Author Archives: Robert

Oh to be in Van now fall is here!

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. I heard from Tonchi the other day. The fall camera swap meet out in Vancouver will be held on October 6th this year. If you are looking to visit BC or will be in the Vancouver area early next … Continue reading →

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mom says screens are bad for your eyes

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. This copy of the frontispiece of an 1876 book at the TPL titled, “Shadows on the Screen; or, An Evening With The Children” reminds us that “screens” have been around for well over a century now. As a kid … Continue reading →

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east side, west side

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Fall is here. The last day of the CNE for this year is the air show today. The Toronto Sun ran an article by Mike Filey and this old postcard for the occasion last Saturday. Mike was an early member … Continue reading →

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Bolex? Bollocks!

Posted on September 1, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Bolex from Paillard of Switzerland, was indeed the preeminent movie camera maker for 16mm and later 8mm cameras, but this spread (pp58-60) in the December 2, 1957 LIFE magazine sucks since it lists ONLY American dealers in spite of … Continue reading →

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from Talbot to Stieglitz

Posted on August 31, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. In March 1991, the PHSC presented me with this book in the hard cover version. The NY Public Library (or NYC Public Library as I have it listed) became a long time member of the PHSC and remains an … Continue reading →

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a camera for the common man

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. I first heard American composer Aaron Copland’s “fanfare for the common man” back in late 1957 when I picked up a Westminster LP titled “Copland“. And like Copland’s well covered composition, the little Minolta was indeed made for the … Continue reading →

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I don’t believe it!

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. This was the catch phrase the old curmudgeon Mr. Meldrew used in  the decade long British  sitcom “One Foot in the Grave“. Meldrew was played by the Scottish actor Richard Wilson. When I saw this page 9 ad from … Continue reading →

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brave new world

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Aldous Huxley wrote his novel “Brave New World” in 1931. As a youth I read a paper back copy of the story. back in the time when a profusion of paper back titles offered a cheap education to everyone. … Continue reading →

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… blinding me with science …

Posted on August 27, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. The second release of Thomas Dolby‘s CD “The Golden Age of Wireless” (after the song “She’s Blinding Me With Science” became a hit single in 1982 and was added to the CD) was the inspiration for this post.  In … Continue reading →

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collecting and using classic cameras

Posted on August 26, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. When I joined the newly formed PHSC back in 1975, I was looking for good used lenses and accessories for my Leica M4 which I bought a few years earlier. In the late 1970s, I ordered Dr Neill Wright’s … Continue reading →

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