Author Archives: Robert

rock of ages

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. One of the first old cameras I acquired was a lensless field camera made by the Rochester Optical Co. I was given a lenses (in a shutter) later in Montreal which I added to the camera using a home-made … Continue reading →

Posted in history | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on rock of ages

a way to get some old photos

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. One of our exchange societies, The Daguerreian Society, raises funds via commercial announcements of auctions. Two are occurring  in the next few weeks in collaboration with Canada Book Auctions. While these auctions take place in Toronto, check which currency … Continue reading →

Posted in activities-other | Tagged , | Comments Off on a way to get some old photos

another archive for photo collectors

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. MiPHS member and good friend of many PHSC folk, Cynthia Motzenbecker, sent this copy of Anne Bennington-Helber’s email message to the PHSC and others: “I wanted to share the GREAT news that the real-photo postcard series from the David V. … Continue reading →

Posted in history | Tagged , , | Comments Off on another archive for photo collectors

not Kit Carson

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. As camera collectors, did you ever wonder how the instruments you cherish and lust after made it here as new products to be marketed by retail shops across our nation? For example, I recall the late Bill Belier telling … Continue reading →

Posted in history | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on not Kit Carson

hi yo silver …

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. … as the Lone Ranger called to his white steed. My buddy and I used to listen to the radio program featuring the adventures of the Lone Ranger back in the late 1940s. Which brings us to the metal … Continue reading →

Posted in history | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on hi yo silver …

Brodie’s Machine

Posted on March 21, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Brodie Whitelaw (photographer) was well known to professional photographers in Ontario, especially past-editor Ev Roseborough. Brodie spoke at our May, 1989 meeting displaying a sampling of his skill via many beautiful prints. Born in 1910, Brodie died decades later … Continue reading →

Posted in history | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Brodie’s Machine

the eye looker redux

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. I mentioned in earlier post that we camera collectors sometimes collect other oddball optical gadgets too. In the last issue (22-2) Ev wrote about a 1901 souvenir he discovered amongst Brodie Whitelaw’s gear and suggested it was a Stanhope … Continue reading →

Posted in history | Tagged , , | Comments Off on the eye looker redux

how bright is yonder light

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. One element of a good photograph is correct illumination. Early days of the art saw a variety of charts, tables, and gadgets marketed or offered to aid the budding professional. From dry plates on, this aspect of the art … Continue reading →

Posted in history | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on how bright is yonder light

billboard in the bog

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Photo collectors often cherish  outdoor photos and work photos. This image hits both topics, but may be a bit too new for the collecting fraternity. Shown here is a billboard size Tropospheric Scatter antenna from the late 1950s. Microwave … Continue reading →

Posted in history | Tagged , , | Comments Off on billboard in the bog

Emerald isle thoughts and a camera question

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. And a fine St Pattie’s day to you too! On this lovely Monday, we share a tale from our friend and past president, author, sports photographer, collector, etc., etc., Les Jones. I received an email from Les asking if … Continue reading →

Posted in activities | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Emerald isle thoughts and a camera question