The Gowlandflex

[RaglanSurf]

I paid a visit to Mr Cad yesterday, to click n collect some fresh chemicals and they have a Gowlandflex for sale. It’s a 5x4 TLR and its huge!

There’s more info on this fantastic bit of kit in the Petapixel article.

A Look at the Ginormous Gowlandflex Twin-Lens Reflex Camera

The Gowlandflex is a ginormous twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera invented by famous American glamour photographer Peter Gowland. The camera equipment shop

petapixel.com

 

[StephenM]

There was also a 10x8 TLR that stood about 3 feet high. He made 6 of them, from memory.

He also made an ultra light 5x4 that I think was pocketable.

There was an article about him in Popular Photography in the mid sixties - again, from memory.

 

[Asha]

If I had the funds and the strength to lug it around, I’d give it a whirl. but of course being a bit of a fruitcake, I would wouldn’t I

 

[stevelmx5]

He also made an ultra light 5x4 that I think was pocketable.

That was the Pocket View, which is a great exercise in simplicity, with little in the way of frills

Calumet/Gowland Pocket View

I wouldn't mind one myself, maybe I should build a Chroma Pocket View

 

[StephenM]

I just spotted that the 10x8 was mentioned in passing in the article.

My understanding of the rationale behind it was

1 Peter Gowland photographed for Playboy.

2 Playboy at the time required centrefolds to be photographed on 10x8 film

3 Peter thought that the pose/focus/insert film holder/expose sequence left too much wiggle room (excuse the pun) for model movement and

4 Therefore a TLR which allowed an exposure to be made instantaneously and moreover had no mirror blackout at the moment of exposure was the best camera for the job

5 However, no one made one

And the rest is history (or legend).

Edit to add. I think he was past his 90th birthday when he stopped making cameras - so there's a role model for you Steve.

 

[Asha]

think he was past his 90th birthday when he stopped making cameras - so there's a role model for you Steve.

Us inferior folk get offered a telegram from the queen if we reach 100 years of age.
When @stevelmx5 attains that magic number I propose a different option ..... a replacement 3D printer

 

[stevelmx5]

Us inferior folk get offered a telegram from the queen if we reach 100 years of age.
When @stevelmx5 attains that magic number I propose a different option ..... a replacement 3D printer

Edit to add. I think he was past his 90th birthday when he stopped making cameras - so there's a role model for you Steve.

It's reassuring to think that you both believe I'll get that far Although you're right Asha, I don't think my printers will!