The Stirn is based on the patents of R.D. Gray and is very similar to the Gray camera produced by Weston Electric. The main difference being the hinged back found on all but the earliest Stirn cameras. It is a concealed camera to be worn under a waistcoat with a lens shaped like an ornamental button. A long string hangs from the camera to operate the shutter, this would have been hidden in a trouser pocket.

The Stirn proved popular, more so than the Gray or others of similar form and, according to contemporary reviews, gave good results. The six exposure model appeared in 1886 two years later a larger size for four, 2 ¼" exposures on a 7" plate was introduced. This larger model is less common. By 1890 the larger model was no longer made, the smaller continued for a few more years. The normal finish is nickel plated but some have an oxidised finish. The camera is often found in a green presentation box. The price was around £1.3.6 the same as a cheap field camera.

A number of accessories were available: printing frames for the circular plates; a plate cutting die; developing and printing equipment and storage boxes for the plates. For use on a tripod a wooden box to hold the camera was available, this also doubled as a carrying case. An accessory finder was also made.