Author Archives: Robert

May 3, 2026 Spring Auction

Toronto.  Our  Spring  Auction is this Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 in Long Branch (south west Toronto) at the usual venue  – free parking [OVERFLOW AT GO TRAIN LOT JUST WEST of HALL] and free admission. This Estates auction features goodies … Continue reading →

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shrewd marketing …

Toronto. Some high end camera manufacturers came up with a shrewd means to gain exposure. The firms marketed various items associated with their name or marque. For example, Leitz offered items like the Swiss army knife at left branded with … Continue reading →

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the tale of a long lens …

Toronto. On a chilly February 15 night in 1983, I attended the PHSC monthly meeting as I usually did each month. A young man (Leon) approached me offering a 135mm Elmar that was once his father’s.  I declined the offer … Continue reading →

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spring is in the air …

Toronto. … and our spring auction is coming up fast. At left is an item from our spring auction six years ago in 2020. The Sigma Zoom 120mm – 400mm is an example of what you may find this year. … Continue reading →

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beyond the frame

Toronto. While we are primarily a photographic  collectors club, many of our members also take photographs. In its earlier days, the PHSC sponsored an annual photographic contest for its members with winning photos featured in our journal. The skills of … Continue reading →

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it’s light and sharp, said Bill …

Toronto … as he showed me the Angular f/3.3 28mm screw mount Leica lens by Berthiot of Paris. We were at the March 19th, 1986 PHSC meeting. The little lens in a brass, aluminum coated mount, went on trips to … Continue reading →

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taking a shine to things

Toronto. Image collectors have a wide range of sources available for unusual old images. At left is what seems to be a tintype of a youngster polishing shoes. The image is tagged as lot 47 in the Capitol Gallery‘s Spring … Continue reading →

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by popular demand …

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cut ups

Toronto. Camera collectors sometimes collect various odds and ends related to cameras such as plate and film holders. When film evolved late in the 1800s, for a time film rolls and film holders overlapped. Using a thicker base, cut (sheet) … Continue reading →

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it’s magic …

Toronto. It seems appropriate to put Dr Robert Wilson’s book review on our site as the Magic Lantern Society is holding its “21st International Convention” here in Toronto at the Black Creek Pioneer Village this April 24-26th. I bought my … Continue reading →

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