corporate histories

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Robert

E Leitz NYC

Toronto. Before the internet and web sites caught on, corporations would arranged for their history to be told in books. Some books were coffee table size puff pieces about how great the company is/was; some were rather thin on content as the writer was not that skilled in either writing or research; while others gave a wealth of detailed information.

In issue 24-3, I reviewed a book about Leitz, New York. Well bound and supported by the LHSA, the book is a bit thin on details. The title of my review is, “E. LEITZ, INC. NEW YORK by Emil G. Keller”.

And I  began the review as follows:, “The author is a retired member of the E. Leitz, Inc., New York agency for Leitz, Wetzlar. His reminiscences about the evolution of this important branch of Leitz were self-published in 1996 with support from the Leica Historical Society of America and Manca Inc.

“The book has a 1940s charm. It is large format with a deep-red cloth-bound hard cover of which the material and lettering bring to mind the famous little red fabric-covered boxes that once contained Leica equipment. The paper is a cream tone with the many images printed in black & white. The book is a modest 79 pages with a traditional quality binding.” …

You can tell the book is light on details from the number of words I spent describing its construction … Members can read the entire review in the issue 24-3 pdf on the free member-only DVD/thumb drive. see above or at right (Membership) to join. Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca should you have questions.

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just a minute …

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Robert

PHSC president Clint Hryhorijiw

Toronto. Exec meeting #60 via ZOOM was held on the glorious 4th (as our neighbours to the south say).

Our treasurer, John Morden, sent out his report before the meeting. In future, this item will be split between John as treasurer and Jeri as financial controller.

Newsletter editor Patrick Gunn  also sent in his written report. The July newsletter is underway. Please note that as response from those wishing to buy/sell items has been slow in light of the many modern alternatives (ie eBay, et al.), Mr Gunn plans to revise the use of this space.

Our fall auction will be hosted on a Sunday in November 2025. A suggestion by Jeri Danyleyko to post the Bidder Form on this website as a convenience for future Auction Bidders met with enthusiasm and it is now posted (See AUCTION> Auction Bidder Registration Form).

Day Lilies – the blossoms last for only a few hours; the plant lives on for decades … like meetings and minutes.

And 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.

The PRESS menu item has been modified to note that the Robert Wilson book on Benjamin Baltzly is now out of print. Through the generosity of Dr Wilson’s estate, a pdf copy is now posted for free use by all interested parties.

Arrangements for the fast approaching trunk sale (This Sunday!) are well underway. John Morden has created and issued this clever poster which will remain pinned to the top of page one of this site until the Trunk Sale is is over.

Journal issue 51-1 is underway with work to continue once our editors complete various family tasks. A book on the history of Canadian photography for 1839-1918 is due for release next month and will be reviewed in a coming issue.

Our social media editor, Ms Markovic has provided a brief update for instagram. Take a peak at this interesting site.

And as they say in that old song, “See You In September”.

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a weird optical device

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Robert

A Refractometer at a 1998 Show and Tell

Toronto. In April of 1998 the society held a ‘Show and Tell’ session at its monthly meeting. The late Ron Anger showed this strange optical device and challenged members to name it.

That naming did occur, thanks to member Egon Kellner. In a brief article titled “A What Is It? Gets Answered”,  Egon writes, ” The optical instrument shown by Ron Anger at the April meeting of the society (Show and Tell) is a refractometer. It is a rather unusual piece of equipment for the camera collector, but an important item found in a medical or biochemistry lab.

“We all know of the refraction of light by a camera lens, similarly a light beam changes direction when it enters a liquid medium as displayed by the apparent bending of a straight rod on entering water. The degree of refraction depends on the atomic or molecular nature of the liquid, as well as its concentration and temperature.

“When a refractive index is determined with an instrument as Ron Anger displayed, then it becomes a simple matter to compute the concentration of a known chemical in a liquid, i.e the protein content in serum.

“Tables that correlate the refractive indecies and concentrations of a large number of organic and inorganic chemicals were developed in 1898 (to give some historical information!) using the instruments manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena.” … 

The source of this name and more about Ron’s instrument can be read in the issue 24-3  pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. See Membership above or at right to join. Drop Lilianne a note at member@phsc.ca if you have a question.

You may not see one of these gadgets at the annual trunk sale, but you will have a great time – and the chance to add to your collection. The Trunk Sale is this Sunday, July 13th – rain or shine. All our PHSC 2025 events are shown to the right!

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stamp of approval

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Robert

US Revenue Stamp on back of a CdV photograph

Toronto. Did you ever buy an old image and discover a stamp on its back? PHSC member, sports photographer, writer, etc., etc., Les Jones, offers one explanation in his article published in issue 24-3.

In his article, “What Have CdVs Done for you Phi…Lately?” Les explains that the American government used special ‘revenue’ stamps to pay some federal taxes. The article begins, “There may be more value in those carte de visites (c.d.v.’s) than you think! Run-of-the-mill cdv’s are commonly available at a $1 or less, [fall 1998] though antique dealers may charge $6 or more depending on the content.

“Early American examples may bring a bonus if the photographs were taken during their Civil War. Here the revenue stamp on the back may often be worth more than the actual image; if you are really lucky it could be worth hundreds of dollars.

“Stamps had been in use for several hundred years before there was general adoption of the adhesive stamp for postal uses in 1845. Two years later, in July 1847, the first U.S. government stamps were issued and in 1863 a uniform letter rate was established.” …

Members read this article in full, plus seeing the photos used to illustrate it by viewing the issue 24-3 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. To join, just follow the notes above or at right under Membership. Questions can be emailed to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

Old images are often available at PHSC events such as our 2025 events listed at right. Next up is our annual summer trunk sale just days away on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

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proof of the pudding …

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Robert

1837 test portrait of M Huet by Louis Daguerre, © Études photographiques, France

Toronto. … is in the eating, or so they say. About two years before announcing the Daguerreotype process, Louise Daguerre tested his process by taking a portrait of M Huet. The reproduction in issue 24-4 is courtesy of and is © Études photographiques, France.

The portrait of M Huet as taken by Daguerre is believed to be [1999] the oldest portrait taken by photography. The image was provided by Luis Nadeau who translated the French write-up to English with this précis, “In a recent issue of the French review Etudes photographiques, the oldest known portrait photograph has been identified as that taken by the inventor himself, Louis Daguerre in 1837. That was two years before the official announcement of the daguerreotype process.”

The actual article begins, “According to Andre Gunthert, the daguerreotype was found some ten years ago at a flea market by Marc Pagneux, an art dealer and one of the most respected French dealers of historical photographs. He paid 600 francs ($240) for the 5.8 x 4.5 cm plate which was mounted within a frame bearing the name of Daguerre.

“This in itself is not significant as there are a lot of plates of this type on the market. As a member of the Societé française de photographie, M. Pagneux asked another member Jacques Roquencourt, one of the better known Daguerre specialists in France, to help him examine the plate further.

“The frame was opened – it contained another frame, invisible from the outside, bearing an inscription: ‘M. Huet / 1837’.” …

Members enjoyed reading this and all the Jan/Feb 1999 Journal by viewing the issue 24-4 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. You can read it too, just join the PHSC following the material above and/or at right titled ‘Membership’. Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

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these shoes are made for walking …

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Robert

made for walking …

Toronto. Collectors of cameras and photos haunted garage sales, photo retail stores, antique shops, flea markets, etc. in search of old collectibles. Some even resorted to want ads in the days of newspapers. The mantra was “save the best and sell the rest”.

Photo Historical Societies were a god send. Duplicates and things no longer of interest could be resold to recover the funds paid out and perhaps even make a small profit. At our PHSC, when monthly meetings were in person, excess items were offered at tables before and after each meeting. Annual fairs sprung up. Auctions began as separate shows to move less expensive member items and quickly evolved to estates and higher ticket items from anyone.

Fairs and auctions became twice annual events (and some times more). Such events continue today. Many thrive, especially our fairs and auctions. See the 2025 PHSC Events at right. Next up is our famous annual summer trunk sale on July 13th – rain or shine. See John’s snappy poster for details.

NB. The title of this post is a riff on Nancy Sinatra’s big 1960s song, “These boots are made for walking“.

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what goes around …

Posted on July 5, 2025 by Robert

a means to allow digital images on film cameras

Toronto. … comes around. Member Wayne Ridley sent me an email recently about a device to allow film camera collectors and users to convert many popular film cameras to digital by inserting  special ‘digital’ film.

When digital was relatively new to photography, an accessory was announced to fit the 35mm film chamber. The sensor stuck out on an arm to where the film frame would be exposed by the shutter’s action. The device seemed to disappear before wide spread marketing.

A company out of Switzerland now offers a wide range of gadgets to convert many 35mm and medium format film cameras to digital to let the ‘film fans’ dip their toe into the digital world while still using a favourite camera and its lenses.

The company in Switzerland displays its wares here. Note that CHF is Swiss Francs. A Swiss Franc is about 1.714 Canadian dollars at the present exchange rate. Not sure of any duties or shipping costs associated with the items.

Our interest? Well. at some distant point in time these accessories too will become collectible. Meantime dedicated folk can create digital files with their favourite film camera…

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thinking cool thoughts …

Posted on July 4, 2025 by Robert

Xmas card – cantilever bridge, St. John, NB – R G Wilson collection

Toronto. Sweltering weather last week and more forecast for next week. We seem to be getting a preview of the effect of climate change! Phew!

After the recent rash of camera posts, it’s time to give the other side – image collectors – a nod. Issue 24-3 issued late in 1998 featured a selection of store Christmas greetings in the form of photo  postcards made from cabinet card images.

The idea of postcard size photo Christmas cards was still popular in the later 1950s when I used just such a card with a photograph of a billboard-size antenna used to bounce ‘microwaves’ off the troposphere.

The late Robert Lansdale featured a sampling of these old ‘greeting’ cards in the column, “Images of the Month”. Bob writes. “Photographers made use of the cabinet print during the late 1800s to drum up Christmas sales, being replaced by post cards after 1900. We offer East and West greetings showing a variety of styles.

“Barraud Brothers of Barrie, Ontario (1881-1887) were influenced by Japanese art in the preparation of their card with a customer’s portrait.

“C.W. Mathers ran this ad in the Edmonton Bulletin from December 1 to 29 in 1899 encouraging customers to call early for a choice of local scenery. In 1898 he offered cards at “30¢ and 40¢. Souvenir of Edmonton district for 65¢ each; $5.75 a dozen; $3 half doz. Edmonton Diamond Jubilee Souvenir 50¢.”

“The all-season scenic photograph promoting St. John, N.B. became seasonal with a Merry Xmas greeting printed to the card stock.

“The Wm. Notman studios in Halifax, N.S. catered to the naval detachment with an art and photo composite bearing a view of HMS Blake.

“A 1911 Christmas card from “C” Division – Battleford, Saskatchewan of the RNWM Police is a composite of crossed revolvers and photos of base activities, gymnasts, officers and facilities. Signed by Nicholson, most likely John Nicholson of Boissevain 1890-1894 and Moosomin until 1919.

“A new portrait offered timely greetings on the card of J.G. Parks of Montreal, Quebec”.

Members can easily see the cards too by viewing the issue 24-3 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. See above or at right. It’s easy to join the PHSC. And the cost is cheap but well worth it. Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

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a century already?

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Robert

Leica Q3 digital camera

Toronto. Wow! Leica has been around for a century now. It seems like only yesterday that the little camera saved a German optical house and revolutionized photography – all after WW1 ended.

The camera, formally introduced to the world in 1925 at the Leipzig Fair, had roots going back over a decade earlier. The creator of the little camera was Oskar Barnack, who joined the optical house of Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar in 1911. The biggest challenge Leitz faced was convincing potential users that the tiny negative (double frame on 35mm film) of only an inch by an inch and a half could make large photographs.

The Leica motto was roughly “little negatives, big pictures” since the Leica was first released in the days when people chose the size of camera to match the desired size of photograph. Dealers had displays of 11×14 photographs by known photographers with a tiny ‘negative’ tucked down in a corner to emphasize what the Leica could accomplish.

In the late part of the last century, like many family owned businesses, Leitz broke apart and segments were sold to others. Today, microscopes by Leitz still sell, but as Leica Microscopes (my friend had eye surgery under a Leica, while I had similar surgery under a Zeiss). The camera segment, and a few other consumer products, moved to control by ex-Leitz officials. When digital technology hit, Leica moved on to digital as a high-end camera, continuing both camera and lens design.

The company left behind the less expensive film cameras manufactured for them by Minolta and Panasonic – the Leica “Plastikas” as I called them. Today, for those wishing to dip in the Leica pool, a few inexpensive (for Leica) cameras are offered. Or you can buy a digital Leica like the Leica Q3 shown here for about $9,500.00 Canadian (other Leicas cost more or less than a Q3). The Q3 camera specs are impressive: 60mp+ CMOS sensor, full frame, 50-100,000 ISO, and a built-in Summilux 28mm f/1.7 aspheric lens.

Happy birthday little friend.  By the way, camera collectors welcome the Leica and a few other well made high end cameras at strong prices. Visit our 2025 events to see what you can add to your collection. Next up is our well known annual summer trunk sale on July 13th – rain or shine.

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an eye-popping price tag!

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Robert

Null series Leica #112 once owned by Oskar Barnack

Toronto. A null series  Leica serial 112, once assigned to the inventor of the tiny marvel, Oskar Barnack, was sold at auction in Europe for an estimated 11 and a half MILLION dollars Canadian! The camera was sold by Leica Photographica Auction No 46 (lot 8).

The same camera is shown by Denis Laney in his 1992 “Leica Collectors Guide” published by Hove. Most sources quote serial numbers 100-131 as assigned to the ‘null’ series.  After number 121, the shutter design was changed according to Laney.

There is no firm confirmation of the number of null series cameras that still exist. The cameras were used to test production processes, and loaned to professional photographers for assessment and suggested changes.

Note: A big thank you to PHSC News editor and 3D guru, Patrick Gunn, for spotting this rare auction item and advising me by email.

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