Author Archives: Robert

the accidental collector

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. I bought my first 35mm camera – a Minolta Super A around the late 1950s. I was amazed at the clarity of the f/2 Rokkor lens. About a year later I moved on to an SLR Exakta. It had … Continue reading →

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on your mark,

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. You may have wondered about so called Canadian cameras. They seem to cluster around two points: cheap and inexpensive cameras (mostly box cameras), and high end models (Leica cameras and lenses once from Midland). Some years ago, member John … Continue reading →

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a slight touch-up is in order …

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Early to mid last century professionals used larger glass plates or cut film to create photographs. Most prints were contact prints making ‘dodge’ and ‘burn’ to adjust exposure and contrast impractical. Instead, professionals would have staff use a retouching … Continue reading →

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easing tension

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. In a recent post I discussed techniques used on post washed prints to remove any excess water and treat the surface. The effect of ignoring post washing processes on film – especially 35mm or smaller – is even more … Continue reading →

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shifting value over time

Posted on April 20, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Like many antiques, old photographs tend to appreciate with age. The value of a specific photograph  depends on many factors: condition, process used, subject (famous? pedestrian? newsworthy? etc.), current interest, studio, turnover, … A note from past president, sports … Continue reading →

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dry your photos m’dear …

Posted on April 19, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Do you remember glass plates and film?  These negative materials were contact printed or an enlarger was used to create the inverted paper print we used to see in grannie’s album or perhaps our own album or ‘box of … Continue reading →

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t’row da book at him!

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Our society was founded in 1974 during the rapid growth of Photographic Historical Societies –  essentially like-minded folk who collected cameras and possibly old  photographs. Over time ranks swelled as people interested in the history of photography joined, followed … Continue reading →

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blink of an eye

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Up until dry plates became common, camera shutters were simply unnecessary. Timing could be easily set by holding something like a dark hat over the lens then briefly removing and replacing it. Once dry plates and later film became … Continue reading →

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let’s hear it for Exec #57 via ZOOM

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Robert

PHSC President Clint Hryhorijiw Toronto. We seem to be zooming along electronically these days! Meeting #57 via ZOOM moved along smartly. Below is a screen grab of the executive board in lively discussion. Treasurer John Morden sent out his report … Continue reading →

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calling all photographers …

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. A fitting post title for this novel c1948 camera/radio. Editor Bob Lansdale (who ensures these bright crisp images) writes about his cover shot for issue 23-2, “The Tom Thumb Camera Radio, produced by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. of … Continue reading →

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