The Nikon That Shot Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Psychedelic’ 1960s LPs is for Sale
The original Nikon camera that photographer Karl Ferris used to take multiple Jimi Hendrix 1960s-era album covers as well as Ferris’ original Halliburton case are coming to auction.
Ferris is an English photographer best known as the innovator of “psychedelic photography,” a look that he employed at the behest of Jimi Hendrix and which would go on to define the look of the 1960s and influence the culture of the time around the world. Ferris would also shoot other rock bands and icons including Eric Clapton, Cream, and Donovan.
As the San Francisco Art Exchange puts it, Ferris captured some of the most unforgettable photos of the 1960s including eight album covers in 1967 along with a large number of posters and magazine features.
“You’re doing with photography what I’m doing with music — going far out beyond the limits,” Hendrix once told him.
Now his 1966 Nikon F camera kit in the original Halliburton carry case has been put up for sale by Omega Auctions. This camera was specifically used to capture the famed U.S. debut psychedelic album covers for Jimi Hendrix: Are You Experienced, Electric Ladyland, Axis Bold as Love, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
The camera was also used to shoot Donovan’s Gift From a Flower to a Garden and Wear Your Love Like Heaven, plus The Hollies’ Evolution. Ferris’ Nikon F also captured shots for posters of Eric Clapton’s band, Cream.
The full kit includes the Nikon F, a Photomic FTN, a light meter attachment, five Nikon lenses (a 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 55mm, and 105mm), and a roll of original unexposed Kodak Ektachrome color infrared 35mm film that has been out of production since 1977.
“This type of film was used by Ferris whist shooting all of the above-mentioned album covers,” Omega Auctions says.
The kit also includes three color transparencies and three signed 12 by 12-inch prints of the LP cover images taken by Ferris. Ferris also included a letter certifying their authenticity.
The whole kit is estimated to be valued between £10,000 and £20,000, or roughly between $12,600 and $25,230. The auction for the kit, which is Lot 598, is to be sold on September 12, with viewing appointments to be scheduled the day before.
Image credits: Omega Auctions
