Does anyone know anything about old Vinten MK Heads?

[Geffen Avraham]

I have a 200lb (!) camera I am looking to mount. Unfortunately, I cannot afford an O'Connor 50-200 or a full-sized Worrall.

I've come across some vintage Vinten MK heads, apparently designed for massive broadcast cameras, that are relatively cheap nowadays.

Does anyone know anything about these heads?

[Brian Drysdale]

They're not fluid heads, they use pads to adjust the friction. The cam system is described here:  https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co8355846/vinten-mk-5-3716-pan-tilt-head

I don't know if different cams are required for each camera type. Some cameras were relatively compact, with the lens being an internal module, such as on the EMI 2001, which you'd see on BBC programmes like 1970s "Top of the Pops". https://blog.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/emi-2001-television-camera/

While other cameras had the lens mounted externally and as a result were long.

 https://www.tvcameramuseum.org/ampex/bcc1/bcc1p1.html 

https://www.tvcameramuseum.org/marconi/mk7/p1.html

They were effective heads, although I suspect the mass of the camera combined with the cam could be a factor in their operation.

[Brian Drysdale]

Note that although large these, TV cameras may be in the 100lb range because they hold electronics, rather than mechanical movements and motors.

[Brian Drysdale]

Correction checking one of the camera data sheets, adding the lens would bring it up to the 200lbs range. Ironic, since the brochure calls it lightweight.    

Edited May 1 by Brian Drysdale

[Brian Drysdale]

You should check out on the tripod fitting, if you're going to use a Mitchell mount tripod etc, that will require an adapter for the Vinten.