Keepin' Up The Image

Here's a photo I shot a couple of weeks ago. It reminded me of "the Old Days" in the early 60's when some of the older photographers were still shooting with 4 X 5 Speed Graphics and big strobes with seperate battery packs. Gradually the trend first went to twin lens reflexes shooting 120 film, then 35mm cameras. There were always some who insisted on the "pro look" by fitting their cameras with motor drives when there was no need for them. This is a typical "execution" situation, line 'em up and shoot 'em, and three frames max will assure that everybody's eyes are open, the lighting in that room is set up for the TV camera that broadcasts the city council meetings on cable TV, and there's plenty of room to maneuver so a 35mm lens will get the shot and a huge bulky zoom lens isn't needed. With all the progress that's been made with equipment we still have people that are schlepping around a camera/lens/flash that's as big as, and likely heavier than, that old 4 X 5 press camera from the 1950's. Notice how he has to support that monstrosity by tucking his elbow against his hip? What fun!

I was holding my Bessa L with the 15mm Heliar in one hand, exposing a few frames on Kodacolor Gold 200. Even with the 15 mm lens the image is sharp enough so it could be cropped in to just the group, the same coverage that a 35mm lens would give full frame.