Camera engineering legend Bill Vinten has died at the age of 95. The Vinten company, formed by his father, Will, in 1910, has been one of the most influential camera support manufacturers in the industry.
Vinten originally trained as a mechanical engineer and tool-maker, then joined the Royal Navy’s film production unit during World War 2. He worked on feature films throughout the 1950’s, joining his father’s company in the 1950’s.
Vinten was responsible for many of the company’s innovations, including the Vinten Mk 3 Pan & Tilt, and oversaw the company’s move from Soho to its factory in Bury St Edmunds. Among other plaudits, Vinten was awarded an OBE and a Technical Achievement Award by the Society of Camera Operators. He retired from the Vintent Company in 1994.
