Author Archives: Robert

the tale of a long lens …

Posted on April 11, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. On a chilly February 15 night in 1983, I attended the PHSC monthly meeting as I usually did each month. A young man (Leon) approached me offering a 135mm Elmar that was once his father’s.  I declined the offer … Continue reading →

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spring is in the air …

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. … and our spring auction is coming up fast. At left is an item from our spring auction six years ago in 2020. The Sigma Zoom 120mm – 400mm is an example of what you may find this year. … Continue reading →

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beyond the frame

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. While we are primarily a photographic  collectors club, many of our members also take photographs. In its earlier days, the PHSC sponsored an annual photographic contest for its members with winning photos featured in our journal. The skills of … Continue reading →

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it’s light and sharp, said Bill …

Posted on April 8, 2026 by Robert

Toronto … as he showed me the Angular f/3.3 28mm screw mount Leica lens by Berthiot of Paris. We were at the March 19th, 1986 PHSC meeting. The little lens in a brass, aluminum coated mount, went on trips to … Continue reading →

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taking a shine to things

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Image collectors have a wide range of sources available for unusual old images. At left is what seems to be a tintype of a youngster polishing shoes. The image is tagged as lot 47 in the Capitol Gallery‘s Spring … Continue reading →

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by popular demand …

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Robert
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cut ups

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Camera collectors sometimes collect various odds and ends related to cameras such as plate and film holders. When film evolved late in the 1800s, for a time film rolls and film holders overlapped. Using a thicker base, cut (sheet) … Continue reading →

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it’s magic …

Posted on April 4, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. It seems appropriate to put Dr Robert Wilson’s book review on our site as the Magic Lantern Society is holding its “21st International Convention” here in Toronto at the Black Creek Pioneer Village this April 24-26th. I bought my … Continue reading →

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strummin’

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Image collectors seem like a gregarious bunch, and no wonder. Many antique stores, junk shops, flea markets, fairs, auction houses, etc. seem to carry old photos which may suit their collection. Greg French down New England way is a … Continue reading →

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Photographic Canadiana 51-3

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Editors David Bridge and Louise Freyburger have issued Photographic Canadiana 51-3 to members in pdf format via a MailChimp notification. The issue contains a number of well researched and illustrated articles – “Photographers, Retailers, and Manufacturers: The Toronto Photographic … Continue reading →

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