The Mitchell Camera Corporation was founded in 1919 by George A. Mitchell as a camera repair and service facility. However, within a year, Mitchell had designed and built his own camera, a design so successful that it would be the only serious competitor to the Bell & Howell model 2709. The Mitchell Standard was in fact its superior at least in the innovation of the rack-over device, invented by John A. Leonard and sometimes named after him. This permitted quick and easy framing and focussing through the taking lens which, at the turn of a handle, could then be moved into the photographing position. Cameramen also appreciated the easy handling and bright image of the Mitchell offset viewfinder.
The Mitchell movement was of comparable precision to the 2709 and in fact better placed for the subsequent development of the design necessary with the arrival of synchronous sound recording, because of its potential for quiet running. From the mid-twenties, the design of the movement was also improved to be able to run up to 128 frames per second. One model variation which used this new high-speed movement was the GC or Government Camera, often distinguished by its white-painted finish and made to fulfil the significant wartime and post-war orders of the US government.