The Picker Newsletters revisited

[djdister]

I did not know there is a online version, can you direct me to it?

See link in post #3.

[bob carnie]

See link in post #3.

thank you I missed this ... very helpful

[Keith Pitman]

On the down side....

1. The tacking iron. The smooth green surface broke and flaked off almost immediately. But it was very thin and could slide in under a trimmed print/tissue combination for tacking on the board.

Kevin,

You can get new tips for the tacking iron from M.M. Newman Corp. at mmnewman.com. You can get a complete new tacking iron from them also.

I always liked the tacking iron because it heated up very fast and got quite hot. Like you, I broke the tip, but it took years to do so. Now that mine is rehabilitated, I using it again,

[Drew Wiley]

Teflon coated tacking irons have been readily available all along from frame supply houses, even cabinet shop suppliers in relation to heat-sealable edge banding. I have a quite different manner of doing the tissue sandwich anyway, versus the traditional version, and much better in my opinion, and in the opinion of those I've taught it to, and it's important not to have too hot an iron, or too pointy a one.

[Kevin Crisp]

Thanks, Keith.

[John Layton]

I like to use the broad surface of my Seal tacking iron (always in combination with a piece or release paper)...with just enough heat and pressure to stabilize materials in preparation for dry mounting.

Oh...and yes - Fred P! He and I had quite a correspondence going back in the day regarding camera construction and the LF camera market in general. Fred was convinced that the only good material to use for a camera was metal. "You want to build a camera and try to sell it? It has to be metal! Besides, there's only one person anywhere who knows how to make cameras out of wood...and he works for me!" (hmmm...maybe he was referring to Richard R?)

[nitroplait]

20 newsletters in so far, I can only say thank you for the link!
Very entertaining in small bites.

I have seen no examples on the internet that would suggest that Fred Picker is a photographer worthy of a place in history on the merits of his photography, but his writings certainly shows the point-of-view of a certain era.

I absolute appreciate his newsletter call for finacial support for W. Eugene Smith (he doubled the contributions of his readers) - it seemed to have been instrumental for Eugene Smith's recovery and finishing of the Minamata project.
One of the most important photographic bodies of work ever, in my opinion!

The image of the mother bathing her child crippled from industrial poisoning is probably the strongest photo I have ever seen - and I still cry every time I see it.

If nothing else - I am eternal grateful to Fred Picker for his (and his subscribers) support for W. Eugene Schmidt ! I don't care if he made a good cold light enlarger head og effective paper washer.
Supporting some of the most impactful photography in history makes him a hero in my book.

[Alan9940]

I have seen no examples on the internet that would suggest that Fred Picker is a photographer worthy of a place in history on the merits of his photography, but his writings certainly shows the point-of-view of a certain era.

Perhaps not a place in history, but IMO he was a fine photographer! I have two of his original prints hanging in my home; one of which is a small town scene in New Hampshire which I was lucky enough to see IRL under the same conditions in which Fred's photo was made. This image of his is one of my favorites and I can't even begin to convey the feelings and chills that ran down my spine on that day!

[Michael Jones]

One of the more important things Fred imparted to me was”Try It.” Otherwise instead of knowing, you only have other’s opinions, most of whom have never tried it. I’m glad I heard him.