Pre-digital Technology and Advancements
The Speed Graphic Camera is known for numerous things such as it being a professional and portable camera that was manufactured by Graflex. This camera was at the top of the line when it was first introduced in 1912, and many known photographers used it. Based on my research I have realized for the time period this camera was essential in getting memorable images from many different people.
The pre-digital photographic technology I chose to research was the speed graphic camera that became more known in the year 1912. According to Graflex it is known for the different features that consist of two shutters that include a focal plane/ in-lens; along with three viewfinders: optical, wire frame and ground glass. It also includes the features of interchangeable lenses, lateral shifts, a rise and fall front, a coupled rangefinder and a double extension bellows adaptable to lenses from 90mm to 300mm. The speed graphic camera works in many ways which consists of using the focal plane shutter feature that produces at fast speed to stop rapid motion when taking pictures. When looking at the image above Louis Mendes is seen with his own speed graphic camera in that specific era when it became popular. When reviewing the module content from ICP, the picture of Arthur Feligg is also essential since he is a known photojournalist with the speed graphic camera.
The speed graphic camera had a major impact on not only photographers but photojournalists too. According to the video Weegee Tells How Arthur Feligg states "I saw this womans daughter looking up hopelessly, I took that picture and to me that symbolized the lousy tenants and everything else that went with them." This video shows importance for the technology and photojournalism because Weegee was known for being with this specific camera. He goes on to explain the different photos he would take with this camera and the symbolism behind the pictures which now starts to introduce more of the photojournalism aspect. With the features of the speed graphic camera such as being durable and easy to carry it went on to produce images for events that were crucial in history that photojournalist had the opportunity to take them.
This image above shows the Springfield College wrestling match. In the photo is Ariel Escalante against his opponent who he has just won against. In the photo after the wrestling match, it shows Ariel winning with the referee holding his hand up. This photo was taken at Springfield College in Springfield, MA on February 7th, 2025. I really wanted to take this photo and use it in my blog post to show off the activity and sport of wrestling. In the images of Robert Capa by Magnum Photos it is said that many of his photos were lost even though he risked it all to try and capture such a strong moment. I want to compare Robert Capa images to the image I took of Ariel which both shows incredible resilience and strength.
When comparing my pre-digital technology which is the speed graphic camera to the modern-day digital camera in 2025, I found many similarities and differences. A similarity I found between the two would be that the speed graphic camera was best known for its quickness in the time period and efficiency which I can say the same about today whether taking a picture on the cell phone or another more advanced digital camera. A major difference I have seen between the two is the quality of the image and how portable it can be. Even though people in the 1912-1930 claimed that the speed graphic camera was portable, it is nothing compared to what people have now with just putting it in their pocket. According to Before there were pixels - Part 1 by Professor Nordell he states, "but it was a totally new way of seeing so it's a clear case here of new technologies allowing people to see in a new and important way." This shows me even more that as years go by technology and cameras are going to keep advancing further. Ultimately, photojournalists from the past and future have had and will have a major impact on images along with the technology that keeps advancing.
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