Mitchell goes to war

~
Feel free to discuss any topic related to the Mitchell Camera. Both 35 mm and 16 mm models are welcomed here. Also consider posting topics of other major motion picture cameras that you feel are important to the development of the Mitchell Camera. Feel free to upload a photo from the option on each new post.
~
Flashlarue
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Oct 22, 2017 11:02 pm

Mitchell goes to war

Post by Flashlarue » Sun Oct 22, 2017 11:19 pm

First off I know nothing about cameras but I happened across your site and thought maybe someone here could help me. I have two photographs of a Mitchell camera and I am not sure what camera it is. The only clues I have are both photos are signed Ben Parker '43 and hanging from the tripod is what I am guessing is a bag with the word FAXON stenciled on it. So I can date the photo to 1943, the man in the photo is Ben Parker, the men are wearing US Army Air Corps uniforms and the bag with FAXON. A search of the Internet for Ben Parker pulls up Uncle Ben, Spider-Man's uncle and a director Ben Parker. Now I doubt a director would be enlisted as a Sargeant so I don't think either one is this Ben Parker. Anyway I would be interested in finding out more about this camera or any other help I can get. Thank you for the cool site.
Attachments
image.jpeg
Ben Parker, Mitchell camera 1943 #1
image.jpeg
Ben Parker, Mitchell camera 1943 #2

mediaed
Posts: 150
Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2016 3:53 pm

Re: Mitchell goes to war

Post by mediaed » Mon Oct 23, 2017 6:03 am

Flashlarue,

Looks to be a Mitchell Standard. It has both the adjustable 4 way matte and iris controls on the front. Looks like a high speed motor from the tach. The tripod and head are also Mitchell. Parker could have become a director after the war based on his experience. Lots of people in the film industry served at all levels and in many capacities during the war. The major studios all had memorials to employees lost in action. Hope this helps. ED.

marop
Posts: 129
Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2014 2:45 pm

Re: Mitchell goes to war

Post by marop » Mon Oct 23, 2017 1:03 pm

I would agree with Ed as it being a "Standard", although I rarely disagree with him! I could add that the US Military was the largest single purchaser of Mitchell cameras. They used the cameras for many different purposes, from filming tests (like the Atomic Bomb testing) to making training films. Mark

Post Reply