Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Sculpture George Norris': 'The Crab' caught in Trap of digital camera imagery

 The basic 'professional' camera in 1968 was a medium format camera, the 120mm variety, which produced 12  (2 1/4" by 2 1/4") square images per roll with a quality four times greater than the up and coming 35mm film with its rectangular images of 24 and 36 images per roll like my Canon F1.

Photo paper is rectangular therefore the 35mm was a close match to it whereas the 120mm required that the images be 'cropped' in the mind of the photographer during shooting.

This vertical image of welder Gus Lidberg, 'The Crab', and Sculpturer George Norris.  Cropped on either side of a medium format camera?


Post Media - Regina Leader

This photo?  Cropped top and bottom.

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In 1971 I was using a Koni Rapid Omega for weddings after falling afoul of the square formatted Yashica camera.  The Koni Rapid Omega Rangefinder:  120mm film, 10 images @ 2 1/4" X 2 3/4" (6 X 7), the same proportion as print papers: 16 X 20 and 8 X 10.  Heavy camera, but simple to use.)

It was with the ease of the Leaf shutter in the lens that garnered me a once in a lifetime photo of 'The Crab'. 

  • Big and bright viewfinder
    Grabbing focus with that big bright rangefinder is easy
  • Large negative size
  • Large comfortable handle
  • Leaf shutter in the lens
  • Easy to find 120 film
    there are 220 film backs available for some models and 220 film isn’t so readily available
  • Built like a tank
  • Three accessory shoes on top of the camera

Result? 

Works for me


 
 
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Today's images are typical, and aplenty.  A variety of a large building, small Crab vs large Crab, small building with most photos taken during daylight.  Must have something to do with the hours of opening of the Planetarium.



Google Search Criteria: Planetarium Crab
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https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3809785174_040b6ce89f.jpg
 
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http://ounodesign.com/2009/08/10/planetarium/

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Page 6 of 41

"The Crab" sculpture and Museum of Vancouver Planetarium
1100 Chestnut Street

According to the City of Vancouver's Public Art Registry, "the crab represents the Indian legend of the crab as the guardian of the harbour and was also the zodiac sign at the time of the Canadian Centennial."  the stainless steel sculpture  was actually constructed in the south False Creek area, and then transported by barge to its present location.  Interestingly, the funds were raised by the women's sub-committee of the Vancouver Centennial Committee by hosting fashion shows and various luncheons.

It's a striking piece of public art that definitely holds its own presence against the retro-futuristic lines of the Museum of Vancouver/Planetarium.  The museum/planetarium's distinctive roof is an illusion to the woven basket designs created by the First Nations citizens who were able to leave a legacy -- what will be ours?
Sculpture George A. Norris'

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