Author Archives: Robert

mythography

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. When I was a kid, I spent a few weeks in the bush with my dad’s brother. My uncle mentioned his horse was skittish around loud noises so he returned to Ontario. “Like gunshots?”, I naively asked. My uncle … Continue reading →

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THE FRENCH-CANADIAN TRAPPER

Posted on June 22, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. It appears to me that many image collectors enjoy their finds briefly, then offer them at a bit higher price to the next collector. Some, like the owner of this image, and our own editor of the day, Bob … Continue reading →

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on the shoulders of others

Posted on June 21, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. The thing that separates us from all other species on this old ball of dirt is … learning. Humans learn from their ancestors and this learning allows us to extend knowledge, generation after generation. We photographic collectors are very … Continue reading →

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remembering a feisty member

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. In 1990, Bob McMann joined the PHSC and became its authority on Nikon history and products. Three years later Bob joined the PHSC Executive as Programme Director and then two years later as 2nd VP. Long before computers became … Continue reading →

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postcards from photographs

Posted on June 19, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. The photograph at left is taken from a postcard made from a photograph by W H Gardiner. It is used as the cover shot for issue  24-2. The image introduces a lengthy illustrated article by a lady who once … Continue reading →

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Dr Stephen Shohet 1934 – 2024

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. We at the PHSC have always welcomed all folks, world-wide. While most members are here in Canada, there is a contingent of American and other international members. Stephen was one of the latter, hailing from San Francisco. I received … Continue reading →

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Marg’s camera

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. In issue 24-2 Bill Belier continued his column “A Treasure From My Collection …” with a discussion of a British Press camera – the VN Press Focal-Plane camera. This VN was picked up at one of our fairs by … Continue reading →

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when Leitz made Leicas and lenses in Midland

Posted on June 16, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Post ww2 Leitz decided to diversify their camera and lens production by adding a plant outside Germany. According to my friend, the late Bill Belier, the Canadian distributor, Walter Carveth, suggested Canada for the new plant  and in particular … Continue reading →

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ye gads! where are my Dags?

Posted on June 15, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Some time back (October, 1997) we had a talk by Michael Pritchard of Christie’s Auction house. Their NY branch recently announced the online auction of “The Maillet Daguerreotype Collection” with bids accepted until June 26th. The  notice was carried … Continue reading →

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summertime is coming – exec meeting #59

Posted on June 14, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Meeting #59 via ZOOM was held last week with many regulars unavailable for a variety of reasons, mostly personal. Once again there were no urgent issues to be minuted and voted. The spring fair, like the spring auction was … Continue reading →

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