The Graflex 22 camera stands as a testament to mid-20th century photographic innovation, carving out a unique place in the history of image-making. This medium format marvel, introduced during a time of rapid technological advancement, quickly became the go-to tool for discerning photographers who demanded quality and versatility in their craft. While many cameras have come and gone, the Graflex 22’s impact on the industry remains noteworthy, its influence extending far beyond its years of production.
At a time when bulky large format cameras were giving way to more portable options, the Graflex 22 struck a balance that resonated with professionals and serious amateurs alike. Crafted by the well-respected Graflex company, this camera combined robust build quality with cutting-edge features, earning it a reputation for reliability in the field. Its ability to produce exceptionally detailed images, coupled with its adaptability to various photographic situations, made the Graflex 22 a pivotal instrument in shaping the visual narrative of its era. As we delve into its history, we uncover not just the story of a camera, but a chapter in the evolution of photography itself.
The story of the Graflex 22 is inextricably linked to the legacy of its creator, the Graflex company. Founded in 1887 as the Folmer and Schwing Manufacturing Company in New York, the firm initially focused on gas lamps and bicycles. However, it wasn’t long before they turned their attention to the burgeoning field of photography, a decision that would alter the course of their history and the industry at large.
By the early 1900s, Folmer and Schwing had made a name for themselves with the introduction of the Graflex camera, a reflex camera that would become synonymous with professional photography. The company’s acquisition by Eastman Kodak in 1905 further cemented its position in the industry, though it continued to operate independently. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Graflex cameras became the tools of choice for photojournalists, portrait photographers, and even early adopters of aerial photography. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality craftsmanship earned them a stellar reputation, with their cameras being used to capture some of the most iconic images of the era. This rich history of excellence set the stage for the introduction of the Graflex 22, a camera that would carry forward the company’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of photographic technology.
The development of the Graflex 22 unfolded against the backdrop of the post-World War II era, a time of unprecedented technological advancement and changing social dynamics. Introduced in 1949, the camera emerged during a period when the photography industry was experiencing a significant shift. The demand for more portable, versatile cameras was on the rise, driven by the evolving needs of both professional photographers and an increasingly photography-savvy public.
Graflex’s motivation for creating the 22 stemmed from a keen understanding of market trends and a desire to maintain their position at the forefront of camera innovation. The company recognized that while their large format cameras had served them well, there was a growing need for a medium that bridged the gap between bulky studio equipment and the increasingly popular 35mm format. The Graflex 22 was conceived as a solution to this challenge – a camera that could offer the image quality of larger formats with the flexibility required for on-location shooting. By designing the camera around the 120 format film, which allowed for 2¼ x 3¼ inch exposures, Graflex aimed to provide professionals with a tool that could deliver high-quality images without sacrificing mobility. This choice of film format was crucial, as 120 film offered superior image quality compared to 35mm while still being more manageable than sheet film used in large format cameras. This strategic decision not only addressed the immediate needs of their clientele but also positioned Graflex to compete in a rapidly evolving market, setting the stage for a new chapter in the company’s illustrious history.
Key Features and Specifications of the Graflex 22
The Graflex 22 represented a significant leap forward in camera design, combining robust construction with innovative features that set it apart from its contemporaries. Its creation was a testament to Graflex’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of professional photographers.
Design Elements
The Graflex 22 boasted a distinctive appearance that balanced functionality with aesthetic appeal. Its body, typically crafted from metal and covered in leather, exuded a professional air while providing durability for field use. The camera’s most striking feature was its top-mounted, reverse-coupled rangefinder, which allowed for precise focusing without removing one’s eye from the viewfinder. This design choice not only improved usability but also gave the camera its characteristic profile.
The camera’s front standard, which housed the lens board, could be adjusted for rise, fall, and shift movements. This flexibility, more commonly found in large format cameras, allowed photographers to control perspective and focus plane, a significant advantage for architectural and landscape photography. The Graflex 22’s modular design also permitted the interchange of lenses, viewfinders, and film backs, enhancing its versatility across various photographic scenarios.
Technical Specifications
At the heart of the Graflex 22 was its use of 120 roll film, capable of producing 2¼ x 3¼ inch (6×9 cm) negatives. This format struck an ideal balance between image quality and portability, offering significantly larger negatives than 35mm cameras while remaining more manageable than large format systems. The camera typically came equipped with a high-quality coated lens, often a 101mm f/4.5 Ektar or similar, providing excellent sharpness and contrast.
The Graflex 22’s shutter system was equally impressive, featuring a Kodak Supermatic No. 2 leaf shutter with speeds ranging from 1 second to 1/400th of a second, plus Bulb mode. This reliable shutter mechanism, coupled with flash synchronization at all speeds, gave photographers unprecedented control over exposure and lighting.
The camera’s focusing system, a combined rangefinder and viewfinder, was a marvel of optical engineering for its time. It offered a bright, parallax-corrected view for precise composition and focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. The rangefinder’s accuracy was crucial for achieving the shallow depth of field effects that medium format photography was known for.
Innovations Introduced
The Graflex 22 introduced several innovations that would influence camera design for years to come. One of the most significant was its modular film back system. This allowed photographers to switch between different types of film mid-roll, a feature particularly valuable for professionals working in varied conditions or requiring both color and black-and-white images from the same shoot.
Another groundbreaking feature was the camera’s flash synchronization system. The Graflex 22 was one of the first cameras to offer reliable flash sync at all shutter speeds, including its fastest 1/400th second setting. This capability opened up new possibilities for photographers working with artificial lighting, particularly in studio and portrait settings.
The camera’s incorporation of view camera-like movements in a more compact body was also innovative. The ability to adjust the lens plane independently of the film plane allowed for creative control over perspective and focus, techniques previously reserved for large format photography. This feature made the Graflex 22 particularly appealing to architectural and landscape photographers who required precise control over image geometry.
Lastly, the Graflex 22’s ergonomic design, with its top-mounted rangefinder and intuitive control layout, set new standards for camera usability. This thoughtful approach to design influenced subsequent camera models across the industry, contributing to the evolution of handheld medium format photography.
The Graflex 22’s introduction marked a significant milestone in photographic history, profoundly influencing both the technical and artistic aspects of the medium. Its unique combination of features and capabilities opened new avenues for photographers, reshaping professional practices and expanding creative possibilities.
