Category Archives: history

a rash decision

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Robert

Toronto.  Have you ever heard of a Kodak Instant camera? No? Not surprising, since Kodak was sued by Polaroid and lost the toss. The Kodak Instants (in any condition) were bought back by Kodak for a small sum after the … Continue reading →

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describing those old collectibles consistently

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. a big headache to camera collectors was describing an old camera in way that let a prospective buyers figure out the value when sight-unseen. Our exchange member, the LHSA (Leica Historical Society of America) had a particular challenge since … Continue reading →

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nightmare at the fair …

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Our one time journal editor, the late Ev Roseborough was great story teller. Ev ran his own photography studio and being  a risk taker in the business, he had a wealth of fascinating tales. For editor Bob Lansdale’s issue … Continue reading →

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corporate histories

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Before the internet and web sites caught on, corporations would arranged for their history to be told in books. Some books were coffee table size puff pieces about how great the company is/was; some were rather thin on content … Continue reading →

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a weird optical device

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. In April of 1998 the society held a ‘Show and Tell’ session at its monthly meeting. The late Ron Anger showed this strange optical device and challenged members to name it. That naming did occur, thanks to member Egon … Continue reading →

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stamp of approval

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Did you ever buy an old image and discover a stamp on its back? PHSC member, sports photographer, writer, etc., etc., Les Jones, offers one explanation in his article published in issue 24-3. In his article, “What Have CdVs … Continue reading →

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proof of the pudding …

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. … is in the eating, or so they say. About two years before announcing the Daguerreotype process, Louise Daguerre tested his process by taking a portrait of M Huet. The reproduction in issue 24-4 is courtesy of and is … Continue reading →

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these shoes are made for walking …

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Collectors of cameras and photos haunted garage sales, photo retail stores, antique shops, flea markets, etc. in search of old collectibles. Some even resorted to want ads in the days of newspapers. The mantra was “save the best and … Continue reading →

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thinking cool thoughts …

Posted on July 4, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Sweltering weather last week and more forecast for next week. We seem to be getting a preview of the effect of climate change! Phew! After the recent rash of camera posts, it’s time to give the other side – … Continue reading →

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a century already?

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Wow! Leica has been around for a century now. It seems like only yesterday that the little camera saved a German optical house and revolutionized photography – all after WW1 ended. The camera, formally introduced to the world in … Continue reading →

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