Paul Strand's Lenses?

[Bill_1856]

On his 5x7 Graflex, according to Richard Benson, he only used one lens, a 12" Dagor.
I wonder what he used on his 8x10 Deardorf? And on the Mamiya C33 when he got old?

[Ken Lee]

I have read that he used the one lens, on both 5x7 and 8x10. The 5x7 was masked to 5x6, which he preferred.

Back in 1976, at the retrospective in Philadelphia, he showed a rather large print of his famous "The Family: Luzarra Italy, 1953", perhaps 20x24 or larger. It looked quite stunning, even at that size.

[Bill_1856]

I have read that he used the one lens, on both 5x7 and 8x10.

I've heard that too, Ken, but couldn't verify it. That would be a definite long lens on the Graflex, and a very slightly wide on the Deardorf.

[Doug Howk]

Ken, looks like one of sons is missing in Strand's picture.

[Ken Lee]

You're right ! I replaced that link with a different one. It should be correct now.

[Pete Roody]

See "Paul Strand: Essays on his Life and Work" for Richard Benson's essay on Strand's equipment and techniques. Usually you can find it used for under $20.

[Mark Sampson]

And a valuable resource it is too! A book every LF photographer should own.

[Michael Alpert]

Bill,

Benson helped Strand when Strand was elderly, so his information might not be definitive. I haven't read Benson's essay in years; as I remember it, Benson was quite critical of Strand's darkroom knowledge. I took the whole essay with a grain of salt. As you probably know, in earlier years Strand used a number of formats, including 4x5.

[Bill_1856]

Bill,

Benson helped Strand when Strand was elderly, so his information might not be definitive. I haven't read Benson's essay in years; as I remember it, Benson was quite critical of Strand's darkroom knowledge. I took the whole essay with a grain of salt. As you probably know, in earlier years Strand used a number of formats, including 4x5.

Michael, I just recently re-read the book, which was actually what prompted this thread. There seems to be little reliable information that I have been able to find about his early technical expertise. The Aperture monograph and the DVD both shed a little light, but not much.
I didn't realize that he ever worked with 4x5, although I did know that his best work (the stuff done just before WW1) were shot with a 6x9 Ensign and enlarged negatives from it were then contact printed in Platinum.

[Donald Miller]

While this is not pertinant to the original question, the thing that I have often wondered about is Strand's work with movies. If I understand the history on this he moved on to writing, producing, and filming movies after he was established as a still photographer. I believe that he did a movie about the life of fishermen in San Felipe Mx. (not unduly distant from where I live).

Didn't he move to France because he was on McCarthy's list?

I had heard that he used 5X7 most often and had masked the ground glass because he found the "golden mean" proportions to be preferable.