The Perfect Shot Camera

A role playing camera by Fisher-Price for ages 5 and up.

A child’s first real camera with features to help little photographers take better pictures. Before digital cameras became affordable consumer products, there were no low-cost cameras in toy market for children to take pictures that proved durable in standardized drop tests.

This real, working camera featured an easy-to-load drop-in film cartridge and a twin viewfinder so a child did not need to squint with one eye to view their subject. A double grip for steady shooting helped keep fingers away from blocking the lens. A strap with a safety breakaway connector prevented a choking hazard. A durable camera mechanism survived drop tests and prevented jamming.

I designed and built a licensed character concept for Disney using Mickey Mouse. A child could squeeze a button that would wiggle Mickey Mouse’s ears. This action would prompt a subject to smile before the child took a picture.

SERVICES

• Concept creation
• Mechanical development
• Proof-of-concept model
• A Mickey Mouse prototype was created for Disney. (not produced)