OPINION OF COUNSEL AS TO LEGALITY OF SECURITIES

EXHIBIT 5.1



October 30, 1998


SCM Microsystems, Inc.
131 Albright Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032

RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

Gentlemen:

We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by
you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about October 30, 1998
(the "Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of 685,950 shares of
your Common Stock reserved for issuance under your 1997 Stock Plan (the "Plan").
As your legal counsel, we have examined the proceedings taken and are familiar
with the proceedings proposed to be taken by you in connection with the sale and
issuance of such Common Stock under the Plan.

It is our opinion that, when issued and sold in the manner referred to
in the Plan and pursuant to the agreements which accompany the Plan, the Common
Stock issued and sold thereby will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.

We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement, including any Prospectus constituting a part thereof,
and any amendments thereto. This opinion may be incorporated by reference in any
abbreviated registration statement filed pursuant to Item E under the general
instructions to Form S-8 under the Securities Act with respect to the
Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
Professional Corporation

/s/ Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati