How many of you got started in Vietnam?
Nov 21, 2014 15:09:18 #
Strangely, I was digging around the attic last week and found my first camera, an Aruba my father bought in Tokyo on R&R during the Korean War...1952-ish...35mm, paper backed film, had to load at night in the bathroom. I was 10 at the time. Still sort of works but it's a desk ornament.
Nov 21, 2014 15:25:55 #
steve1949 wrote:
Saigon 1969-70. I got the Yachica...First camera e... (show quote)
When I was in H.S., we had a photography club. Rather than a yearbook photographer and a couple of newspaper photographers, anyone wanting photos -- teachers giving awards, the paper wanting an athletic event covered, or something for the yearbook, they would put a request in our mailbox at our darkroom and the club president would give out assignments. I used the Electro 35 to photograph quite a few football and basketball games!
Nov 21, 2014 16:01:50 #
jamesl wrote:
You got an early start. I got my first camera, a ... (show quote)
Kinda funny, I have an Argus C3 that I bought at an estate sale and a speed graphic press camera from my dad.
Nov 22, 2014 00:20:33 #
woodsliv wrote:
Kinda funny, I have an Argus C3 that I bought at an estate sale and a speed graphic press camera from my dad.
They are great cameras, do the ones that you have still work well?
Nov 22, 2014 00:32:29 #
jamesl wrote:
They are great cameras, do the ones that you have still work well?
Everything on the C3 seems to work, but I haven't tried it . The speed graphic was my dads he bought it in 1946 after getting out of the Navy. It needs to be cleaned up and everything seems to move and adjust. The bellows are good. Maybe I will try my luck the it one day
Nov 22, 2014 02:23:21 #
Unfortunately during my fist tour in Vietnam in the 173rd Abn Bde I was wounded. While being shipped to the hospital at Ft. Ord I had a 10 stay at a hospital in Japan. I bought my first 35mm, a Konica and it lasted for 18 years. I believe the Konica was the first auto focusing 35mm camera. I still have it and one lens. Alas, it does not work. I noticed that the civilian combat photographers seemed to all be carrying Nikons.
Nov 22, 2014 08:17:34 #
Nov 22, 2014 09:18:39 #
Al Beatty wrote:
Hi UHH, br br I got my start in photography at Fo... (show quote)
That's a great story Al. I was stationed at Ft Hood after returning from. VN.
My mos was military police so they were going to make me a cook. Talked to a Lt. and told him I could type...i was his new S2 clerk. Glad you got to bunk with the photog group. I'm sure that changed your life's travels.
Nov 22, 2014 14:57:39 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
Got my start in the Army in Germany (during Vietnam). Does that count?
Nov 22, 2014 14:58:33 #
romanticf16
Loc: Commerce Twp, MI
Started photography in grade school around 1954 with a box Brownie. At 10 learned how to use a Leica on a family vacation- that was my assigned duty for the trip. By 14 I'd purchased an Argus C44 rangefinder with its tele and WA lenses too. In high school we had a camera club, where I learned darkroom- we did Jr prom and yearbook photos for the school. Bought a Pentax SLR. In '65 I borrowed a Nikon F for a second camera for the Newport Folk Festival(had a press pass from the university). Came home, sold the Pentax and started buying Nikon. Went to Bronica ETR for weddings and portraiure in the mid 70's. then back to using Nikon as film improved for weddings again. Now use Nikon DSLR just for personal use. Would love to get a D750.
Nov 22, 2014 16:43:11 #
woodsliv wrote:
Everything on the C3 seems to work, but I haven't tried it . The speed graphic was my dads he bought it in 1946 after getting out of the Navy. It needs to be cleaned up and everything seems to move and adjust. The bellows are good. Maybe I will try my luck the it one day
Nice. My press camera looks like a twin of yours. I had the shutter assembly all cleaned and adjusted on mine awhile back just to be sure it was working well. Both my C3 and the press camera still work but I have them stored right now. I got a fairly large old electronic flash to use with the press camera when I had a hard time getting old Sylvania flash bulbs. When you get a chance try the cameras out and enjoy the step back in time, from a photography standpoint at least. They are both great cameras.
Nov 22, 2014 17:28:02 #
I found that the ROK's (marines from the Republic of Korea) could get us almost anything REALLY cheap, but we had to be careful what we asked for. The ROK's seemed to be only thing the bad guys were really scared of. I still use a 500mm Spiratone manual lens from time to time that I bought for about $8.00 at the BX (Airforce) Also 48 years with USAA
Nov 22, 2014 17:44:35 #
bbjork wrote:
Exciting times indeed, here's a few Gemini 12 photos and one from Woodstock (wore a cowboy hat to hide my short haircut). Like others have posted proud member of USAA and Uncle Sam paid for my Bachelor's and Master's degree.
Thanks for posting the photos bbjork. Had to chuckle at Woodstock photo getting in there.
Nov 22, 2014 17:55:30 #
Far North wrote:
This is a great thread, and I have been reading it... (show quote)
My brother in law was at Bien Hoa as air police dog handler. Used to come over and visit him from Long Binh Post. Not sure what end of base he was on. I used to come in by the run ways where there seem to be a crash everytime from the Arvin pilots practicing landings and take offs! I remember the Air Force call plane crashes "uncontrolled flight to ground".
Nov 22, 2014 20:15:12 #
aquadiver wrote:
I'm just curious. I bought my first cameras in Vie... (show quote)
I was in during the Vietnam era but was not in Nam...I was stationed in Japan and bought my first camera on base in Japan and I still have it :)
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