It has recently come to our attention that a camera once used by Edwin Carewe has surfaced. This camera, a Mitchell BNC (Blimped Newsreel Camera) with serial number 111, first purchased new in April 1928 as a pair #111 and #112 by Edwin and his production company, First National Pictures. This camera is still being used today in the U.K. and abroad.
The current owner “Justin” has stated that, “I’ve owned it for about 12 years and before that it was used on the VFX unit of various films.”
He further goes on to state, “In the enclosed Photographs the camera is doing commercials for British Railways and Cadbury’s chocolate. The other picture is a commercial in Los Angeles. It has also done jobs for Amtrack (American railways) and for SNCF (French Railways).
Justin became curious as to the nature of its origin and contacted the Mitchell Archives and they were able to determine that the original owner was Edwin Carewe.
Here is a fascinating YouTube video of the history of the Mitchell camera.
At the time, the newly developed Mitchell cameras were considered state-of-the-art. They are often referred to as “The Most Influential Camera Ever Made.” The fact that Edwin purchased two, new and with low serial numbers is an amazing new fact in his story.
Thanks Justin for the contact and information, a piece of Edwin and his history remains with you.
Photos courtesy of Justin P. in the U.K.
