The operating device (10) has a camera unit for imaging an outer area of a vehicle. The camera unit is arranged, particularly in a housing by a support element, at the vehicle in a protected manner. A mobile closure element (14) is provided for closing a housing opening. The closure element is moved by a drive unit (16) in two end positions, particularly a closing position and an opening position. The closure element is provided to operate an electrical switching element for producing an in-vehicle control signal. An independent claim is included for a method for operating an operating device, particularly for a rear area of a vehicle.