Author Archives: Robert

miner 49er

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. The Daguerreian Society is a scholarly organization more dedicated to the first photographic process than even France, the home of Louis Daguerre! This is obvious from the effort expended in its Symposiums, Annuals, and Quarterlies (the 28 page DSQ … Continue reading →

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a closer look

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. For many years the convention for mini-cams was infinity down to one metre (1m). Many normal lenses for the Leica followed this standard leading to a variety of means to frame and focus in the macro range – closer … Continue reading →

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with a little help from my friends

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. My good friend George Dunbar unearthed this digital montage in the Guardian as reported in a column by Glen Helfand entitled, “Tech bros, socialites and Metallica: the mural capturing San Francisco in 2019“. Only part is shown here – … Continue reading →

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elephants have them too

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Be sure to visit our 9th TRUNK SALE this coming July 14th at our usual location – Trident Hall, 145 Evans Ave, Toronto. It will be held outdoors in rain or shine. Choice locations on first come, first choice … Continue reading →

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a day to remember

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. This past Sunday was a warm, sunny, and cheerful day. It was also our annual spring fair and for the first time in a long time I missed it (my wife is recovering from surgery). Fortunately, my good friend, … Continue reading →

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be wise, digitize

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. No need for such a slogan today – EVERYBODY went digital (there are still some niche players that insist on  the beauty of the old film technique). In the film era every photo was carefully framed and shot. A … Continue reading →

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Voigtlander, my Voigtlander

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. 1956 was a land mark year for many. In the case of the oldest photography company in the world, It was its 200th anniversary – born years before photography itself! One of its remarkable offerings was the Vito B … Continue reading →

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belly-button school of photography

Posted on May 27, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Camera makers tried to categorize their products as having a better way to make photos. Using a waist level finder was one way – introducing the “belly-button school of photography” – a term of which I had never heard … Continue reading →

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shine a light on me 2

Posted on May 26, 2019 by Robert

M2 PowerMite flash bulb ad in LIFE magazine Toronto. In the 1950s one big opportunity was assisting amateurs to make night or indoor shots. General Electric (GE) was well respected at the time for manufacturing light bulbs. They saw two … Continue reading →

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they’re coming, they’re coming

Posted on May 25, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Not the Russians like the old movie title, but the Japanese camera makers. Until after the Korean War in the early 1950s, the Japanese industry made little inroads in the west. This changed when Americans discovered the Nikon F … Continue reading →

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