one of the first Exakta books I bought in 1958 (printed in 1955)
Toronto. In the days of film, many cameras came from Europe or Japan. Photographers used the information booklet that came with the camera – often written by folks definitely not use to English – for education. Photographers resorted to books for further education about their choice of camera, or for history, or for learning (development, enlarging, lighting, etc.), or for inspiration (photos or techniques by recognized professionals).
In time, books increased in cost – I took a course a decade ago at Humber. One text book alone cost me $100 and was obsolete within a few years. I was shocked. Back in the 1960s at university we were up in arms over a small soft cover book deemed mandatory – it cost every student in that class $15.
Books on computers and applications hastened the fall. In a few years newer machines and software updates made those barely used books obsolete. Bookshops and aisles addressing computers and software rose up briefly, then disappeared into the past.
Old books and magazines give us insight into the processes and equipment our ancestors once used. As printed material disappears, we are losing a big source of history. On the plus side, the internet gives us an ease of searches and an education by short videos – reading and comprehension of complex writing is not really needed.
Another interest I have is microscopes – mostly self-taught by reading very old books purchased at used bookshops both here and abroad (plus a few more recent books put together by other enthusiasts and collectors) … Books on microscopy are hard to find these days.
While books and magazines are still being written and printed, there is less and less choice as the digital era unfolds. Today, rather than buying numerous books and searching their indicies, photographers use the internet for information – both text and videos. But what about history??
Meantime, PHSC events (auctions, fairs, sales) often turn up photography books of historical interest. Drop in on our April 30th auction – you just may be able to give an old book a new home!
