spring fair time!

Toronto. Just weeks after our first 2025 event, the fabulous Spring Auction, we are holding PHSC’s popular Spring Camera Fair (May 25th). Enhance your collection and lighten your wallet – join us at the Trident Hall for our annual photographica-fair!

Our treasurer, John Morden whipped up the tasty little poster shown below in jpeg format. Please ignore the poster links and use this one instead. To get a table or details, email Mark or Clint fair@phsc.ca and you’re in! Bargains for film and digital collectors and users, free parking… and LOTS of food! And, meet fellow collectors and friends – old and new.

PHSC Spring Camera Fair at Trident Hall May 25th, 2025

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what’s the telegraph got to do with it?

Daguerreotype portrait of Samual F, B. Morse c 1850 – courtesy Library of Congress

Toronto. American Sam Morse planned to be an artist. He was in France in the late 1830s pursuing his artistry when he met Louise Daguerre in 1838. The following year, he enthusiastically embraced the Daguerreotype technology and brought the new art to America where an exuberant and boisterous population embraced it warmly.

Planted in fertile ground, the art exposed is its use in America. Photographers and studios grew like weeds (Morse had his studio by 1840 and later trained nay budding photographers like the civil war photographer Matthew Brady). By the late decades of the 19th century the forefront of this art had shifted to America with helices of T & H Anthony and Eastman Kodak,

Meanwhile, Samual Morse  became a household name a few years later as the inventor of the telegraph and the Morse code. …

All this is from an email I received a couple of days ago from Les Jones (sports photographer, author, entrepreneur, and past president of the PHSC).

Les wrote in part, the “Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York,  temporary exhibit presents “The New Art: American Photography 1839-1910” drawn from the Schaeffer Collection.

“222 (mainly impressive) images, most never seen before, and a few 19th century cameras. www.metmuseum.org  Through July 20″ 2025.

Les gives his source as, the “Extensive write-up in Antiques & Auction News May 16”.

Be sure to click on and read the links in this post!

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no, but this is fair!

Poncho as a pup. What can I say – he is a beagle. From the Pooch Cafe Comic

Toronto. Come on down to our Spring Fair – at the usual location May 25th, 2025 (okay, this coming Sunday). There will be oodles of great stuff to see and buy, nicely augmenting your collection. Great food, free parking, cheap admission …

What’s not to love? All that and see old friends once again. The comic panel at left is from Pooch Cafe, which was one of my favourite newspaper comics a few decades ago when newspapers were big and informative.

The little dog, Poncho, shown here is the protagonist of the series, he is a wise guy forever getting in trouble. The preceding panels show him finally being picked, only to be kept in the breeding kennel for de-worming.

You may be surprised, but our very first fair was in 1975 (thanks, Patrick), before I landed back in the big smoke. Hard as it is to imagine, this will be our 50th consecutive spring fair here in the GTA. Each fair has been a photography collector’s dream – always something to see and perhaps buy to make his/her collection so very, very, special.

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just another source, that’s all

a tailor shop in 1888 NYC using sweat-labour – photo by Jacob Riis

Toronto. From my first working days, I bought all available photo magazines to learn more about the art. The articles basically taught the ‘how’ of shooting and processing, with various camera reviews tossed in from time to time.

My introduction to photographic history was in 1971. I had read a review of the Gernsheims update in 1969 to their 1955 opus on “The History of Photography”. The photo at left ( by Riis) is just one of the many plates in the massive book.

Beyond history of the art, books seemed rather sparse. Stores at the time wanted to sell you the “latest and greatest” in the photo world which back then was usually colour darkroom gear like photo paper,  drums, motor bases, home developer kits, ‘coffee cup’ heating elements for the solutions, colour filters, etc.

In mid 1972, I bought my first Leica and began a search for accessories, lenses, and some history of the industry. During a trip to Toronto three years later, I saw a small ad in the Toronto Star about a new society dedicated to photo history and collecting. I joined the group in the fall of 1975, just missing the first year “charter member” tag (although my membership number indeed fitted in that time span by accident).

This was the beginning era of camera societies, books on cameras, catalogue reprints, fairs, speakers and a wealth of sources available to all who persevered. A few decades later, film and its various cameras and products faded into history as the digital era unfolded.

Sensors replaced film and there was the usual hectic pace of increased resolution, and sensitivity, and decreased noise.  But as the sensor was integral to the camera, new models were required – over and over again.

One ray of sunshine was the birth and growth of the internet. All of a sudden manual reprints were offered (free or for a modest sum), collectors posted information on their collections, manufactures climbed on board posting notes about their current products and over all history.

The internet caught on and every one could have an ’email’ address and even small groups could post a web site. While some organizations began to ‘monetize’ their web sites, many others offered information for free or for a small donation.  The downside of digital technology was the rapid decline of print materials – newspapers, magazines, books, etc. But time moves on and once solid sources fade into history The wide resources of the internet are “just another source, that’s all”!

NB. The title is a riff on “Another Brick in the Wall“. a song from the Pink Floyd rock opus, “The Wall“.  I have the dual CD and the LP. One of my favourite groups.

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May 2025 PHSC Newsletter issue 25-5

 

PHSC News issue 25-5

Toronto. Editor Patrick Gunn’s latest opus is now out. It’s another impressive issue!

The quality and layout  are impressive – and this is an all volunteer operation. A society like ours relies on volunteers, especially those who come with envious talent! ascent talent.

Click here for a copy of 25-5 or visit NEWSLETTER above for this and all other issues. Want a personal copy (notice sent directly to your in-box)? Well, simply email news@phsc.ca and be added  to our MailChimp list.

This issue is free and contains many news items and announcements in its 17 pages. Remember, drop editor Patrick Gunn (or me) a line if you have/want specific photo gear included in the newsletter notices – lots of space in this age of electronic files!

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a son of a bun but so much fun …

Fred Hunt (left) and John Craig (right) at the Chelsea Hotel, downtown Toronto, May 5, 1979

Toronto. In the spring of 1979, on May 5th, we held our 5th photographica-fair. The locale was downtown at the Chelsea Hotel. Rooms and halls were filled with treasures for photographica collectors.

By 1979, we had the hang of hosting a great fair. In the photo at left you can see two of our members, a buyer, the late Fred Hunt, professional photographer and teacher of the art; and a seller, the late John Craig of Massachusetts, whose largess graces this site (repair manuals). The photo was shot on Ilford HP5 with a Leica.

For a few years now, we have hosted the fairs at the Trident Hall (Evans and Islington) in the southwest corner of Toronto. The next show on May 25, 2025, is coming up fast.

There is free parking in the area, great food, inexpensive admission, many many bargains, and friends galore. Come on down and join the gang for a great outing!

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all quiet on the minutes front …

PHSC President
Clint Hryhorijiw

Toronto. When meeting #58 via ZOOM was held last Wednesday, it was a perfect storm – many regulars were unavailable for a variety of reasons. Fortunately there were no urgent issues to be minuted and voted.

The biggest amount of excitement was results from the first 2025 event now passed (auction) and anticipation for the second 2025 event, our fair, being held on the 25th.

Treasurer John Morden sent out his report before the meeting with no significant changes at the meeting. Next up is fiscal year end government filings

Newsletter editor Patrick Gunn  sent in a written report. Issue 25-4 has been released and 25-5 is planned for this month (May). Anyone wishing to buy/sell items can contact me at info@phsc.ca and I will pass along the email to Patrick.

John Allman, as our  O3C representation, has arranged for the spring fair poster to be included in the O3C newsletter before the fair is held.

Membership Secretary Lilianne Schneider sent in a written report listing new and renewal members for April.

Note: Regarding membership (new and renew) our journal is in ‘pdf format only’, so an email address is essential. A MailChimp notification is sent to all member emails when each journal pdf is produced and uploaded.

Remember, if  you have UNSUBSCRIBED to our MailChimp list, you will not receive notification nor Photographic Canadiana nor other info. MailChimp does not permit me to reinstate a specific email address once unsubscribed by the owner. Renewal of such addresses are only possible via a form, not provided on our site.

Also, if you change email addresses, please tell us – MailChimp will tag the old address as CLEANED (they cannot add your new address automatically). If you are a member but HAVE NOT seen any notification for Photographic Canadiana since you registered or renewed, please email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

There was no programs report this month. ZOOM arrangements were handled by Clint.

Arrangements for the spring fair are well underway. Fair general admission is $8 and will increase to $10 for the fall fair.

Journal 50-4 was released and issue 51-1 is now underway.

Social media editor, Ms Markovic provided a brief update showing another encouraging growth in followers plus popular posts. She will be posting the auction images taken by Patrick later this month.

NB. The post title is a riff on Erich Maria Remarque’s anti-war book, “All Quiet on the Western Front” which I first read over 60 years ago. The title contains the last words in the novel (second last paragraph of first translation ).

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the happy wanderer …

book by (left) and about (right) Edith S Watson, Photographer

Toronto. A couple of books are shown at left from an image in issue 23-4. At left is Watson’s 1922 book, Romantic Canada, and at right is Frances Rooney’s  1966 book about Watson titled, “Working Light: The Wandering Life of Photographer Edith S. Watson“. Rooney’s book is reviewed by past executive member, Tiit Kodar.

The books photo is part of the review. In his review, Tiit begins, “Written by an expatriate New Englander [Frances Rooney] now living in Canada [Jan 1998], this first book on the American travel photographer reproduces some of Watson’s favourite photographs, taken on her frequent journeys around Canada.

“Preceding the plates (all taken from the photographer’s own albums) is a much condensed biography of this self-assured and astute businesswoman who decided in her early thirties to combine her love of travel and her photographic skills, learned from her father’s brother, to earn her living.

“One of those Americans who fell under the spell of the Maritime provinces, she was to spend a great deal of her summers there, as well as Quebec, Ontario, the Western provinces, and, along with her life-long companion the journalist Victoria Hayward, to record the life of the Doukhobors in British Columbia and Manitoba before the renewed assault on their pacifism and isolationism by the Canadian and provincial governments.

“Some of these latter photographs are reproduced, and serve as reminders of a way of life so thoughtlessly destroyed. A few served as illustrations to Victoria Hayward’s article on them in the Canadian Magazine.” …

To read the rest of Tiit’s 1998 article, see the issue 23-4 pdf on the free members’ only DVD (or thumb drive). Not a member? It’s easy to join – see MEMBERSHIP above, or Membership at Right and follow the instructions. Questions? Email our membership secretary, Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

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not so long ago and not so far away …

May 14, 1977 PHSC fair at the War Amps building on Wellesley

Toronto. The first PHSC fair I attended was the 3rd annual fair held May 14, 1977 at the War Amps building, 85 Wellesley St West in Toronto. As fairs were held on weekends, I was unable to attend the two earlier ones.

While I can’t recall today exactly what I picked up back then, I did take a few snaps of the fascinating show using tri-x in a Leica.

This year’s fair will be at the Trident Hall on Evans Ave at Islington in the west end on May 25th. Lots of free parking, tasty refreshments, inexpensive admission, and loads of tables full of photographica – cameras, lenses, accessories, books, etc., etc. This will be our 51st consecutive year!

NB. The title here is a riff on the rolling crawl introducing the first Star Wars movie in …. 1977.

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see ya there …

blue button photo – May 28, 2005 fair – Bob Lansdale with Nikon D70

Toronto. … at our fair (May 25th). We are fortunate as photography collectors and historians – for about a half century now we have had our own fairs, auctions, and society. Well the auction is a few years younger …

This photo of a ‘blue button’ cased image was taken with a Nikon D70 two decades ago by the late Bob Lansdale, our journal editor at the time.

The fair is a great place to augment your collection (or user gear -especially if you are a film niche player).  Over the years I made it to every fair with $$$ in my pocket and dreams of that special find, be it a lens, an accessory, a book, a brochure, etc. Always something to take home, photograph ‘for the record’ and research – age, purpose, maker, value etc. or to read and reminisce.

A the coming fair you may find all sorts of things. This often includes darkroom and studio gear as well as the usual cameras, lenses, and accessories. You never know what you will spot – especially on a second or third round of the exhibitors and their wares.

At right is our 2025 events under the title ‘PHSC EVENTS’. The spring fair is our second event this year. Free parking, good food, low admission cost, and bargains galore not to mention friendships renewed.

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remembering Jay

Jay Jayavel 1921-1997

Toronto. Last century, one of the many members I enjoyed chatting wth at our monthly meetings (in person in those days) was Jay Jayavel. He was a quiet unassuming individual and easy to talk with. Sometime in 1998, I noticed he no longer attended meetings.

I found out why when my friend and fair chairman, Larry Boccioletti told me Jay had passed away in late 1997 after suffering a severe heart attack.

In issue 23-4 of our journal, Larry wrote the following brief obituary, “With much regret I report the passing of a long-time member and good friend, Chadiambara (Jay) Jayavel, after a heart attack, November 26, 1997. He was in his 77th year.

“Photography was his passion with his interest turned to the collecting of Olympus equipment. Jay was a dedicated member for 15 years, attending all our meetings and regularly offering his services at the Spring and Fall Fairs.

“A Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force, he and his family emigrated to Canada after his retirement in 1970. He leaves a son, Jay, in Toronto and a daughter, Jugnu, in Long Island [NY].”

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