After Paramount newsreel cameraman Al Mingalone’s infamous runaway balloon flight in September of 1937, Bell and Howell capitalized on Mingalone’s fame and his camera’s survival in advertisements for their cameras.

It was not unusual for camera manufacturers to take advantage of the fame of the users of their gear to sell their cameras. Another example would be when NBC News’ Maurice Levy won the 1954 NPPA PoY – Auricon made a big deal that Levy used their cameras for his award winning stories.