This ad from the November 1923 issue of American Cinematographer is notable because it violates the first rule of cinematography, which states: Change is a constant. Look closer and you’ll see what I mean.
Notice the cutaway view of the upper part of the tripod design, at the hinge where the legs meet the mounting plate. Though the components may now be made of higher-quality alloys, they’re arranged in the exact same configuration that’s used today!
I can’t think of any other piece of gear that hasn’t radically evolved since the 1920’s. And I’m certain that nothing we use now – perhaps with the exception of this Mitchell tripod – will be the same in 2124!
A recent photo of the space once occupied by the Mitchell Camera Corporation, on Santa Monica Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood. Clearly, some changes have taken place since the ad was published…