a dash of flash
Toronto. Post WW2, many folk investigated ways to improve flash by incorporating Edgerton’s “Speed-light” concepts in a smaller container to allow electronic flash to compete with and eventually replace flash powder, bulbs, etc.
Jim Miller of Downsview (now part of Toronto) tinkered with this new means of light as early as 1946. In issue 23-3 Ev Roseborough reports Jim’s involvement in an early flash called “Trion”.
Ev’s article, “Trion – an early Canadian designed flash“, begins, “Now tending his grapevines lovingly and expertly caning his furniture, is retired geophysicist Jim Miller of Downsview, Ontario. No one would suspect this vibrant elderly gentleman of designing and building electronic flash units here in Canada as early as 1946.
“These ‘discharge units’ were finding their way into professional photography as some of the commercial and advertising studios in New York were adapting surplus Army Air-force units or using those built by Edgerton. Those were 10,000 watt-seconds, but there was a need for smaller portable units, useful for the average studio and press photographer.
“A quick check through the photo annuals showed an ad for the ‘Dawe’ Photoflash in the BJA of 1948. Ned Eisenstat of Toronto manufactured his Speedstrob in January 1948, but had been using speedlights of different kinds since 1940. So Miller was certainly a pioneer in his miniaturization efforts in ‘46.” …
Ev’s article in full, plus other articles appear in the issue 23-3 pdf on the free members only DVD/thumb drive. Want to join? It’s easy (see MEMBERSHIP above and at right). If you have any membership questions email our membership secretary Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.
Electronic flash units (and lots of other photo collectibles) often show up at our events (see PHSC EVENTS at right). You can email our president Clint at fair@phsc.ca if you have any questions. Our next event is our May 25th “Spring Camera Fair”.
