ben Akiba

The 1903 Ben Akiba cane handle camera takes 20 exposures 13x25mm on a roll film 18mm wide and 70cm long. 35mm f/9 meniscus lens. The shutter is released by pulling a knob below the handle.  It was manufactured by A. Lehmann in Berlin, Germany.  Patented in England in 13th August 1902, in Germany in 1903 and in the USA on 3rd May 1904. 

It was not widely advertised, but did receive a notice in Scientific America 5th November 1904.

Spare roll film were stored in the hollow crook of the handle. The film passes from it's roller in the magazine over a plate, which guides it in the focal plane for exposure, thence it is taken up on the receiving spool in a chamber below. When the entire film has been exposed the side face of the cane handle is removed, the exposed film removed and a new one moved to position behind the guide plate.

The camera is named after Joseph ben Akiba (AD 50-132), a highly honoured Jewish rabbinical teacher from Jaffa where he introduced the method of interpreting the oral law, which developed into the Mishnah. He supported the patriot Ben Kochba in the ill-fated rebellion against the Emperor Hadrian. ABen Akiba was taken prisoner and tortured to death by the Romans.

Modern copies have been made by Oberlaender and both original and replicas are in demand by photographic and walking cane collectors alike. At the Westlicht auction of November 2002 one sold for 27000USD. There were selling for 5000-8000USD in the 1990s and replicas for 2500-4500USD.

Links

http://www.geh.org/fm/mees/htmlsrc/mL523100001_ful.html

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES:
Lothrop, Eaton S., Jr. --A Century of Cameras from the Collection of the International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House.-- Dobbs Ferry, NY: Morgan & Morgan, 1973. pp 117.//
McKeown, Jim & McKeown, Joan. --McKeown's Price Guide to Antique & Classic Cameras: 2005-2006.-- Grantsburg, WI: Centennial Photo, 2004. pp 596.//