Graflex.org

vic valis · Joined: 21 Nov 2001 Posts: 247 Location: San Francisco

In looking at th online manual for the Graflex RB, I saw at the bottom a list of things such as: The Graflex is Great for... the Graflex can be Used for... but the bottom one was my fave:

The Graflex is unsuited for --

Close-in architecture photography.
Action under bad lighting conditions.
Carrier landings.

Every other purpose was fairly general, but "Cattier Landings?" Was that actually in a manual somewhere? Who was it determined that carrier landings and the Graflex RB are incompatable... did someone try and photograph a carrier landing one day and get their head chopped off while staring in the viewer? Not a serious question, just an observation made me think. Thought I'd share it since I don't think enough these days.

jeff

45PSS · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:10 am Post subject:

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2005-12-24 21:48 ]

RichS · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:16 am Post subject:

"head shot" while trying to take a pic of a carrier landing might be just the right description!

vic valis · Joined: 21 Nov 2001 Posts: 247 Location: San Francisco

I just can't help thinking that someone in the committee that was writing the original manual stood up and saud "I tried to photograph a carrier landing with the camera once and it was just no good, so let's add that one!" Like the obscure disclaimers about what not to do with the item you purchase, so as to prevent a lawsuit. maybe some sued Graflex because there was no warning about the use of the camera during carrier landings. 'Course, back when they were writing the thing, probably weren't too many carriers.

jeff

_________________
That money talks,
I'll not deny.
I heard it once;
It said "good-bye."

xptbh2 · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 1 Location: San Francisco

I find that statement very odd since probably most if not all of the Official Navy photos of aircraft carrier landings in the 1920s were taken with a Graflex. The action is no different than sports photography, indeed much easier, and the photographer does not have to be out in a dangerous position on the flight deck. I could post a sample if there is a way to do it here.

vic valis · Joined: 21 Nov 2001 Posts: 247 Location: San Francisco

Maybe the statement was for the general public... hey! I have this camera, maybe I can get on a carrier and photograph some landings! Oops, is that the prop headed towards me? Zap!

_________________
That money talks,
I'll not deny.
I heard it once;
It said "good-bye."

45PSS · Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:59 am Post subject:

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2005-12-24 21:49 ]