Marconi Mark III television camera, 1954-1955.

A Marconi Mark III television camera made in England, c. 1952.

This monochrome camera was designed around the same time as the rival Pye camera. This is based around the new larger 4.5" Image Orthicon pick up tube, which represented an improvement in picture quality. Turret rotation is effected manually, and a conspicuous cosmetic feature of the Mark III is its 'beer handle' focus control lever. Up to four different lenses can be fitted, and this example is complete with all of them, plus its tiltable 5" electronic viewfinder.

This particular camera was still in use in the late 1960s by the ITV company, ABC television. When ABC and Rediffusion merged in 1968 to form Thames, the logo on the side of the camera was changed.

Details

Category:
Television
Collection:
Thames Collection
Object Number:
1991-5005/50
Materials:
metal (unknown), plastic (unidentified), electronic components and glass
Measurements:
camera: 625 mm x 460 mm x 1170 mm, 60kg
tripod: 61.5kg
type:
television camera
credit:
Thames Television Collection