Vans (vehicles) converted for photographic use

dhosten · May 1, 2011

In the old days Ansel Adams and others outfitted vans and trucks for photographic use, some going to far as turning vehicles into machines that could even function as darkrooms.

Since then panel vans, step vans, and mini vans were invented, and some photogs customized their vehicles for photo travel, etc. I'm thinking of purchasing something like a Grumman Step Van and converting it for travel, film storage and portable dark room use (processing only).

Has anyone tried this and documented it? I know the Aussies are quite ingenious in vehicle mods, as are Americans, so I figured this would be a great place to ask.

anikin · May 1, 2011

Not quite what you are asking for, but I think you might be interested in:

Dead Link Removed

dhosten · May 1, 2011

I did find someone on Flickr, Grumman RV, who converted one to RV use with a sink and shower, so I got the idea of a van conversion for darkroom/travel use.

If anyone has any ideas, or knows of anyone who has converted a van for photographic use and travel, I would be grateful for the information.

tkamiya · May 1, 2011

I just hope you'll use a tad different color scheme....

brucemuir · May 1, 2011

Bill Schwab posted this vid earlier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DcAjBpnEnQ&feature=youtu.be

I watched it and it shows a trailer setup for wet plate.
A few features look pretty trick.

Newt_on_Swings · May 1, 2011

In the documentary on Sally Mann, "What Remains, the Life and work of Sally Mann" there are a few shots of her work truck/van she uses for her work, which the viewer sees and she speaks briefly about. There is as well a large number of shots of her home dark room.

dhosten · May 2, 2011

That Schwab piece was useful. I'll have to track down the Sally Mann doc.... maybe they have it at the library.

Steve Smith · May 2, 2011

I would use one of these: http://www.old-picture.com/crimean-war/000/pictures/Photography-Wagon-001.jpg

Steve.

frobozz · May 3, 2011

I once read an article about a guy who converted a step-van into a giant-format pinhole camera! That's what I thought you were asking when I saw this thread title

Duncan

bblhed · May 3, 2011

I have a 25' Winnebago I would be willing to part with for about $5,000 USD if you are interested. It runs great but I don't use it enough to justify owning it any longer.

Jeff Kubach · May 3, 2011

That gives some ideas!

Jeff

rorye · May 3, 2011

This guy is pretty amazing-
http://www.photobus.co.uk/?id=538

mjs · May 3, 2011

Wet plate photographer Joe Smigiel converted an older Class C motorhome into a wet plate darkroom several years ago. Some of us took to calling it the Magic Bus but I haven't seen Joe for a couple of years. At one point I thought I saw a website with photos of the conversion, but I can't find it now and it may have just been a figment of my imagination...

Mike

johnnywalker · May 3, 2011

mjs said:
Wet plate photographer Joe Smigiel converted an older Class C motorhome into a wet plate darkroom several years ago. Some of us took to calling it the Magic Bus but I haven't seen Joe for a couple of years. At one point I thought I saw a website with photos of the conversion, but I can't find it now and it may have just been a figment of my imagination...

Mike

I thought the Transit would be a great vehicle for travel with cameras as well. It's economical and lots of room, but I need 4WD.

puptent · May 3, 2011

I think the major modification Ansel always made was to build a platform on top of the vehicle where he could set up his tripod. As for darkroom, a changing bag and a developing tank will take care of negatives, and then when you get home print 'em.

kwall · May 5, 2011

Ouch my eyes! That's just hideous

Vans (vehicles) converted for photographic use

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency