Category Archives: history

brave new world

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. Today, almost everyone has a smartphone that includes a sophisticated digital camera and editing apps. Stills, selfies, and videos are taken incessantly. With some care, and little or no photographic skill, people capture a decent image. In fact, they … Continue reading →

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that’s life

Posted on August 17, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. Ol’ blue eyes sang “That’s Life” back in 1966. The magazine called LIFE is a fascinating history of the middle class American psyche. Thanks to Google Books, every page can now be read. The magazine’s advertisements are a fertile … Continue reading →

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taking the red-eye out

Posted on August 14, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. When we hear that phrase today, we think the speaker is flying over-night to the coast to wake up bleary eyed and fuzzy for breakfast thousands of miles from home But that wasn’t always so. In the 1950s, colour … Continue reading →

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ruby red window

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. George Eastman’s company announced the Kodak camera in 1888.  Kodak used roll film – originally in 100 exposure rolls. Exposed films were processed and cameras refilled by the Eastman Co. Now, have you ever thought of an easy way … Continue reading →

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doing the Nile in style

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. In 1884-5, Egypt was at war with the Sudan. Britain (and France) controlled the country and Britain fought to keep the Suez Canal open as it materially shortened the route to the East.  To bolster the forces trying to re-capture … Continue reading →

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it’s in the bag

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Robert

Toronto.  Remember film? The exposed film had to be processed so the results (good, bad, or indifferent) could be viewed. For years Kodachrome was purchased with processing included, but along the line the American government decreed Kodak had to separate … Continue reading →

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hop on the band wagon

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. Last century many new (to North America and Europe) camera makers incorporated and touted the latest fads hoping to increase market share. Yashica was no exception with its Electro 35. Yashica used Space Age, Atomic age, and Transistors while … Continue reading →

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both sides now

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. Most of us collect photographs as well as cameras, equipment, books, ephemera, etc. The photographs are usually selected for their process, quality, studio, or possibly subject matter. The picture at left is a positive image of a 4×5 dry … Continue reading →

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a wonderful talk on photographic history

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. It seems everyone has gone on line in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Founder Alan Griffiths of Luminous-Lint fame (down in Halifax, NS) will be speaking this coming August 9th (Sunday). As with some of these talks, there is … Continue reading →

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you scratch my back …

Posted on August 4, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. … and I’ll scratch yours. Or so the saying goes. In an August 5th, 1966 ad on page 71 of LIFE magazine, Scotch tape maker 3M in Minnesota collaborated with camera maker Revere to offer a Kodak 126 cartridge … Continue reading →

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