Category Archives: history

home movies again …

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. In the time before digital and smart phones everywhere, a sub set of amateur photographers took and projected movies. Home movies entertained us after watching the ‘boob tube’ lost interest momentarily. The late Alan Katttelle from down Massachusetts way, … Continue reading →

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from the very beginning …

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Photography was announced in January 1839 by two very different men as two very different processes, both based on the reaction of silver salts to light. And both were  successful because a means was discovered to make the resulting … Continue reading →

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wedding bells coming soon

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Robert

  Toronto. With the chilly weather, it’s a great time to think ahead to June brides … In issue 26-3 of our journal, editor Bob Lansdale wrote and illustrated an article titled, “Wedding Photography …”. The images are from the … Continue reading →

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I wonder what it’s worth?

Posted on January 11, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. For many years, the definitive price guide to old cameras was McKeown’s, Issue 26-3 announced the arrival of the 11th edition of the famous guide: “We’ll finally see the all-new McKeown’s Price Guide in January 2001 at a hefty price of $125 US for the … Continue reading →

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ever see an ‘ugly duckling’ camera?

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Robert

Toronto,  I received my copy of the MiPHSC Photogram (53-4, Winter 2025) a few weeks back. In it was an article by Rob Niederman (known for his collection and knowledge of cameras) titled “My Collection Has An Ugly Duckling”. Join … Continue reading →

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to die for…

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. … is a popular expression describing a very special item. In the issue 26-3 column “Book Shelf”, Dr Wilson describes a book of photographs by photographer William James. The book’s illustrations were made using rare hand coloured slides from … Continue reading →

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old (and large) studio cameras and supports

Posted on January 4, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. In an earlier post I mentioned Neil Fox and his interest in old wooden cameras. An example of his work is shown in the December 31, 2025 post (A Colourful Lecturer). Neil (see left) attended our fall 2000 fair … Continue reading →

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the fair of fairs

Posted on January 3, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Mid last century ANY photographic related product worth owning was first announced at Photokina in Germany. In issue 26-3 (Nov 2003) member Gunter Ott wrote an extensive article on Photokina after his visited the fair’s 50th anniversary, held in … Continue reading →

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Frank’s cameras

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. It’s a new year and a post on an article in a new issue – issue 26 – issued under the very capable hands of editor Robert Lansdale. Both Bob and wife Marge are now deceased. Both were retired … Continue reading →

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a colourful lecturer …

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Bill Belier’s column “A Treasure From My Collection” in issue 26-2 addresses Neil Fox of Humber College and his hobby of restoring the massive studio cameras of the past. Also experienced in many aspects colour film photography, Neil spoke … Continue reading →

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