Large Format Press Cameras


When I use the term Press Camera I am using it to indicate the various large and medium format folding cameras which were popular with press photographers during the mid part of the 20th century. You’ve seen them in all sorts of old news footage and hundreds movies set in the 1940s. The press camera is typically depicted with a big flashbulb and used by a man in a fedora.

Speed Graphic in the movie "Raging Bull"

My Own Press Camera Use

In 2002 I purchased by first press camera, a Burke & James 4×5 Press, and fell in love with the style of camera. The Burke & James was a nice simple press camera. I shot with it for a year and a half until I broke its back on memorial day 2004. Instead of looking for replacement parts to repair the B&J, I ended up buying a 4×5 Anniversary Speed Graphic to replace it.

Photos Tagged With Large Format Press Cameras

Posts Tagged With Large Format Press Cameras

The Photography Flubs in Babylon Berlin

Published March 11, 2018 in Photography in Movies and Television.

A few things that are wrong with the photography depicted in Babylon Berlin.


Weegee The Photographer As A Baby

Published March 24, 2011 in Humor & Satire

Weegee the photographers as a Baby? I imagine this is how it would look.


Speed Graphics/Press Cameras In Movies: A Visual Guide

Published November 4, 2010 in Photography in Movies and Television.

Screen captures of every instance of a Speed Graphic type large format press camera in film or television that I can get my hands on.


Medium and Large Format Cameras in Film and Television

Published September 25, 2010 in Photography in Movies and Television.

Looking for the use of medium and large format camera equipment in movies and television.


Al Franken & Free The Hikers

Published August 2, 2010 in Photography Journal

Al Franken came to Duluth. I got photos.


The Influence of Large Format Press Cameras

Published October 10, 2009 in Gear & Technique

Although they have been obsolete for some time, does the large format press camera still have influence over people?


The Burke & James 4x5 Press, Endorsed by Weegee

Published October 4, 2009 in Gear & Technique

Reproduction of the Burke & James Press Camera user manual, and some useful tips about freelancing by Weegee the Famous.


Unexpected Speed Graphic Sighting

Published August 21, 2009 in Gear & Technique

Spotting a Speed Graphic camera in the last music video I'd expect to see one.


Graflex: A Team That Can't Be Beat!

Published April 20, 2009 in Vintage Media

Graflex Camera ad. c. 1950