The Fearless Camera Pedestal
May 23, 1949 Ray Wilcox and Bruce Dalton submitted their patent application for television’s second ever camera pedestal, but the first to use the now standard center steering ring. The patent was assigned to their employer, the Fearless Camera Company in Culver City, CA. The up and down action for the column was achieved by turning the base mounted crank wheel. This quickly became the industry standard and was known by it’s model number, the TD 1. RCA was the distributor.
I think Kent State University had one of these still in use in the early 70s. Or it may have been something even earlier with a turning crank to direct the wheels.
Brought back lots memories those caneras were very heavy the pedestals were great and easy to handle.