Graflex.org

wilkidm · Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 27 Location: Kentucky

I wondered how press photographers carried around flashbulbs, film holders, etc around when I saw a photo of two press photographers, taken from behind as they were taking photos of a public event. It appeared as if they had leather bags they carred over their shoulders. Anyway, my question is does anybody know a brand or make of these bags? Looking for one in decent shape to use for that "authentic" look

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

While I'd love to know the answer too, I get the idea that Press photographers were a notch below busboy in terms of pay and new equipment, so most of them scrounged, adapted and modified what they could find.

In a post WWII world, where Army surplus stores were on every other corner, I would think a lot of odd bags were snapped up for holding the fiddly bits of equipment that we need.

I have seen fiber boxes for film holders, though I'm not sure Press Photogs carried them all the time, most probably had one holder in the camera and one or two in his coat when he ran up the court room steps to get the scoop. If they did use them they were kept in the car. View camera operators would have been a more likely candidate for the fiber cases.

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

They were most likely Graflex bags. The ones for Graphic cameras was called Graphic Custom cases, "have velvet lining, shoulder strap with pad, and accommodate camera with range-finder, Graflite with two reflectors, 6 film holders and several smaller accessories. Two models .... one for 23 Graphics, one for 34 and 45 Graphics."

They also made a special Graflex Deluxe case for the Graflex Super D camera.

Alas, they seem to be all gone now. Have seen exactly one on ebay in last 5 years that was in decent shape. They must have all (a) been worn out, or (b)dried out.

[ This Message was edited by: alecj on 2003-03-25 19:53 ]

clnfrd · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 12:49 pm Post subject:

I have one of those custom cases for a 2X3, complete with shoulder strap...and I sure wouldn't want to lug it around over my shoulder. It's great for transporting the gear... but heavy. Back in the 40's and 50's, we used what was called "gadget bags" with shoulder straps to hold extra film...flash gear...filters...etc. They came in a variety of sizes and colors and were sold at all camera shops. A small shoulder bag from the luggage dept. of your favorite department store would fill the bill. Fred.