Author Archives: Robert

flashy stuff

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. The idea of flash powder offered a bright light for photography – and facial burns for the unwary. Magnesium Ribbon allowed a controlled amount of “flash powder” to be used giving the bright light while avoiding the accidental burns. … Continue reading →

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know when to fold ’em …

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. … as Kenny Rogers once sang. A step up in camera design was the so-called folder popular around 1930-1950. Between uses, the camera could be easily collapsed for the pocket. The focussing bellows collapsed into the camera body along … Continue reading →

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mostly brass and glass

Posted on January 18, 2026 by Robert

Toronto.  In the 1800s brass was often used to manufacture scientific instruments (like microscopes) as it was easy to machine, stable, and inexpensive. A natural follow on was early small brass cameras and  brass mounts for photographic lenses. More commonly … Continue reading →

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holy Hannah!

Posted on January 17, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. It’s time for our monthly Toronto meeting. While it  is usually on the third Wednesday of the month, this time we join PhotoED magazine this Sunday, January 18, 2026 2 – 5 pm at the Arts & Letters club, … Continue reading →

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postcard show February 22nd 2026

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. We often find old photographs and postcards with old photographs. Here in Toronto we have an enthusiastic group of collectors, some of whom are also PHSC members. Here is a note (and postcard – what else) on the next … Continue reading →

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home movies again …

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. In the time before digital and smart phones everywhere, a sub set of amateur photographers took and projected movies. Home movies entertained us after watching the ‘boob tube’ lost interest momentarily. The late Alan Katttelle from down Massachusetts way, … Continue reading →

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from the very beginning …

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Photography was announced in January 1839 by two very different men as two very different processes, both based on the reaction of silver salts to light. And both were  successful because a means was discovered to make the resulting … Continue reading →

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wedding bells coming soon

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Robert

  Toronto. With the chilly weather, it’s a great time to think ahead to June brides … In issue 26-3 of our journal, editor Bob Lansdale wrote and illustrated an article titled, “Wedding Photography …”. The images are from the … Continue reading →

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Jan 25, 2026 Museum Auction Part 2

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Robert

Toronto.  Part 2 is coming fast – our January 2026 Museum Auction Part 2, Sunday, January 25, 2026 in Long Branch (south west Toronto) at the usual venue BUT at the slightly later time (see poster) – free parking [OVERFLOW … Continue reading →

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I wonder what it’s worth?

Posted on January 11, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. For many years, the definitive price guide to old cameras was McKeown’s, Issue 26-3 announced the arrival of the 11th edition of the famous guide: “We’ll finally see the all-new McKeown’s Price Guide in January 2001 at a hefty price of $125 US for the … Continue reading →

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