Graflex.org

FilterDecay · Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Los Angeles

Hello all,

Please pardon me if this is in the wrong place. I am a sound designer and have been tasked with working on this documentary. I am after the cameras that Bert Stern used so that i can record all of the sounds they make for authenticity and design reasons. In the research I have done so far I am pointed to Graflex, nikon 35mm and hasselblad 500cm. I was wondering if collectively you knew of other cameras he has used and if there was any way to source these cameras in the Los Angeles area and have them come into the studio located in Santa Monica for recording of effects.

Thank you

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

Well all of these cameras, particularly the nikon 35mm (probably an F or F2) should be easily found in the LA area.

Now saying he "used a Graflex" is sort of like saying "He drove a Ford" and the sound a 6cyl Ford Falcon made is a whole lot different than a Ford Galaxy, or a Muscled up Mustang.

"A Graflex" could mean a Super D Graflex... an SLR type camera with a large mirror, and it sounds a lot like a threshing machine.

It could also mean a Speed Graphic or a Crown Graphic.

A Speed Graphic has a focal plane shutter that is loud and sort of a TWACK!

While the Crown has a front front shutter that is quiet and is more of a T'SSST.

I don't know enough about Bert to give an educated guess as to which Graflex camera he used.
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"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

FilterDecay · Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Los Angeles

Thanks Les. I guess yes I am looking to figure out what cameras he used within the Graflex family. Also if anyone knows anyone in LA with these cameras it would be great

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

I just looked at the trailer for the movie on YouTube and from what they show there, You'll need a Nikon F, A Hassy 500C or CM, and a Rollei TLR of some sort (luckily most of the Rollei shutters sound very similar)

since the movie is in post production, is it too much to ask the prop manager what he used?
_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

FilterDecay · Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Los Angeles

They don't really have props departments for docs

Anyways good info here. I will check around locally and again if anyone is local with these cameras feel free to reply