Author Archives: Robert

September is Fall Auction Month

Posted on August 8, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. We are hosting our Fall Auction September 17, 2023. This will be an Estate Auction with no consignments at the door (sorry). For a ‘sneak’ preview of some of the lots, click the little Minox (lot 096) icon on … Continue reading →

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Odessa Antique Show

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. As collectors we are constantly in search of that rare piece to add to our collection. The PHSC shows are often a good source. Another source seldom mentioned here is Antique Shows. They too might have gems for your … Continue reading →

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the future looks fascinating

Posted on August 6, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. When digital came along, photography was revolutionized. Pictures were technically perfect with a digital ‘auto everything’ camera. It still took a professional or knowledgeable amateur to understand framing, lighting, etc for a shot that was steady and captured feelings. … Continue reading →

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botany and the first book with cyanotypes of specimens

Posted on August 5, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. Did you ever wonder about the first time a book was printed with photographs included? And the topic? and the author? Well, wonder no more! My good friend and fellow PHSC member, Les Jones, (author, sports photographer, past president … Continue reading →

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Lucy again

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. No, not the TV series, “I Love Lucy”, and the madcap antics of Lucille Ball, her husband Desi,  and friends. but the tiny drawing aid, the camera lucida. In an earlier post this year (Feb 19th, 2023) titled simply … Continue reading →

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one quarter photographer

Posted on August 3, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. Beatlemania hit North America in the 1960s. I knew a girl in Montreal who had every Beatles LP ever pressed. Of the Fab Four, it was Paul Mc Carney who also made a name for himself as a photographer. … Continue reading →

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auction-time … and the bargains are many

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Robert

Toronto.  Next month will be fall … and Auction time again! Be sure you mark the date: SUNDAY, September 17th. It’s another INDOOR AUCTION down in the Long Branch area of Toronto at the usual venue and our slightly later … Continue reading →

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it ain’t no Leica

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. Like many 1940s, and ’50s 35mm cameras in contemporary ads, Clarus touted quality comparing the camera indirectly to a Leica, but far less costly. Like the famous little camera manufactured in Germany by Leitz, Clarus was small, compact, chose … Continue reading →

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the stone kids

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. Giass was king of the photographic base materials for decades covering wet plate, dry plate, and into the film era. Glass was an ideal medium for photography. It was transparent, flat,  grain free – if carefully made – and … Continue reading →

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focus eruptus

Posted on July 30, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. Photography was used to record volcanic activity over a century ago, an activity that continues to this day. A more recent example being a colour video of  an eruption in Hawaii (shown on TV). The record of an eruption … Continue reading →

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