Author Archives: Robert

to die for…

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. … is a popular expression describing a very special item. In the issue 26-3 column “Book Shelf”, Dr Wilson describes a book of photographs by photographer William James. The book’s illustrations were made using rare hand coloured slides from … Continue reading →

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Museum Auction Pt 2 – Jan 25, 2026

Posted on January 5, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Our first 2026 event is our January 25, 2026 Museum Auction, Part 2 featuring more lots from the Sherman Hines Museum plus other estate items. Sorry, no consignment lots. Questions? Drop auctioneer Clint a note at auction@phsc.ca.

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old (and large) studio cameras and supports

Posted on January 4, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. In an earlier post I mentioned Neil Fox and his interest in old wooden cameras. An example of his work is shown in the December 31, 2025 post (A Colourful Lecturer). Neil (see left) attended our fall 2000 fair … Continue reading →

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the fair of fairs

Posted on January 3, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Mid last century ANY photographic related product worth owning was first announced at Photokina in Germany. In issue 26-3 (Nov 2003) member Gunter Ott wrote an extensive article on Photokina after his visited the fair’s 50th anniversary, held in … Continue reading →

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Frank’s cameras

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. It’s a new year and a post on an article in a new issue – issue 26 – issued under the very capable hands of editor Robert Lansdale. Both Bob and wife Marge are now deceased. Both were retired … Continue reading →

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happy new year folks (2026)

Posted on January 1, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. We look forward to the New Year. In spite of the turmoil down south, America’s President  Trump did some good for us – he blessed us with a great, worldly, action oriented prime minister and provoked us to action … Continue reading →

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a colourful lecturer …

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Bill Belier’s column “A Treasure From My Collection” in issue 26-2 addresses Neil Fox of Humber College and his hobby of restoring the massive studio cameras of the past. Also experienced in many aspects colour film photography, Neil spoke … Continue reading →

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bigger is better …

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Once the CdV size of photos ran its course, entrepreneurs used larger size carded photos to spark sales, culminating in the very large ‘promenade’ photos. An article by Bob Wilson highlights the history of carded photos starting with the … Continue reading →

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on the move again …

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. After Leitz sold its Midland plant to the American military contractor  Hughes Aircraft (Los Angeles), Leica sales and repair in Canada bounced from one distributor to another, landing briefly at Lisle-Kelco who closed in 2003. The brief article accompanying … Continue reading →

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ghost of fairs past …

Posted on December 28, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. … with apologies to Dickens and his short story, “A Christmas Carol”. Our spring 2000 fair offered fodder for a photo essay in issue 26-2 of our journal. The camera at right is just one of the items offered … Continue reading →

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