60 Years Ago - January 1954

<p>I have seen in several magazines a section where they go back in time to show what was happening at a certain time period long ago. I thought I would try the same thing with my Modern Photography magazine collection. I have chosen to do it in 60 years ago, 55 years ago, and 50 years ago posts each month. They would consist of an article or two, some equipment ads, and some camera store ads. This will give you an indication of what camera enthusiasts were reading in that time period.</p>

<p>Let's start with 60 years ago. These scans are from the January 1954 issue of Modern Photography. This is an article about George Eastman founder of Kodak.</p>

<p>Here is page 1.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is page 2.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is page 3.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is page 4.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is page 5.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is the last page.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is an ad for the Voigtlander Bessa II.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is an Exakta System ad.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is a Graflex double page ad.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is an Iloca Quick B ad.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is a Kalart flash ad.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is a nice Kodak ad.</p><div></div>

<p>This is an Omega enlarger ad. Those things were built.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is a Polaroid ad.</p><div></div>

<p>I don't know how many of you have every seen a Rectaflex. It is a pretty interesting camera with the turret.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is the Voigtlander Vito II.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is a camera store ad from Dowling's, one of New York's finest.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is an ad for my hometown cameras store. Westen's was on State Street in Santa Barbara. </p><div></div>

<p>So let me know what you think. Your comments and suggestions are appreciated.</p>

<p>Great idea, Marc! Love the George Eastman article and the Graflex Ad. The news photographer testimonials and portraits are tops! What a treasure trove you have. Very much appreciate your sharing it.</p>

<p>That George Eastman was one stylin' dude. Great photo.<br>

Yup, my first camera was an Australian Kodak Starlet -- VP127 (could you even buy anything else for it?)</p>

<p>Thanks, Marc!<br /> It brings back those memories, when I was a press photographer in 1953-54. ...and got married in December 1953. We just celebrated 60 years together! So, we, too are vintage sweethearts.<br /> I still have a Crown Graphic and Omega D2 enlarger, which get occasional use!<br /> Jack</p>

<p>Great idea, please keep it going. I'm eagerly awaiting part two of the Eastman story.</p>

 

Reminded me of a visit to the museum in the Eastman estate in Rochester. Many makes of cameras on display. Worth a few hours if you're in the area. Thanks.

<p>I made my first prints with an Omega D2 in High School in 1971. My own first enlarger was a Federal 6X9 diffusion model with the so-so 3 inch f/6.3 Fedar Anastigmat. It must have been older then me and was not easy to use. The next year I got a Bogen 22A Special, which I still have. When you look at some of the prices of cameras like the Contax and the Rolleiflex and then consider what people earned in 1954, photography could be an expensive activity even then.</p>