the famous LUZO detective camera
Toronto. As the 2026 Spring Fair quickly approaches, what is more suitable than a look back at a 2001/2 article about a camera discovered at our inaugural Fall fair?
In Bill Belier’s column, “A Treasure From My Collection”, Bill begins, “Some days you get lucky and such was the case for John Linsky on Sunday, October 20, 1985. The date is only memorable because it was the day of the inaugural PHSC Fall Fair.
“After eleven successful consecutive spring fairs, the Society believed that growing public interest in photographica, in the greater Toronto area, warranted a second such effort. The result exceeded our expectations, and the October Fall Fair became an annual event for the PHSC.
“But what was so lucky and so memorable for John L. on that day? As he recalls the events – with less than one hour to closing time the activities were slowing down. He glanced cross the aisle at his neighbour’s table and noticed what he took to be a dark wooden box camera …he wondered why he hadn’t noticed it before.
“Fortunately for him he lost no time in crossing the aisle to inspect the camera. Instantly he knew the rarity of what he was holding – a Luzo Detective Camera!
“Being the pragmatic and experienced negotiator that John is, he dispensed with the customary “might be interested” ploy and quickly arrived at a purchase price, mutually satisfactory to both parties …only about five minutes had elapsed since he first noticed the camera! But John had another surprise in store for him.” …
Members read the pdf file for issue 27-4 on the ‘free’ members-only thumb drive and discovered John’s ‘other surprise’ that day. You can too. Join or renew above (Membership) and at right. Send any questions to member@phsc.ca.
Join us at this year’s Spring Fair – you might find a Luzo or other interesting item!
