Toronto. We look forward to the New Year. In spite of the turmoil down south, America’s President Trump did some good for us – he blessed us with a great, worldly, action oriented prime minister and provoked us to action including sourcing allies and customers in Asia and Europe; finally planning to meet our NATO commitments; and uniting our provinces with standards that are country-wide. All the best from the PHSC to our friends in Canada, the USA, and the world!
Happy New Year 2026
Professor Neil Fox (Humber) and a pre-1900 Scovill and Adams Studio Camera he restored
Toronto. Bill Belier’s column “A Treasure From My Collection” in issue 26-2 addresses Neil Fox of Humber College and his hobby of restoring the massive studio cameras of the past. Also experienced in many aspects colour film photography, Neil spoke at our February 1994 meeting on old colour processes.
Bill’s article begins, “Neil Fox’s passion for the art of photography and all things photographic began as a high school student in Toronto’s North York district. Already involved as a hobbyist, it appears he had pre-determined that he would pursue a career in photography.
“He began canvassing studios in his area seeking part-time and summer employment… any type of employment as long as it was photographic and he was given an opportunity to gain experience. His sincere approach must have been convincing and he instilled such confidence in his employer that he was given wedding assignments to shoot… he was sixteen years old.
“Upon graduating from high school he enrolled in the general photographic course at the Ryerson Institute of Technology (now Ryerson Polytechnical University [year 2000 – and more recently TMU when Edgar Ryerson fell from grace]) and continued working part time assignments, gaining valuable experience in graphic arts and darkroom techniques.
“Upon leaving Ryerson he was offered a position with one of the large Toronto commercial studios, Photo Engravers Ltd., but chose to open his own business in 1971 in Scarborough’s Guildwood – a decision he never regretted.” …
Members saw more photos and read the rest of Neil’s story in the issue 26-2 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. Check out “Membership” above and to the right for information on joining. More questions? Email member@phsc.ca.
the first Promenade photograph published in The Philadelphia Photographer, March 1875 by F.L. Stuber of Bethlehem, PA
Toronto. Once the CdV size of photos ran its course, entrepreneurs used larger size carded photos to spark sales, culminating in the very large ‘promenade’ photos.
An article by Bob Wilson highlights the history of carded photos starting with the CdV. Bob begins his story as follows. “The above title introduced an article on the second page of the January 1875 issue of The Philadelphia Photographer. The demand for portraiture had been varying through the years. In the early 1860s when the cartes de visite (2 1/2 x 4”) were first introduced, the demand was quite strong.
“The wet collodion process combined with the new size reduced the cost of portrait photography, bringing it within the budget of most people. But by the mid 1860s, sales began to wane, as most people had satisfied their initial needs and the post Civil War recession had depressed the economy.
“Photographers needed a new novelty to entice customers back to their studios. To do this, in late 1866, the cabinet card (4 1/4 x 6 1/2”) was introduced to North America and this stimulated sales again.
“But cabinet cards eventually became common and with the country in the midst of the enduring “Great Depression” of the [18]70s, photographers once again were looking for something fresh.
“In late 1874, Mr I. W. Taber, working in the studio of Mr G. D. Morse in San Francisco, developed what they called the Promenade Photograph. Edward L. Wilson, editor of The Philadelphia Photographer, displayed examples of Promenade photographs at the December 2, 1874 meeting of the Photographic Society of Philadelphia, where they ‘were examined and much admired by the members’.
“Wilson appreciated the artistic possibilities of the new format (4 x 7”), and in the January 1875 issue of The Philadelphia Photographer, ran the following article: A NEW SIZE – THE PROMENADE PHOTOGRAPH [.] This is a new style, noticed in our editorial columns, designed by Mr I. W. Taber, with Mr G. D. Morse, San Francisco.” …
Members read all of this article and saw more illustrations in the issue 26-2 pdf file on the free member-only DVD/thumb drive. See above/at right to join. Address any membership queries to member@phsc.ca.
Come on out to our 2026 events – many old photos likely available. Our first 2026 event will be the Jan 25, 2026 auction.
the boys at Lisle-Kelco in 2000 after acquiring Leica and Minox
Toronto. After Leitz sold its Midland plant to the American military contractor Hughes Aircraft (Los Angeles), Leica sales and repair in Canada bounced from one distributor to another, landing briefly at Lisle-Kelco who closed in 2003. The brief article accompanying the photo shown here stated, “In a major shake up for Leica Camera AG some eight distributorships throughout the world have changed hands.
“Feeling they should have a much better position in the market, the moves are aimed to rejuvenate interest in Leica precision quality products which defined the 35mm field during the 20th century.
“The Japanese dominate the SLR marketplace and might turn aggressively to the rangefinder segment to cause more pressure on Leica’s weakened financial condition [far more robust in 2025].
“Major changes and mergers may yet be in the future for European survival. Lisle-Kelco is already recognized for its “cadillac” line of photo products like Hasselblad, Gitzo, Broncolor, Durst and Leaf, etc.
“President Andy Petersons, delighted to add another diamond to the L-K crown, announced, ‘We are proud that the Leica product line will be part of our offerings to the photo industry. In addition, Minox, a subsidiary company of Leica, with a range of miniature cameras and 35mm compact cameras, plus a range of binoculars and other unique instruments, will also be part of our product offering.'”
An early product was the replica UR-Leica shown in a gorgeous brochure from Lisle-Kelco. Eventually Leica departed from Canada. Teaneck, NJ is now their North American Headquarters.
Note: the post title is a riff on Willie Nelson’s iconic song “On The Road Again“.
Blair Detective Camera offered by Walter Shean
Toronto. … with apologies to Dickens and his short story, “A Christmas Carol”. Our spring 2000 fair offered fodder for a photo essay in issue 26-2 of our journal. The camera at right is just one of the items offered that year.
Editor Lansdale describes it thusly: “Walter Shean displayed (at left) the 4×5 Blair Detective Camera with the front panel lowered to reveal the lens, reflex finders, and the open door at back for loading film holders. For asking price of $975 you also get a ground glass, two holders and the original instruction sheet.”
Members read and saw the photos from the article “Finds and Features at the Spring Sale …” in the issue 26-2 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/memory stick. See above/at right to join. Email questions to member@phsc.ca.
We are setting up our 2026 PHSC Events – first up is the auction on January 25, 2026. Details will be posted here a few weeks beforehand.
PHSC President Clint Hryhorijiw
Toronto. December arrived with Exec meeting #64 in hand. The meeting was held via ZOOM on Wednesday, December 3rd. This post has been prepared from minutes as I was unable to attend (or issue a report) due to day surgery on my left eye Dec 2nd with a follow up Dec 3rd.
Treasurer, John Morden, sent out a report prior to the meeting. All government required reports have been filed and fees paid.
Financial Controller, Jeri Danyleyko noted that a new GIC has been purchased.
Membership Secretary, Lilianne Schneider sent her membership report by email. She has taken charge of the MailChimp updating function effective this month. An orientation session with our MailChimp guru, journal co-editor, David Bridge is arranged.
For those choosing to buy or renew a membership, please remember our journal is now in ‘pdf format’ only, so an email address is essential. A MailChimp notification is sent to all member emails when each journal pdf is produced and uploaded.
If you are a member but HAVE NOT seen any notification for Photographic Canadiana since you registered or renewed, please email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.
Celio noted the December 2025 AGM and Show and Tell will be set up via ZOOM. The January 2026 presentation is a joint PHSC and PhotoEd collaboration. We will hear about Hannah Maynard from author Elizabeth Anne Cavaliere (her new book, “Hannah Maynard: Life and Work” will be discussed). The event is in-person at the Arts & Letters Club on Elm Street Sunday January 18, 2026. Details to be posted here when confirmed. The current issue of the European PhotoResearcher was released and a few copies will be available for purchase. Details to be posted when known.
Our absent newsletter editor Patrick Gunn sent in a written report with his regrets. He is targeting release of the December PHSC News (25-12) for year end.
A winter auction was confirmed and is set for January 25, 2026. Details including photos of sample lots to be posted here next month.
The spring fair has been confirmed as May 24, 2026 (Victoria Day long weekend is the week earlier).
David and Louise report that the journal issue 51-3 is waiting receipt of the lead article.
Social media editor, Ms Markovic was unable to attend but provided a written report for instagram showing very positive growth month/month).
cover shot for Issue 26-2 showing Mr Jones with a few of the cameras in his collection c2000
Toronto. We collectors often seem too busy to notice others. In issue 26-2, editor Bob Lansdale used this photo of past president Les Jones and just some of his collection at the time.
Les was a professional sports photographer specializing in Soccer photos. He has since retired and moved to the Kingston area.
Bob used the following description for this cover shot: “Over the years to balance out the content for our covers we vary the images between scenes, people and equipment. This cover gives equal balance between the personality of Les Jones and the collection of his past and present cameras.
“Recently elevated by the PHSC Executive to the Gallery of Honour for his dedicated services to the Society, Les joined the PHSC in 1982 as member #469. In 1989 he took on Executive responsibilities as Program Chairman for four years then rose to First Vice-President in 1993. In 1995 he became President and on fulfilment of that office initiated and has chaired the PHSC Publication & Research Grants program.
“In business, Les Jones is a professional sports photographer who travels the world seeking out and recording the top events for soccer, rugby and minor sports. His travels have provided the opportunity to hunt for antique cameras and vintage prints in out-of-the-way locations.
“Included in our cover photo is a giant engraving camera while sitting on top are a wooden Teco box camera, a Talmer box camera of 1890, and early slide projectors. On the floor is a wooden Thornton Pickard field camera and the symbol of Les’ profession a modern Nikon equipped with a 300 mm f 2.8 Nikkor and motor drive.”
Members enjoyer this and many other issues in the respective pdf files on the free members-only DVD/memory chip. To join, see membership above and at right. Address any membership questions to member@phsc.ca.
Our 2026 PHSC Events are coming up fast! First up is our January 25, 2026 auction. a poster and instructions will appear on this site a few weeks before the event.
Toronto. It has been an interesting year in many ways. So to all we wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! – from the PHSC.
Christmas 2025
a somewhat out of focus photo
Toronto. Consistent with editor Lansdale’s inspiration to celebrate our 25th anniversary, the folks at the Cascade Panorama Historical Society sent in a juicy article by Milan Zahorcak titled, “What the …?”. Milan describes the problem raised when an old lens was tested and the novel solution.
Milan’s story begins, “‘Actinism (Greek: a ray). A ray of light whether proceeding from a heavenly or terrestrial body is found, in general, to possess three properties; viz., the luminous, the calorific and the actinic. The actinic is that property of the ray which produces important changes in certain substances submitted to its action, and on the use of which the whole art of photography is founded. When a ray of light is decomposed by refraction through a prism into its constituent colours, it is found that actinism exists chiefly among the violet, and scarcely at all among the yellow and red rays. Hence the importance of combining the violet or actinic focus of a photographic lens with the yellow or luminous focus: for the actinic rays produce the photographic picture, while, the luminous rays render the image visible upon the focussing screen.’
“Follow all that? It’s straight from A Dictionary of Photography, by Sutton & Dawson, 1867, and it’s been a 140 years since we’ve had to worry what it’s all about. For the moment listen to this tale as CPHS members Cy Eid and Milan Zahorcak try to make a photograph using an early American wet-plate camera fitted with a late 1850s portrait lens.
“The intrepid duo set up their gear in a kitchen with the scene lit by bright but diffused daylight. The subject is a tabletop setting of ancient photographic equipment at a carefully measured distance of 10 feet from the film plane.
“The image is carefully composed and focused with utmost care using an 8x magnifier. The plate holder is inserted, the slide removed for a timed exposure of four seconds, the slide returned and holder removed.
“Within minutes, the film – in this case ordinary “polycontrast” darkroom paper for test purposes, was developed and – what the heck! – found to be grossly out of focus. You can imagine the puzzled looks and head scratching that followed. The camera was checked, the ground glass re-examined but the focus was perfect – not just close but perfect.” …
Members read the rest of the article, including the solution to the focussing issue in the issue 26-1 pdf file on the free members only DVD/thumb drive. Join using the notes above and at right. Email membership queries to member@phsc.ca.
A lens engraved with both the UK maker and Canadian distributor
Toronto. … is a common expression for redoing accounting entries to intentionally favour someone.
In the case of photography, some products were re-badged to show a different maker and/or country. In this case, the maker and country are shown as well as the Canadian distributor, “J. G. Ramsay and Co., Toronto”.
The journal blurb begins, “[The] Cooke Primoplane lens as manufactured by Taylor, Taylor & Hobson Ltd. (inscribed on outer ring), is [a] 4 inch, Series VII.A f/6.5, mounted to board for commercial camera use; stops down to f/22.
“The large aperture was of convenience for focussing in dull interiors. [The] inscription on [the] ring reads: Sole consignee for Canada, J.G. Ramsey & Co. Toronto.” …
The T.T.H. lens is from the late Don Douglas collection (Don was a long time PHSC member and fair table holder).
Members read the final paragraph of the brief article and the added illustrations in the issue 26-1 pdf file on the free member-only DVD/memory stick. See above and at right to join. Send any membership questions to member@phsc.ca.
EVENTS
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Stan White – Poems & Photos
Mise Au Point – sur la photographie Quebecois
