A Blast from the Past: How the World of Photography Was Changing Back in 1887

PETAPIXEL ^ | 01/07/15 | Michael Zhang

[SWAMPSNIPER]

Back in 1887, a photography instructor named Edward M. Estabrooke published a book titled Photography in the Studio and in the Field. It was “a practical manual designed as a companion alike to the professional and the amateur photographer.”

Filled with detailed information on how to practice photography with the equipment and technologies of the time, the book also contains interesting passages that describe how the world of photography was changing.

[a fool in paradise]

"Penny for your farths?"

[GeronL]

That was a high-speed camera back then I guess

[gorush]

http://www.liveleak.com/ll_embed?f=d6d9d5385aee

[Loud Mime]

The first “dash cam?”

Got to dig through this book.

EVERYTHING about photography has changed. I’m sitting on old Nikon gear, a 503c Hasselblad and two complete Norman flash systems. It’s all been replaced by digital cameras and LED lighting systems.

[martin_fierro]

Filled with detailed information on how to practice photography with the equipment and technologies of the time, the book also contains interesting passages that describe how the world of photography was changing.

Ironically, the book has no photos.

[martin_fierro]

In place of the heavy Camera and plate-holders, we have now feather-weight constructions, that are no more a burden, but rather, ornamental objects, the possession of which and their use is more of a pleasure than otherwise. It is not surprising, then, that in view of these wonderful changes, the thousands who formerly practiced photography for amusement have increased to tens of thousands

Yep.

[Chainmail]

Yes, but the older stuff still has a quality of photography not found by the digital stuff yet. 120 format on Ektachrome has a timelessness and depth that is untouched by the new.

[CGASMIA68]

Yup and that is why I am considering having my good ole Mamiya 645 over hauled,new gaskets and a through cleaning.Love that thing

[CGASMIA68]

503C what great camera,I bought a Mamiya 645 cause I couldn’t afford one...why not load it up and take it for a nostalgia shoot.you may fall in love again?

[Ancient Man]

I have one, too. It’s the best camera ever made.

[dinodino]

Early GoPro...

[Loud Mime]

The film costs $9 for 12 exposures. From there we have processing. Ouch.

But it is a good idea. Thanks!

[MeshugeMikey]

Tripods...Monopods...and the Cyclopod

[a fool in paradise]

So that’s where encyclopodic knowledge comes from!

[MeshugeMikey]

The Cyclopod looked like it came from the Encyclopodia Early Americana