Werner Bischof’s camera equipment reflected his versatility and innovative spirit—ranging from large-format experimental systems to agile reportage tools:
Devin Tri‑Color Camera (Large Format, Glass‑Plate)
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Devin Tri‑Color: A bulky, one-shot, three-glass-plate camera capturing red, green, and blue channels simultaneously.
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| Devin Tri-Color |
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Purchased for him by Swiss publishers Conzett & Huber, it enabled early color experiments from around 1939 onward.
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Used primarily in studio or static outdoor setups (with tripod due to long exposures), it produced vibrant, painterly color images, later digitally recombined for prints.
Rolleiflex Medium‑Format TLR (120 film, 6×6 cm)
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Rolleiflex Automat (2¼×2¼): Twin-lens reflex used extensively throughout his career for black-and-white and early color 120 film.
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| Rolleiflex twin lens |
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Provided compositional control and high tonal quality—ideal for his portraits and humanistic reportage across Europe and Asia.
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| Werner Bischof and his Rolleiflex |
Leica Rangefinder (35 mm)
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Leica IIIc: Compact and fast, typically equipped with a Leitz Elmar 50 mm f/3.5 lens.
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| Leica IIIc |
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Enabled him to shoot in challenging, mobile environments—especially during travels in North/South America and late reportage in Asia.
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Later, he also used Leica M-series for increased responsiveness.
Why This Multi‑Format Choice Worked
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Color Experimentation: The Devin Tri‑Color system enabled early color work years before color film became mainstream
Compositional Control: The Rolleiflex’s waist-level view and 6×6 format matched his studio and field aesthetics.
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Speed & Discretion: The lightweight Leica fitted his travel-heavy later career and reporting needs.