Category Archives: history

making it better … sort of …

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. The late Larry Gubas, once president of the Zeiss Historical Society, editor of its journal (Zeiss Historica), and author of a number of Zeiss historical books (including the massive Zeiss and Photography, perhaps his best publication) wrote an interesting … Continue reading →

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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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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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another use for paper …

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. The idea of roll film revitalized the use of sensitized paper (negatives). In fact various roll film mechanisms were developed to use the medium in cameras. An example is the Warnerke Roll Film Holder. Editor Robert Lansdale wrote about … Continue reading →

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a DAR mystery train

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Collectors of old images sometimes concentrate on transportation photos, or have a subset of their collection comprising of transportation/train photos. Here is a mystery you perhaps can solve. Jeff Ward in Halifax dropped me a line the other day … Continue reading →

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flying off the shelf …

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. … Like a bat out of hell. In late 1948, Edwin Land dropped a bombshell on the photographic world.  He put to market a revolutionary camera and film system that took a monochrome photo and developed the positive print … Continue reading →

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top ‘o the mornin’ to ya

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. As we near St Pattie’s day, this is a suitable post. It is based on a follow up article titled “A SECOND LOOK …”. Editor Lansdale expands on photographer John Turner reporting a lens swap between Dr Mike Robinson … Continue reading →

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a different Montreal studio

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. We have all heard about the famous Notman studio on Bleury in Montreal. Here is another studio on the corner of Bleury and Craig. This is the Summerhayes & Walford studio on second and third floors of the building. Editor … Continue reading →

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seen any ‘lizards’ recently?

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Most of our event offerings are either German or North American. Occasionally we see English products. Rarely do we see Scottish cameras. The remarkable camera in Bill Belier’s issue 27-1 column is a rare Lizars (not lizard) from Scotland. … Continue reading →

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