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An Original Walter Cronkite Camera

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Eyes Of A Generation.com

This Is The CBS Evening News With Walter Cronkite…

Out all of the 893 Norelco PC 60s and 70s ever made, this and it’s twin are probably the most famous. This PC60 and one just like it are the ‘Cronkite Cameras’ on display at The Newseum in Washington. They were saved, only by the grace of God and one of his angels…kind of.

When CBS retired the two cameras in the CBS Newsroom, they were donated to the Catholic Television Center in Boston. My friend Paul Beck received them and put them into service. A few years later newer cameras arrived and, being the angel he is, Paul knew to preserve this history and stored them in his basement. Even though his wife objected (sound familiar?), he kept them safe till a worthy home could be found. Fortunately, that was the Newseum and they are on permanent on display at their beautiful new home in Washington.

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9 responses to “An Original Walter Cronkite Camera”

  1. Pat Branigan

    I have a PC 70 in my basement that needs a new home. I am in the Washington, DC area. Anyone that has any interest in it, or suggestions with what I may do with it, Plesase respond.

  2. John Treadgold

    great info. thanks for this backstory

  3. Steve Dichter

    Those Norelcos replaced our RCA TK-41’s at KTLA. What a joy to have them. Much lighter to move and easier to maintain.

  4. Frank De Vincentis

    Greg, I can’t believe you know Paul Beck. He was the first cameraman I ever worked with in Boston at what was the old Catholic Television Center (now Ch.38.) I did intern production work there while I was going to a broadcasting school in Boston. We televised college sports events in Boston at the time.

  5. Mark Vidonic

    It’s really a shame the history and artifacts we don’t have anymore. I understand part of the reason that videotapes didn’t survive – half because of cleaning out and some because some tapes could only play on the machine they were recorded so once the machine died, the tape was worthless.

  6. Tim Stepich

    Wasn’t the camera chains modified to suit CBS? I have a vague memory of seeing different ops panels.

  7. Tim Stepich

    Anyone who knows Paul personally, must also thank his wife too. She is a wonderful person also.

  8. Howie Zeidman

    ward, Any photos from WNEW you have to have something around lol

  9. Rick Wold

    God Bless Paul Beck for being a steward of history. We all have benefited 🙂

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