Interesting RCA Factoid
On November 3, 2012
- TV History
Interesting RCA Factoid
This photo brings to mind an oddity. Notice the 4 lens turret has only 3 lenses…a 50mm, a 90mm and a 135mm. Oddly, this was the standard factory compliment of lenses from RCA with all TK10s, TK30s and TK11/31s. The 4th lens, you had to buy separably, and even then, they were pretty expensive. The next lenses up were the 8, 13, 15, 17 and 25 inch models. In 1954, the 8 inch cost $400 or in today’s dollars, $3.355. Now, when you see lens turrets with only the standard 3 lenses, you’ll know why.
This photo is probably shortly after KIDO’s sign on in 1953 and shows a new TK11 at Boise, Idaho. KIDO is now KTVB. Thanks to Craig Harper for the photo.
At WLW-A in Atlanta we used a 8″ as the 4th lens in 1953. Those were the good old days.
Most of the lenses were make by Kodak. The 8 inch lens was make by Ilex. They are very hard to find today. The Kodak Ektar lenses were tv versions of the ones make for the Kodak 35mm film camera. Good lenses can run from $300.00 to $800.00 or more each on eBay. The ones used on the TV cameras had “television” on the inside ring in front of the lens. The lens quality was very good. Canon, Wolensak and a few other companies made lenses for early tv cameras.