For the discerning collector of photographic ephemera, here's a true time capsule: the November 1966 issue of *U.S. Camera & Travel* magazine, priced at $60. This magazine offers a captivating journey back to an era where photography was undergoing rapid change, and the future felt bright with innovation.
The cover alone hints at the treasures within, promising a deep dive into the latest color printing advancements, a sun-drenched photographic expedition to Bermuda, and exhaustive field tests of cameras like the Koni-Omegaflex M, Vivitar 83, and Diplomat.
Inside, you'll discover the buzz surrounding a revolutionary "instant" color printing paper – a game-changer for shutterbugs eager to see their images come to life quickly and easily. The Bermuda feature, cleverly titled "Bermuda: Only A Focal/Plane Away," is more than just a travelogue; it’s a masterclass in weaving photographic techniques into travel experiences. For those dreaming of their own darkroom, Farber's guide to setting up a home lab is an invaluable resource, demystifying processes like cyanotype and the emerging Zone System. The magazine’s thorough review of the Vivitar 83, complete with specs and sample images, allows you to assess its capabilities just as a photographer would have in 1966. A period Beseler 23C Enlarger advertisement, promising enticing deals, showcases the era's photographic marketplace. And for a jolt of creative inspiration, don't miss "1 Building + 1 Negative = 5 Photographs," an article designed to break free from conventional composition.
Sprinkled throughout are the voices of influential photographers and editors who shaped the art form during this golden age. A vintage Kodak Kodachrome advertisement, emblazoned with the memorable line "One photographer's rule is another photographer's exception," reminds us of the film's legendary color rendition.
Now, a word on condition. After over half a century, this magazine displays the expected signs of age. The binding, suffering from typical adhesive deterioration, is somewhat loose. The cover exhibits some wear and creasing, and the pages show a gentle yellowing. However, it remains remarkably complete, free from significant tears or missing pages. This isn’t just a magazine; it's a portal, a relic, and an unmissable acquisition for any enthusiast of vintage photography, capturing the spirit and evolution of the medium in the mid-1960s.