Focusing the Mitchell (the most published feature in Ads)
Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2014 3:20 pm
One of the most unique features of the early Mitchell cameras was the was the rack over "focusing telescope" device. It seems odd today as most of us have grown up with reflex viewing as a fact of normal life, having never known any other way. But back in the day, you had to move the camera over to align the telescope (as it was referred to) and move it behind the taking lens. Now you could see through the lens.
If that wasn't enough of a miracle, Mitchell engineers had even more tricks up their sleeves. They were so concerned with critical focus that they provided two filters to engage, one for color emulsions and one for the standard of the day, black and white. A push of a plunger button would engage either filter and allow more critical focusing judgments to be made.
However, the most important feature of the telescope was its ability to magnify the image five times its normal size and if needed, the operator could choose a ten time magnification to make the most minute focusing adjustments. No big deal you say? Well in 1930s, it was.
My favorite Mitchell graphic in their product brochures is the one below where they proudly proclaim the focusing telescope's features. They made sure it appeared on almost every publication and was often inserted into single page ads as well. Here we see an example of the magnification feature.
Theodore Wilhelm
If that wasn't enough of a miracle, Mitchell engineers had even more tricks up their sleeves. They were so concerned with critical focus that they provided two filters to engage, one for color emulsions and one for the standard of the day, black and white. A push of a plunger button would engage either filter and allow more critical focusing judgments to be made.
However, the most important feature of the telescope was its ability to magnify the image five times its normal size and if needed, the operator could choose a ten time magnification to make the most minute focusing adjustments. No big deal you say? Well in 1930s, it was.
My favorite Mitchell graphic in their product brochures is the one below where they proudly proclaim the focusing telescope's features. They made sure it appeared on almost every publication and was often inserted into single page ads as well. Here we see an example of the magnification feature.
Theodore Wilhelm