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

Parts

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

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.

Vinten Gully pedestal for Marconi 'Coffin' television camera

Vinten Gully pedestal for Marconi 'Coffin' television camera

Vinten Gully OB (outside broadcast) pedestal, for Marconi 'Coffin' colour television camera, 1960s. (see 1991-5005/52/1 for television camera).

Materials:
rubber (unidentified) and metal (unknown)
Object Number:
1991-5005/52/2
type:
television camera pedestal