Author Archives: Robert

latest PhotoEd out now

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. My favourite editor, Rita Godlevskis, sent me an email yesterday announcing that her latest issue of PhotoEd magazine has just hit the newsstands. It discusses the role of photography in activism. Have a look.

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cars and photos – a natural combination

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. The photo at left is from the VPL (a PHSC member). The cut line reads, ” 100 years ago US and Canadian auto clubs met in Blaine, WA.  Photo, Stuart Thomson January 26, 1918 – Vancouver Public Library”. A big … Continue reading →

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today’s worthless junk …

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. … tomorrow’s rare historical artifact. In the 1930’s the FSA photographers recorded farm and rural life as affected by drought and depression. To be sure only chosen images were printed, all outtakes were uniquely marked as rejects. George Dunbar … Continue reading →

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Kodak can be very professional

Posted on August 23, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Over the years, Kodak has covered a wide range of photographers – from absolute greenhorns to the very professional folk. As a youth I learned that Kodak even reserved selected items to be sold to their ‘professional’ stores. At … Continue reading →

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refuge from the bright light brigade

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. A December, 1921 article in Popular Mechanics shows how movie processes were performed while delicate eyes were protected from the bright lights so necessary back then when both lenses and media were pathetically slow. Before each scene, a cameraman … Continue reading →

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bellows, bellows, everywhere

Posted on August 21, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. A bellows is synonymous with film photography. For decades, a bellows was one means used to adjust the focal distance between lens and sensitive media so the camera could accommodate any subject distance from say a metre or two … Continue reading →

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watching you

Posted on August 20, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. The premiere binoculars pre WW2 were brands like Leitz or Zeiss or Ross. When the war broke out export of the binoculars ceased and they became military assets. This left the US struggling with its locally made products. Fortunately, … Continue reading →

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a screwy standard

Posted on August 19, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Standards mean repairs can be made outside the factory. They also mean third parties can make accessories that will fit products from many makers. This applies to photography too. You can usually mount a camera to any tripod. Accessories … Continue reading →

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bravely optimistic

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. The summer of 1943 found America at war on two fronts: in Europe against the onslaught of Hitler and in the Pacific against Hirohito and the Japanese. At this time, native American industries swung over to war production with … Continue reading →

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a TLR box camera

Posted on August 17, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. In July, 1940, Kodak placed an ad in Popular Mechanics announcing its new “TLR” Brownie. The camera was short lived (1940-41) but did last a decade longer as a synchronized version taking flash bulbs. Aside from the bight full-size … Continue reading →

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