Mitchell camera plate- History

[Guest Phil Reilly]

I'm preparing a lesson for a Grip department craft meeting in my local.

Who can share their knowledge of the Mitchell plate and the Mitchel camera company (makers of the famous BNC model, and more) with me?

How is it that the Mitchell plate became the "standard" for dollies and leveling heads throughout our industry? And who was Mr. Mitchell anyway? Is the Mitchell nut thread size an actual plumbing thread or something completely different?

Thanks for sharing.