The invention relates to a device (10) with a carrier element (11) on which a camera unit (12), which serves for acquiring images in the exterior region of a motor vehicle, is arranged, and with at least one drive mechanism (14) for the camera unit (12), said drive mechanism serving to move the camera unit (12) to and fro between an inoperative position (1a) and an image acquisition position (Ib), wherein the drive mechanism (14) is arranged on the carrier element (11) in order to hold the camera unit (12) movably, and wherein the carrier element (11) has an opening (11.1) on the front side, through which images can be acquired at least in the image acquisition position (Ib) for the camera unit (12), and with at least one gap (11.2) on the front side between the opening (11.1) on the front side in the carrier element (11) and the camera unit (12) in order to be able to transfer the camera unit (12) into the image acquisition position (Ib). The invention is likewise directed towards a method for actuating the device according to the invention.