Category Archives: history

e is for effort

Posted on March 13, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. In February of 1937, Kodak advertised this movie camera as the running mate to the inexpensive model EE Kodascope  (movie projector to you) using the American Cinematographer magazine to target potential buyers.  This 16mm movie camera and associated projector were … Continue reading →

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zooming to the future

Posted on March 11, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. We take zoom lenses for granted today. Almost all digital cameras – mirrorless or DSLR – use zoom lenses. We have grown lazy and just adjust the lens to frame the scene rather thsn moving back or forward physically. … Continue reading →

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accessorize your Ektra

Posted on March 9, 2022 by Robert

Toronto.  When the USA joined the WW2 fight, it lost all the Germany minicams. In the mid 1920s, the tiny Leica set the close-focus standard for the normal (50mm) lens at 1 metre (or 39 inches). Closer shots meant using extension … Continue reading →

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first brick in the wall

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Talk about great timing! On the eve of WW2 Argus announced their new C3 camera. This ad from the March 1938 issue of International Photographer aims at the average America with these key points:  This miniature camera has features … Continue reading →

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eenie, meenie, minie, eyemo

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Robert

Toronto.  Bell & Howell had many famous trade marks. One was the Eyemo movie camera for professionals.   This rugged camera was the darling of the movie newsmen of the day. Many of us saw their results in the movie … Continue reading →

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hey, Stewart – let’s make a movie

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. I always thought Stewart-Warner made meters and gauges. But no, they also briefly made movie cameras before the company was reorganized and transformed into a winner from a loser. The gory details of the company and its rebirth are … Continue reading →

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tish tash

Posted on March 5, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. An article in the International Photographer for December, 1935 sure brought back memories. The article was called, “Shooting the Quints”. Both Roy Tash and the Quints were famous, especially here in Canada. Roy was an expert in cinematography, while … Continue reading →

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a wily marketing plan

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. The challenge facing Leitz NY was how to swing the photography fraternity from the bulky cameras of the day to their particular variety of 35mm minicam camera. The boys in NY came up with the idea of touting the … Continue reading →

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hurry up and slow down

Posted on March 1, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Most of you know how slow motion video/movie works, but for the few who do not, the idea is simple. Movies are shown at 24 frames per second, up from the slower frame rate for older films. Video uess … Continue reading →

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what ever happened to Pellex Film?

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. An advertisement in the October, 1933 issue of American Cinematographer by the Pellex  Film Company extolled the virtues of its 16mm fine grain and economy films for “all 16mm cameras”.  The films were B&W orthochromatic media in the days … Continue reading →

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