Posted 7 years ago
Daddy_Nobu…
(152 items)
The old convention photos are relatively common, but not so easy to find one in good condition and with the logo represented. Roughly 400 souls photographed in this long shot taken Mar 11-13, 1924 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Only 5 women pictured that I can find... sorry Ladies! ;0)
I don't know much about photography, let alone yardlongs. But looking closely the image blurs a bit in the middle, so I'm thinking this was developed from two negatives spliced together.
I'm sure the conventioneers had a grand old time during their annual meeting, early spring, so long ago.
The picture was taken with a Cirkut panoramic camera. It is a single image printed from a single negative. The camera rotated on a tripod and roll film traveled past a slit in the back ... very cool cameras. Let me know the size of the image and I can tell you which model camera was used and how the photograph was made. - Rob
Thanks rniederman, very interesting. The framed pic is 7-1/2" x 35-1/2" so I think the photo is right around 6 x 34.
A 6" wide image means that a Folmer & Schwing Cirkut #6 took the picture. (The number model corresponded to the negative width. For example, a Cirkut No.10 made 10" wide negatives.) The camera could be set up to take panoramic pictures up to a full circle (360 degrees)!
In order to make a group look straight to the camera, the photographer arranged the everyone into a semi-circular arc by using a stake and fixed length rope (set up like a large compass). The camera was positioned in the center where the stake was placed. As the camera turned on the tripod, in concept, everyone would be equidistant to the photographic plane. Although the group looks to be in a somewhat straight line, you can see the building sides recede into the distance. Anyhow, the center of the group could be slightly out of focus because the contact-printing frame didn't quite press the printing paper tightly against the negative ... or ... the roll film got slightly out of plane as the picture was taken.
Restored, operational Cirkut cameras are highly desirable and still used by pros today.
Thanks again Rob, that's good stuff!
Nice image. These types of images are called "yard longs" by collectors because of the size.
They were very popular for group photos in the early part of the 20th century. They were widely used with military organizations-- both World Wars. They were also popular among fraternal groups and large businesses.
scott
Thanks Scott!
Great piece of Coca Cola history right there Dave!
Imagine if you could find one piece from each one of them bottlers advertising collections!! Mega score!!
Don't tempt me Bernie, I don't need any encouragement!!! ;0)
Love this! What a great combination of panoramic photography and Coca-Cola