Herbert Keppler, RIP

Solinar said:
Herb was always an enjoyable read.
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Please, don't call Mr. Keppler "Herb," as it seemed the man didn't like that:
http://www.pdml.net/pipermail/pdml_pdml.net/2006-September/018299.html

herbertfront.jpg


Cheers!

Abbazz
 
I am very sad to hear he has passed. I always enjoyed his articles and learned from them as well. My condolences to his family.
 
I am sad to hear this, for sure. And I agree with the others' comments that there's no reason to read PopPhoto anymore. Guess I'll have to pull The Pentax Way off the shelf and look through it in tribute.

I wonder if the NY Times might have an obituary.
 
Guess I'll have to pull The Pentax Way off the shelf and look through it in tribute.
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I was going to do the same, but I took it down the other day to look through it and now I can't find it. Where did I put it? :bang: I suppose it is fitting there is an empty slot on my bookself when I heard the news.

I still remember looking forward to reading his articles back when I was in high school and college.
 
I can only echo all the sentiments expressed so far. I do beleive the photo world will be at a loss for his passing.

Bob
 
Well, the old guard is passing. Bob Schwalberg in 1997, whom I did know, and now Keppler.

Pretty soon there won't be anyone left with first hand knowledge of the "golden era" of non-digital photography.

Nothing but the cloned hordes of know-nothings who were born yesterday and have never seen a roll of film.
 
Mackinaw said:
Once, probably back in the early 1970's, I sent him a letter criticizing something he wrote. i was astonished when he sent me back thoughtfully written response arguing his point of view.
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Same experience here, and more than once. In fact, he didn't just argue his point of view, he'd sometimes modify it if your response was convincing.

He always gave me the impression of being a photo industry professional who had never lost the sheer enthusiasm of the dedicated hobbyist. Not many of that breed left now...
 
I often say and think that photography is simple; time, aperture, sensitivity. Regardless of the tools I have used, I keep this in mind and move forward. For example, this is the mantra which helped me break away and start successfully using a handheld meter. Film, digital, 35mm, Medium format, regardless of what seems to be different, it is always the same our photography.

Last night, as I thought more about Mr. Keppler's passing I realized that something photography related really did change for me. I have 4 times subscribed to Popular Photography in my adult life. In the interludes I have always purchased the magazine at a news stand, and I have always, always first turned to Mr. Keppler's article. It helped me learn, think, explore what I was doing, things that I could do, things that the photo industry wanted me to do or try. I never felt an issue of agreement or disagreement with his work, for me it was always a step forward, a rounding of my interest in my hobby.

I know that this growth will not stop for me, but at some time in the near future I will have to find a new cornerstone to lean on and to renew myself on a regular basis. Mr. Keppler is missed already.

Please allow me to say this again in his memory.

Thank you Mr. Keppler, you have touched us all and helped us grow in this common interest we have. It will always be time, aperture and sensitivity, but it will not be the same without you.
 
This is really baaaad news... I didn't read his articles for as long as some people here, but I enjoyed the few I read and always was the first piece I read in the magazine.

I'm sure he'll be well remembered always!
 
Sad day indeed! 🙁

It is fortunate that he kept his health enough to continue his work into his 80s. He was the Energizer Bunny who just kept going!

I started reading his columns in Modern Photography back in the late 1960s, when I first started getting interested in serious photography, and yes, I always considered him to be a mentor. He had great knowledge, but I never felt he was talking down to me.

About a year or so ago (I think) for some reason I responded to one of his on-line items, and in it I also said thanks and that I have enjoyed his writings since I was in my teens. I'm glad I had the opportunity to do that!
 
Quote by M. Valdemar
"Well, the old guard is passing. Bob Schwalberg in 1997, whom I did know, and now Keppler.

Pretty soon there won't be anyone left with first hand knowledge of the "golden era" of non-digital photography.

Nothing but the cloned hordes of know-nothings who were born yesterday and have never seen a roll of film."

How true, how true! I to have been reading Berts columns since the 1960's, and always found them interesting and informative. He will be sourly missed. My prayers are with his family.
 
Very sad news. Herbert Keppler´s book about Asahi Pentax cameras (in german translation) was the first book on photography I read back in the seventies. As you can see his writing had a great influence on what I have done since then.

Thomas
 
I think I have had about 4 different versions of "The Pentax Way". It was one of my first books and quickly became my "bible". I suspect it is the same for many other MF Pentax users.

Kim

kalokeri said:
Very sad news. Herbert Keppler´s book about Asahi Pentax cameras (in german translation) was the first book on photography I read back in the seventies. As you can see his writing had a great influence on what I have done since then.

Thomas
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Agreed...Sad day.

The many times I read Mr Keppler's articles, I was impressed by something that is often missing in other writers...common sense.

Thanks, Mr Keppler...
 
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