Ever wondered what photo journalists used to take photos back in the days? Specialized gear referred to as press cameras were predominantly used during the early to mid-20th century. Let’s take a look at some fine examples in today’s featured video.
Above, the folks of Japan Vintage Camera give us a rundown of two popular press cameras, the Graflex Crown Graphic and Mamiya Super 23. Big, heavy and complex, the advanced 4×5 folding camera was the go-to camera of newspaper photographers from the 1920s until the early 1960s. The Mamiya Press Super 23, however, was primarily designed to take medium format film and produce 6×4.5 or 6×9 formats.
Press cameras have long been replaced by more advanced models for press photography, starting with the introduction of the 35mm cameras in the 1960s, then eventually, digital cameras. Yet, they are still loved by landscape photographers, large format photographers, and even some street photographers to this day.
Ever used one of these beautiful pieces of photography history? Share it with us in the comments below, or in our group discussion if you’re already part of the Photofocus Community!
