A fascinating new Mitchell camera came into my shop last week. It’s in absolutely horrendous condition, but I have saved cameras in worse shape. This camera is a Mitchell Standard with the silenced gear on the movement and a phenolic bull gear. The camera turned out to be #356, and some quick research told us that it first belonged to Eastern Service Studios, Inc. in New York. This location is now home to the Museum of the Moving Image, as well as the KAS Studio, and has been home to many films and television programs since 1920 when it was first opened by Famous Players-Lasky as the Astoria Studio. This Mitchell Standard was originally purchased in 1933, and during the camera’s tenure at the studio stars such as Paul Robeson, Claude Rains, Noel Coward, and Argentinian singer Carlos Gardel all made films there. Much more to come as I begin cleaning up this poor, neglected camera, and we have time to delve more into its history.
