Photographing an old, old newspaper

[CleverName]

While doing some remodeling recently, I found a copy of the Tulsa Tribune newspaper from Feb 12, 1938. (My house was built in 1935) It was stuck between the insulation and the really high quality cardboard they used to finish the attic. It seems to be complete but it is very fragile and I haven't tried to open it yet. I contacted the Tulsa Historical Society to see if they wanted it but they haven't returned any calls or emails.

Any suggestions on the best way to photograph this? Film, lens, lighting, angles, ect.?
Also any tips on handling really old newspaper without ruining it would be appreciated.

thanks,
gene

 

[rover]

While doing some remodeling recently, I found a copy of the Tulsa Tribune newspaper from Feb 12, 1938. (My house was built in 1935) It was stuck between the insulation and the really high quality cardboard they used to finish the attic. It seems to be complete but it is very fragile and I haven't tried to open it yet. I contacted the Tulsa Historical Society to see if they wanted it but they haven't returned any calls or emails.

Any suggestions on the best way to photograph this? Film, lens, lighting, angles, ect.?
Also any tips on handling really old newspaper without ruining it would be appreciated.

thanks,
gene

How about on your lap, under a Rolleiflex with a cup of coffee in your hand?

Really, I do think an era appropriate environmental portrait of it would be nice.

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

Copy work lighting was normally done with two equal powered lights or flashes at 90 degrees to each other and the camera in between them with each light at 45 degrees to the camera. Clear as mud?

I would use T-Max 100, or Ilford XP-2 for film, and my Nikkor 55mm Micro lens for the lens.

Wayne

 

[rover]

I knew someone would know the right answer. 🙂

 

[CleverName]

How about on your lap, under a Rolleiflex with a cup of coffee in your hand?

Really, I do think an era appropriate environmental portrait of it would be nice.

That would be nice, unfortunately it would probably disintegrate in my hands if I tried to hold it up. I'd like to do some "document copying" first. I'd really like to read the funny papers from 1938.
The "Tulsan struck down by auto" story is interesting. She lived in the same neighborhood that my mother in law now lives in and was taken to a hospital that nobody I know has ever heard of. Here's a crappy webcam shot of it.

 

[nwcanonman]

I copied a newspaper from 1947 last year, my set up-
Nikon F3HP - 55mm micro f3.5 lens - Astia 100F slide film - on a flat table on my covered patio (indirect sunlight) - tripod mounted and cable release.
I think it turned out OK. 🙂

 

[phototone]

If I wanted to be able to read individual stories, I would use a 4x5 camera, such as a Crown Graphic, or other "press" type of camera, as they make excellent copy cameras. Use a slow speed film, and a copy stand with equidistant lighting, balance your lighting for even coverage, and shoot with a cable release.

You should be able to get a whole page copy that individual elements can be resolved from.

 

[Doug]

I would think the local library or art gallery or museum would have someone knowledgeable about handling and restoring old paper items. Like possibly adding some humidity (a bit of steam in an enclosure?) might make it more handleable without flaking to bits... I dunno, just a thought on a subject about which an expert would be useful!

 

[john neal]

I would consider using a yellow filter on whatever camera you finally decide on, just to boost the contrast between the print and the page.

 

[oftheherd]

I would think the local library or art gallery or museum would have someone knowledgeable about handling and restoring old paper items. Like possibly adding some humidity (a bit of steam in an enclosure?) might make it more handleable without flaking to bits... I dunno, just a thought on a subject about which an expert would be useful!

I think you are on the right track, but I am not sure water is the trick. You might try a local museum or even the Smithsonian, and ask for one of their curators.

Good luck.