Marksman camera c1950
Toronto. You may have wondered about so called Canadian cameras. They seem to cluster around two points: cheap and inexpensive cameras (mostly box cameras), and high end models (Leica cameras and lenses once from Midland).
Some years ago, member John Linsky researched the Marksman line of (box) cameras sold mainly in the late 1940s and early 1950s. John’s efforts, have been updated and revised in a detailed article by members David J. Kenny (DDS, PhD) and Louise Freyburger (MLS)
A draft of their article (final version to be published in issue 50-4) begins, “Louise Freyburger and I were discussing ‘Canadian’ cameras when she reminded me of Linsky’s article on the Marksman, produced by Bernard Marks & Co., (BMCo), Toronto. This small, steel-bodied box camera was the sort of ‘toy’ camera given to children and adolescents for birthdays and Christmas. BMCo was primarily a manufacturer’s agent, also called a jobber or wholesaler, selling a variety of products to department stores and independent retailers.
“John Linsky’s short description contains by far the most information on Marks’ cameras in the literature. He reported that the company was, ‘solely owned by Bernard Marks who provided this information.’ Further, Marks designed the camera himself, and all parts, including lens and shutter, were made by an associated company. The cameras had only ‘Time’ and ‘Snap’ settings, a fixed f16 aperture, and used 620 roll film.
“As limited as Linsky’s first person description of Marks’ enterprise is, it offers far more information than is currently captured by Internet search engines. The only other written account of Marksman cameras was taken from, and acknowledged, the Linsky article. We decided to extend Linsky’s narrative by investigating this kernel of Canadian photographic history. Photography websites and eBay offerings provided additional visual information, and we used secondary sources, including a fellow Society member, along with direct examination and disassembly of the Marksman variants.” …
This article in full, plus other articles will appear in issue 50-4. Members will receive notification of issue 50-4 in pdf format shortly. Not a member? Then join now (see MEMBERSHIP above and at right). If you have any membership questions email our membership secretary Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.
Cameras like this (and lots of other photo collectibles) often show up at our events (see PHSC EVENTS at right). You can email our president Clint at fair@phsc.ca if you have any questions. The next event is our May 4th auction.
