It wasn’t for “spying” like you’re thinking.
Like the old Sony videocams, you could put a particular filter on it and “see through” women’s clothes.
Seriously.
[if I ever get desperate for money, I have 2 Sony HandiCams with that “feature” I could sell...but no “X-Ray” filters...sorry]...LOL
The mode dial is a weak point, lots of them would still work if the dial hadn't failed.
It was a $1400.00 camera when it came out although OLY had to reduce prices to get them really moving.