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Werner Bischof

 

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)

  • Devin Tri‑Color: A bulky, one-shot, three-glass-plate camera capturing red, green, and blue channels simultaneously.

Devin Tri-Color

  • Purchased for him by Swiss publishers Conzett & Huber, it enabled early color experiments from around 1939 onward.

  • 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)

  • Rolleiflex Automat (2¼×2¼): Twin-lens reflex used extensively throughout his career for black-and-white and early color 120 film.

Rolleiflex twin lens

  • Provided compositional control and high tonal quality—ideal for his portraits and humanistic reportage across Europe and Asia.

Werner Bischof and his Rolleiflex

Leica Rangefinder (35 mm)

  • Leica IIIc: Compact and fast, typically equipped with a Leitz Elmar 50 mm f/3.5 lens.

Leica IIIc

  • Enabled him to shoot in challenging, mobile environments—especially during travels in North/South America and late reportage in Asia.

  • Later, he also used Leica M-series for increased responsiveness.

Why This Multi‑Format Choice Worked

  • 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.

  • Speed & Discretion: The lightweight Leica fitted his travel-heavy later career and reporting needs.

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