Author Archives: Robert

strange bedfellows …

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. We collectors of photography – images, hardware, ephemera, etc. Or fans of photographic history, seldom consider other non-photographic collectibles. At least three German camera makers; Leitz and Zeiss, who established themselves decades earlier as makers of quality microscopes, binoculars, … Continue reading →

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the good old soccer game …

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Collectors of sports photos should consider soccer photos like the one at left of our 1888 team that wowed fans by beating the British team. Member (and past president, author, photographer, collector etc.) Les Jones wrote a book review … Continue reading →

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patronage and photography

Posted on December 1, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. As an old photo collector, you may have noticed that the back of some CdVs and cabinet cards have an elaborate design stating the photographer’s special relationship with British royalty. Continuing our 25th anniversary theme, in issue 25-5 of … Continue reading →

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heady days of mail/phone auctions

Posted on November 30, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Just over a quarter century ago, we felt a mail order catalogue of auction items would allow distant members of the PHSC to participate. Member Stan White volunteered to write the catalogue, not realizing the tremendous task he would … Continue reading →

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a couple of rare birds …

Posted on November 29, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. The cover shot for issue 25-5 featured two rare 35mm cameras from the 1930s  and early 1940s courtesy of Shelton Chen (HIT Camera owner, Karsh expert). Inside, editor Bob Lansdale added this choice description of the two cameras: “Our … Continue reading →

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inclement weather can make great photos

Posted on November 28, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. In collecting old photos, one source may be old photographic greeting cards. Our journal editor, the late Bob Lansdale, wrote this article and anecdote from a conversation with the previous journal editor, the late EvRoseborough. Bob Writes, “As we … Continue reading →

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reflections of the past

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. We all have memories of how we became involved in photography. Sometimes a camera or cameras are gifted and our innate  curiosity takes over. The late Dr Robert Wilson, for many years very active in the PHSC – you … Continue reading →

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a very special old photo contest

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. In the early years of the PHSC, we ended the ‘year’ with a summer picnic and photo contest – but with a difference. The locale was noted for featuring the olden days (like Black Creek Pioneer Village here in … Continue reading →

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a tale of the shutter tester

Posted on November 25, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Editor Bob Lansdale published a number of extra page journals to celebrate our 25th. In issue 25-4, Past President, the late Ron Anger, wrote an article titled, “The Shutter Tester” (back then, camera collectors and users often attempted to … Continue reading →

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what about the …

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. …Tasmanian Leica Lens? In celebration of our 25th anniversary, editor Bob Lansdale cajoled the editors of our exchange journals to offer up an article for Photographic Canadiana. Ray Moss of the LHSA submitted Chris Kok’s article, “The Tasmanian Leica … Continue reading →

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