Marconi BD848 'Coffin' television camera

PART OF:: Collection of historic television cameras acquired from Thames Television plc

Made:: 1962-65 in United Kingdom

Marconi BD848 'Coffin' colour television camera chain, 1962-65 (1991-5005/52/1). On Vinten Gully OB (outside broadcast) pedestal (1991-5005/52/2). RCA sold Marconi the rights to make their own version of the RCA TK41 colour camera, which became the Marconi BD848. Early versions of the BD848 are known to have been in use by the BBC in the late 1950s, but this particular camera dates from the early to mid 1960s.

Details

Category:: Television

Collection:: Thames Collection

Object Number:: 1991-5005/52

Materials:: metal (unknown), electronic components and glass

type:: television camera chain

credit:: Thames Television Collection

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Parts

Marconi B3200 'Coffin' colour television camera with Taylor-Hobson lens

Marconi B3200 'Coffin' colour television camera with Taylor-Hobson lens, 1965-66. This is the third and last version of Marconi's Image Orthicon colour cameras. The three Image Orthicon signal generating tubes used are of the 3" diameter type, handling red, green and blue. Earlier versions of the camera are designated model BD848. A really big camera, it is known to have earned the nickname 'The Coffin Camera' with TV studio staff. By the late 1960s these cameras were being replaced by smaller cameras using the new, more compact, Philips Plumbicon signal-generating tubes in place of the Image Orthicons.