Monthly Archives: June 2022

Automat? What about a Lordomat 35mm lens?

Posted on June 21, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. If you like watching old movies, you have likely seen the famous Automat cafeteria in NYC. These automated restaurants were threatened and often ‘ate’ up by by the growth of fast food outlets. Sadly our camera industry was no … Continue reading →

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a heck of a lens

Posted on June 20, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. The 5cm, f/2.5 Hektor was the first ‘fast’ lens produced by Leitz for the Leica. The mount was much like its stable-mate. the 5cm, f/3.5 Elmar. About 10,000 were made, most before 1938. Production records show the beginning year … Continue reading →

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did you hear? the fat’s in the auction!

Posted on June 19, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. The 9cm Elmar was made from 1931 to 1968 – nearly 40 years. It was an early addition to the Leica stable once interchangeable lenses were marketed. The 9cm focal length had a pleasant presentation of head and bust … Continue reading →

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as good as a nod

Posted on June 18, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. So called detective cameras became popular once the speed of dry plate technology allowed hand held use in day light. The camera itself was built into or enclosed by various satchels, leather boxes, purses, etc. At our December, 2003 … Continue reading →

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a view from above

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. When the novel Leica camera took off in the 1930s, Leitz created a plethora of accessories to allow the tiny marvel to be used for almost every photographic task. Years earlier, folders and box cameras used a viewfinder where … Continue reading →

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Port Colborne Auction June 25 & 26

Posted on June 16, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Our joint journal editor, David Bridge whipped up this tasty poster for the auction weekend we have landed for the end of June. I am nearly finished photographing the Leica stuff (some rather rare pieces) and will post them … Continue reading →

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our boys used it too

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Another use for photography was to reduce the size and weight of letters. George Dunbar shares with us an article from the February, 1943 issue of Popular Mechanics titled, “Tiny Films Speed ‘V-Mail’  to Men Overseas“. While the article touts … Continue reading →

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Port Colborne Auction June 25 & 26 2022

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Hard on the heels of our Spring Fair, we will be hosting our first ever auction OUTSIDE of Toronto. This two day event will be at the Lion’s Club hall in Port Colborne. On auction are many pieces collected … Continue reading →

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a cautionary tale

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Robert

Toronto.  In 2005, ebay was a popular source of rare cameras and images much desired by collectors of photographic material. Some sellers gained sufficient experience to ‘sell’ their skill to those who had a one-off sale of items. There was … Continue reading →

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one more reason

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Port Colborne, some 90km from Toronto is a beautiful part of the Niagara peninsula. On the shores of Lake Erie, a short distance from Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and other popular destinations, the Port is gorgeous this time of year. … Continue reading →

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