Author Archives: Robert

a photo’s back pages

Posted on April 7, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. In the dirty thirties, the FSA in the States was busy recording the impact of the severe dry spell and depression on farmers. Dorthea Lange was one of their photographers. She captured this iconic image of a migrant mother … Continue reading →

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a camera fit for a Queen

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. The German optical firm of Ernst Leitz began as a maker of optical objects including microscopes. In the mid 1920s to keep its factory open and staff working, Leitz began the sale and manufacture of the 35mm Leica camera … Continue reading →

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catching the wave

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. My now elderly NEX-6 boasts a maximum ISO of 25,600 (so noisy only black and white images are okay). Back in 1967, a maximum ASA (ISO) unpushed, was around ASA 400 (Tri-X). This speed was far too slow to … Continue reading →

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midnight on main

Posted on April 4, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. Daniel Freeman of the UK is a photographer who enjoys taking night scenes. He writes, “Fascinated by the way the world appears at night, I am drawn by a compulsion to photograph in the times when everything is at its … Continue reading →

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controlling the market

Posted on April 3, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. For decades Kodak controlled the film market by creating new film sizes and the cameras to use them. Heavy advertising prompted the ill informed public to buy the latest Kodak camera and use Kodak film.  An example is this … Continue reading →

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nearly as scarce as hens’ teeth

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. Have you ever seen an authentic wet-plate camera in fine condition? No? Brass lenses from the wet-plate period abound at fairs like ours, but few cameras exist and even fewer unrestored ones in top condition. And there is good … Continue reading →

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spring bloomers, spring roomers

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. Isn’t it great? Spring is here! Flowers! Grass! Bugs! Sunshine and showers! Kodak moments one and all. And of course rumours. Digital technology has had an horrific impact on the photographic industry. The landscape is littered with dead corporations … Continue reading →

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ZOOMin’ in on PHSC monthly meetings

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. The ZOOM concept has opened our monthly Toronto meetings to a world-wide audience, not just those in driving distance to our facility at Memorial Hall in North York (Toronto).  Our Programme Director, Celio Barreto, has worked far beyond our … Continue reading →

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can you help us with this question?

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. As many of you may know, amongst other ideals, we are devoted to helping others with photographic history questions – especially Canadian. The other day we had a question from the curator of the Lennox-Addington Museum and Archives in … Continue reading →

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watcha doin’ Sport?

Posted on March 29, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. Growing up, camera innovation seemed to be mostly German with a dash of other European and American tossed in. But Russian? Really? According to this article from BBC’s Future site, dated 18th May 2016, by Stephen Dowling, “How this odd-looking … Continue reading →

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