Shrewsbury Church, now it's gone.

The last known picture of the Shrewsbury Church taken with a Graflex Speed Graphic on photo paper.

Nestled in the Lower Laurentians in the County of Gore was this little white church that was the last standing building of the long gone village of Shrewsbury. Built around 1856 by hand it was still intact when I visited the place back in 1990 with it's furniture, organ and the original bell. I remember that visit very well since it was in the Spring and we were attacked by countless bugs. When your car gets banged repeatedly by kamikaze bees and mosquitoes, it kind of stays burned in your mind.

Interior of the church taken with the same process.

Fast forward a few weeks ago when a photog friend posted pictures of the little white church on his wall. I couldn't believe the state it was in. Vandals had trashed the place over the years and despite the concern and implication of local residents for its preservation, the church was just a shell of its former self.

Inside the chucrch where the alter used to be. Shot with Fuji X10.

My new found passion for photography and my concern as an ex-resident of Gore called for documenting what remained. So off we went last Sunday after packing the car with photo gear. After fighting the crazy micro weather of Gore we ended up in front of the church. I pulled out the Graflex and shot it with photo paper and the rest was done with Sony a230 and Fuji X10. Thankfully the weather cleared and I was able to take some decent shots. I was planning to come back in the Spring for a more green setting.

Bell tower where the original and replacement bell were stolen.

That won't be happening. It turns out that a few hours after I left, some morons burnt the church to the ground. I hope these idiots find out soon that Karma is a bitch.

Detail inside the bell tower shows hand cut beams probably made from local timber. Those weren't made in a sawmill but with axes and elbow grease.

Thanks for watching.

Gerry

Shooting with a Graflex Speed Graphic 4X5 Camera

Well I splurged not too long ago and bought what I figure is the ultimate camera for me, a Graflex Speed Graphic Press Camera. I uses 4X5 sheet film in film holders and if I keep my eyes open I might even find a medium format film or instant film back for it.

The camera was in very good shape and fortunately film was available locally here at Photo Service in Montreal on Notre-Dame street.

This 10 pound monster is just amazing. 4 viewfinders, 2 shutters, tilt shift capacity, the ability to swap lenses and a great self defence weapon. Seriously, if some idiot is dumb enough to want to steal out of my hands, I can just whack him with it and send the guy in a coma!

Very first shot taken at 1/200, f/8 on a sunny day. Hand held using the incorporated rangefinder and the wire frame view finder.

Right now I have only 2 film holders, so only 4 shots. I have 2 more on the way but it still makes only an 8 shot camera for now and after that it becomes dead weight. I intend to use this beast for its original purpose, documenting events. This is not going to become a tripod queen. It will be used on a tripod as well for landscapes and long exposures but I want to tap into all that it has to offer. This thing can do it all from pinhole, portrait and action. It just takes longer to prepare and you don't have a thousand shots at hand.

2nd shot, this is my house. Same set-up as in the previous photo. The wire frame viewfinder is very practical since it permits you to keep an eye on your surroundings while framing your shot. This is how I managed to see the cyclist coming and held off until he was in the frame.

I figure this will make an even better photographer with the limited amount of shots and the needed set-up time. The after process is also tedious. Since I don't have a canister for 4X5 negatives, they are processed in trays in total darkness. Quite an experience.

I'll keep you posted on the next shots that I will take with this fantastic camera.

Take care

Gerry :)