Fred discovers a rangefinder Nikon – photos courtesy late Robert McMann
Toronto. The late Fred Hunt was a professional photographer, a college teacher, a member of the PHSC, and a good friend of one of our co-founders, Larry Boccioletti.
In issue 17-5 Fred wrote an interesting article titled, “On an expedition into the wilds of midtown Toronto – Explorer Fred Hunt Discovers Nikon in Canada”. The article is illustrated by the late Bob McMann, once our Nikon authority; and Nikons from his collection. We lost Bob around the time our website was first established. Bob was technically skilled and encouraged the formation of our web site when few were aware of the internet and its power.
Fred begins his article, “I was a single-lens reflex (SLR) chauvinist!
“Pity my poor students at Centennial College who showed up in class with some obscure point-and-shoot or old folder camera! They would approach me at coffee break, offering their camera and remark: ‘This was my father’s camera. He suggested I take a course and learn how to use it.’ And then those fateful words: ‘How does it work?’
“I looked down at some strange beasty and felt like retorting: ‘Well, don’t ask me!’
“It was clear that if I wanted to be effective at Centennial College I would have to realize there was more to photography than SLR cameras. To this end, I would keep an eye open for non SLR cameras that caught my fancy.
“One Saturday in 1974 my friend Bill and I found ourselves on the second floor of the Toronto Camera Exchange. I was absorbed with something at the counter when Bill, several feet further along called: ‘Look, Fred, a Nikon rangefinder!”
Members read the entire story and more of issue 17-5 in the original hard copy. More recent members read the issue 17-5 pdf file on the PHSC members only DVD. It’s easy to join – see above or at right. Questions? Email Lilianne, our membership secretary at member@phsc.ca.
And if you hanker for a Nikon goodie, visit our fall auction this November 24th. Heck, come on down anyway! This post gives details and will be updated as more lots are photographed.
