GOWLANDFLEX CAMERAS
(Cameras are not for sale)
Peter knew that a good phorographer must know his equiptment inside and out. He would take apart his cameras and put them back together to better understand them. Soon he figured out a way to make his own cameras and solved many of his needs as a photographer. He created and sold over 600 Gowlandflex cameras in his lifetime. Some of the most famous portrait and glamour photographers of both this century and the 20th century used a Gowlandflex including Annie Liebovitz, Josef Karsh, Dennis Manarchy, John Huet, Arthur Grace, David Raccuglia, Arthur Elgort and Mark Laita. Many large organizations including the FBI, Army, Navy, Polaroid, Eastman Kodak and Playboy all owned and may still own Gowland cameras today.
Because Peter kept everything in his life as simple as possible, he made all of his cameras with simplicity in mind. No gadgets to break, no frills to fumble with, and no reading required to use them.
Peter owned 17 Rolliflex Cameras which led to him making over 600 Gowlandflex Cameras!
In 1929, Peter’s mother bought him this $12, 11 ½ oz, 127 Vest Pocket Kodak to photograph his father, playing the role of Lupe Valez’s father in “Hell’s Harbour” in Tampa Florida.
In his 20's he started experimenting with his ideas by putting several cameras together to achieve the best look in the most efficiant way.
4X5 GOWLANDFLEX GLAMOUR CAMERA
Gowland's most popular camera, the 4x5, 30th anniversary model in lighter weight, all metal, black anodized. It uses matched lenses in shutter from 180mm to 300mm. With the 180mm it focuses down to 18", 210mm 28", 240mm 39". Its back takes all film sizes up to 4x5.
This camera can be used horizontally or vertically. Viewing can be from the top with vertical hood or from the back or side with the reflex hood.
WIDE ANGLE GOWLANDFLEX
This cameras uses lenses from 65mm up to 210mm. While similar to the classic Gowland Glamour Camera, these do not have an internal mirror or top ground glass. Use of a Gowland Reflex Hood is highly recommended for moving subjects.
8X10 GOWLANDFLEX
The famous 8x10 Gowlandflex, shown above and affectionately known as "The Beast" was nearly three feet tall. It was not very practical for most kinds of shooting. Seven were made and sold.
GOWLAND POCKET VIEW
These cameras were all made from high quality aircraft aluminum, black anodized for protection and discretion. All models featured the Gowland friction focus, which works smoothly while keeping operation simple and sure.
They were sold in 4x5 and 5x7 models, as lightweight, rugged and capable cameras that would not break the back.
MEDIUM FORMAT 6X9cm
The Gowland Pocket View was also available in a 6x9cm format, which is the same as some Graflex cameras.
GOWLAND AERIAL AND AERIAL-SCENIC
These cameras are simple - just add the lens and you're ready to shoot. They are lightweight, sturdy action-oriented cameras that get the job done with no time to fumble.
DELUX GOWLAND ARIEL 4X5
This camera was built to accept lenses between 135 and 210mm. It was the perfect balance between light weight, proper ergonomics for air-to-air or chase vehicle shooting and simplicity.
GOWLAND 4x5 AERIAL STANDARD
The least expensive model sold for $925. It features the same back as the other cameras, however the grips are positioned differently. Horizontal grips enable you to form a triangle with your elbows while sitting on the seat of a helicopter, facing out the door ( do that at your own risk! ).