Allen et al.Interesting Benser also worked for Zeiss. He surely doesn't mention it in his (sort of) biography - perhaps because the book was sponsored by Leitz or/and because he really favored the Leica and just had to go where there was work in the 50s.
Interesting also that you bring up the "Benser Taschen". I still have one of the original German brochures from the 70's (which I should probably scan and post). I am also not too fond of the moduar hardcases and inserts and prefer to use Domke soft inserts in whatever bag or backpack I decide to use. For my day-to-day trip to work I am currently using a Lowe CompuDaypack with the Rollei in the bottom (3 flexible compartments) and room for a laptop or 8x11 folders in the back.
I do like the soft leather everready cases Benser designed. Still have a larger one which I bought for my first serious SLR, the Canon F1, and a smaller one, that came with a Leica IIIf. I still use the smaller one for rangefinders. The softcase addresses the problem of most "never-ready" cases by sliding away from the camera on the strap when you lift the camera to the eye. It provides excellent rain and dust protection and makes carrying a Contax or Leica with lenses up to 90mm less conspicuous. Benser also designed a softcase for the Rolleiflex, which is hard to find, but I it looks like the softcase for the GX was styled after it.
Jan ====From: Allen Zak <azak@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [rollei_list] Re: e: speaking of war photography Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:10:25 -0400By your leave, I did catch a Walter Benser presentation in Cleveland sometime in the mid-1950s. He was at that time sponsored by Zeiss Ikon, and all slideswere taken with Contax RF bodies and lenses, projected with whatever Zeiss offered at the time. What impressed me most was that before the US tour was booked, Benser spoke no English. He learned enough in the several months before leaving Germany to do a creditable job of it, including answering audience questions. Several years later, he hooked up with Leica, during which time he designed the Benser case for M and accessories. It was good for transporting gear, not so much for actually working out of it. IMHO,there wasn't a decent carryall until Domke came up with one in the late60s. However, I'm sure a Benser would be a good collectable. Allen Zak
