Among our latest batch of Mitchell cameras is this interesting Mitchell Standard High Speed that comes out of the Aberdeen Proving Ground. APG dates back to 1917 when it was established by President Wilson to test and develop munitions for the U.S. involvement in World War I. It remains one of the oldest continuously operating proving grounds in the country. Mitchell Standard #1032 is a Type A Chronograph that makes use of an auxiliary lens built into the camera door that focuses an image of a chronograph onto the film through a secondary fixed shutter on the movement to a prism mounted in the movement’s pressure plate. The clock face image is then recorded on the emulsion through the base of the film. These chronograph cameras were used mainly by the military to document testing of various weapons systems and aircraft. This is the first time I have ever seen this chronograph design, so it was fascinating to see.
