Hodgkinson & Butters Early Takers

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Robert

an icy struggle

Toronto. Graham Garrett, perhaps best remembers for his research on early Canadian Daguerreotypists, researched and wrote a number of articles for Photographic Canadiana. In issue 23-3 He wrote an article on the daguerreotype photographers Hodgkinson & Butters titled, “Hodgkinson & Butters Early Takers in Atlantic Canada” in the column “Rediscovering Canada’s Photographic Heritage”.

Graham’s article begins with this précis: “Recently, [May 1997] Canada celebrated the opening of the new 13-kilometre long Confederation Bridge constructed across Northumberland Strait betweenNew Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

“The principal reason for this imaginative engineering project was to fulfill one of the promises made to the latter province in 1873 for year-round transportation to and from the mainland. When the span was completed it marked the passing of a familiar way of life in the region, notably the ferry service that had served residents and visitors alike for generations.

“Actually, the first commercial steam-propelled vessel to ply Northumberland Strait commenced service between Pictou and Charlotte Town 11 May 1832 on a twice-weekly schedule. There were also many hardy individuals during the nineteenth-century who thought little of navigating the windswept passage in small sailing craft or even open boats.

“Unfortunately, this method of transportation had a reputation for being risky at certain times of the year, something that was discovered by two itinerant daguerreian artists who almost lost their lives in 1843 as passengers on one of these early predecessors of the modern-day ferry.” …

You can read all of Graham’s article in full, plus other articles in the issue 23-3 pdf on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. Joining the PHSC is easy (see MEMBERSHIP above and at right). Any membership questions? Email our membership secretary Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

Dags (and lots of other photo collectibles) often show up at our events (see PHSC EVENTS at right). Email Mark or Clint at fair@phsc.ca if you have any questions. Our next event is our May 25th fair this Month.

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… and a dash of flash

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Robert

a dash of flash

Toronto. Post WW2, many folk investigated ways to improve flash by incorporating Edgerton’s “Speed-light” concepts in a smaller container to allow electronic flash to compete with and eventually replace flash powder, bulbs, etc.

Jim Miller of Downsview (now part of Toronto) tinkered with this new means of light as early as 1946. In issue 23-3 Ev Roseborough reports Jim’s involvement in an early flash called “Trion”.

Ev’s article, “Trion – an early Canadian designed flash“, begins, “Now tending his grapevines lovingly and expertly caning his furniture, is retired geophysicist Jim Miller of Downsview, Ontario. No one would suspect this vibrant elderly gentleman of designing and building electronic flash units here in Canada as early as 1946.

“These ‘discharge units’ were finding their way into professional photography as some of the commercial and advertising studios in New York were adapting surplus Army Air-force units or using those built by Edgerton. Those were 10,000 watt-seconds, but there was a need for smaller portable units, useful for the average studio and press photographer.

“A quick check through the photo annuals showed an ad for the ‘Dawe’ Photoflash in the BJA of 1948. Ned Eisenstat of Toronto manufactured his Speedstrob in January 1948, but had been using speedlights of different kinds since 1940. So Miller was certainly a pioneer in his miniaturization efforts in ‘46.” …

Ev’s article in full, plus other articles appear in the issue 23-3 pdf on the free members only DVD/thumb drive. Want to join? It’s easy (see MEMBERSHIP above and at right). If you have any membership questions email our membership secretary Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

Electronic flash units (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. Our next event is our May 25th “Spring Camera Fair”.

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spring fair time!

Posted on May 6, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Just weeks after our first 2025 event, the fabulous Spring Auction, we are holding PHSC’s popular Spring Camera Fair (May 25th). Enhance your collection and lighten your wallet – join us at the Trident Hall for our annual photographica-fair!

Our treasurer, John Morden whipped up the tasty little poster shown below in jpeg format. Please ignore the poster links and use this one instead. To get a table or details, email Mark or Clint fair@phsc.ca and you’re in! Bargains for film and digital collectors and users, free parking… and LOTS of food! And, meet fellow collectors and friends – old and new.

PHSC Spring Camera Fair at Trident Hall May 25th, 2025

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home brew in 3D

Posted on May 5, 2025 by Robert

Stan White’s home-brew 5×7 stereo camera in issue 23-3

Toronto. From time to time we all want to leap on the 3D bandwagon and do some personal shots. In issue 23-3 the late Stan White shows us how he created a 5×7 3D camera.

Stan’s article is titled, “Making Your Own 5×7 Stereo Camera”, and begins, “It is a simple undertaking to move into large format photography for stereo cards. It is no co-incidence that any of the early stereo cameras were built around 5×7 plate size.

“After all, the objective is to produce a pair of 3 x 3 inch prints in which case 5×7 does this comfortably with area to spare, top and bottom, which effectively translates into modest rise and drop on the camera – dependent on the coverage of the lens and without the complication of a moving front.

“These days, 5 x 7 is an ideal format since it has dropped out of professional favour and much related equipment is on the market at reasonable prices. Film is still available.

“You could start with an early cameras, but they are “collectors” and are expensive. Besides they were often built without spring-backs which means you have to acquire special plate holders and adapt them to take film. I have also found that ancient lenses have usually deteriorated. It is much easier to start from scratch and you will end up with a superior piece of equipment.” …

All of Stan’s column, plus other articles in the issue appear in the issue 23-3 pdf on the free members only DVD/thumb drive. Not a member? It’s easy to join (see MEMBERSHIP above and at right). If you have any membership related questions, drop an email to our membership secretary Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

Want a camera to modify – or other goodies for your collection/user gear? Visit our 2025 events! They are listed under ‘PHSC EVENTS’ at right. Up today is our spring auction (May 4th). Any questions can be answered by Clint at fair@phsc.ca or during quiet time in  the auction.

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April 2025 PHSC Newsletter issue 25-4

Posted on May 4, 2025 by Robert

April 2025 – Issue 25-4

Toronto.Editor Patrick Gunn has put together another impressive issue for April.

I am astonished at the quality and layout – using true talent in a volunteer setting. As you know all our executive put their talents to good volunteer use. We are truly blessed to have such dedicated members and a president with a sharp eye for nascent talent.

Click here for a copy of 25-4 or visit NEWSLETTER above for this and all other issues. Would you like a personal copy with notice sent directly to your in-box? Just email news@phsc.ca to be added  to our MailChimp list.

This issue contains many news items and announcements in its 20 pages. Have a peek at the striking layout/articles and remember, drop Patrick or me a line if you have/want specific photo gear included in the newsletter notices – the space is there in this age of electronic files.

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another view …

Posted on May 3, 2025 by Robert

 

half a stereo view from Stan White’s article – image courtesy of Bill Ivy.

Toronto. Stereos have often been used to give a dimensional view to photos. In issue 23-3, Stan White announces a “Treasure Trove of Gorgeous Stereo Daguerreotypes Uncovered”. Stan wrote the article with ‘photographs and research by Bill Ivy’.

The article begins, “A number of priceless stereo daguerreotypes and some images on glass dating from the 1850s have surfaced [late 1997] and are reputed to have originally been purchased retail in the 19th century and to have remained in the hands of  an American family for several generations.

“This may well be the first time this century [late 1997] that they are up for sale.

“Almost all the images are tinted and the majority are risqué. The tinting is beautifully done and, for their age, both the dags and glass are in remarkable condition.” …

Stan’s article in full, plus other articles appear in the issue 23-3 pdf on the free members only DVD/thumb drive. Want to join? It’s easy (see MEMBERSHIP above and at right). If you have any membership questions email our membership secretary Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

Stereos (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. Our next event is our May 4th auction this Sunday.

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PHSC Spring Auction – May 4th 2025

Posted on May 2, 2025 by Robert

 

Spring Auction May 4, 2025

Toronto.  Coming fast – our Spring 2025 Auction, tomorrow, Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Long Branch (south west Toronto) at the usual venue BUT at the slightly later time (see poster) – free parking [OVERFLOW AT GO TRAIN LOT JUST WEST of HALL] and free admission.

Our Spring 2025 Auction features goodies for both film and digital folk – photographs, cameras, lenses, accessories, books, and more. Come out and enjoy this event. Click on the AUCTION tab here or in the menu bar above for directions. Click on the large icon below and follow the instruction below the icon to see the lot slide show.

Everybody is welcome. There are many  really good items, some rare these days. Just in time to let you augment your collection or user gear!

Click above to see photos in roughly lot order (large photos are in lot order)

LOT SLIDE SHOW: We owe Clint a big thank you for photographing these lots, naming all lots by lot number and tagging them. The first batch (shown here) was uploaded May 1st. Another six (total now 77) photos added May 3rd and later on the 3rd another 15 for 92 lots on display. And still later the 3rd, another 13 added for 105 lots shown. A final batch of 30 photos (mostly Kodaks) were just posted bringing the total to 135 lot examples. Click on the montage above, then on the gorgeous old red Leica Manual (lot 001), and then on any lot icon to see the item  larger.

The photos in the slide show are in lot order (there may be some variation in the sequence of the thumbnails). Remember, the photos represent only a sampling of the lots to be auctioned Sunday. During the auction, the sequence of lots  is the auctioneer’s choice and will vary from the numerical sequence shown.  The photographing alone is a huge undertaking on behalf of the PHSC. This auction is a thrilling event with its wide variety of lots – something for everyone!

LOT LIST: Clint has created a full lot list which will be used during the actual auction.

LOT PHOTOS: The slide show of photos has been be updated frequently as photos were received.

Your left/right arrows will work to move from one enlarged photo to another. The red tags, black typed numbers, and hand written notations show the lot number – Enjoy!

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great balls of fire

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Robert

A serious fire in Toronto in 1899 when buildings were made of combustible materials.

Toronto.  In the column, “Image of the Month Series” by Robert Wilson, Bob chose a photo purported to have been taken by Alexander Galbraith. The photo is accompanied by a lengthy article titled, “Alexander Galbraith Began Long Career at Fire Scene”, which begins, “At 11:35 am on Friday, 10 February 1899, fire was noticed in the rear of the Gowans, Kent & Co’s Warehouse at 10-16 Front Street East in Toronto.

“Within a short time, the fire had spread to the top floor and then to the front of the building. The first fire crew to arrive quickly determined that the fire was out of control and sounded the general alarm, bringing the rest of the fire brigade.

“The fire was brought under control in about two hours, but it took the firemen over six hours to finally extinguish it. In their efforts, they used hoses at both the front and rear of the building as well as a water tower erected in the centre of Front Street as seen in the photograph.

“The firemen were hampered in their efforts by dense black smoke, and by sub zero temperatures which froze the water onto everything in the area. The fire destroyed the building, and all the stock held by Gowans, Kent & Co. with estimates of the damage placed at $150,000 to $175,000 for the contents and $20,000 for the buildings.

“Gowans, Kent & Co. immediately moved into 27 Wellington Street West as a temporary location and restocked with ‘a very large quantity of new English goods’ which had been in customs and in their outside warehouses.” …

Bob Wilson’s column in full, plus other articles appear in the issue 23-3 pdf on the free members only DVD/thumb drive. Non-members can  join now (see MEMBERSHIP above and at right). Any membership questions? Email our membership secretary Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

Visit our 2025 events and see what items (and photos) can be added to your collection! All events are listed under ‘PHSC EVENTS’ at right. Up next is our spring auction on May 4th. Any questions can be answered by Clint at fair@phsc.ca.

NB. The title of this post is that of a 1957 song “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis. An ancient song to the smart phone folk but close to home for old geezers like me.

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a better view

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Robert

right-angle 5x magnifier accessory for Leitz mirror box

Toronto. In a recent post, I looked at the Visoflex  ‘chimney’ for the mirror box fitted between a Leica and its bellows. Even before the Visoflex series went to market, Leitz made mirror boxes like the PLOOT which came with its own chimney magnifier and eye guard.

An alternative to the chimney was offered in the form of a 5 power right-angle viewer accessory code named PAMOO. Early versions (like at left) used a mirror while newer ones benefit from a prism.

When the Visoflex II and III came along, the mirror box was sold with a 4 power right angle viewer rather than a ‘chimney’ which was now offered as an added accessory. The viewer used a prism.

When you visit our 2025 events (see PHSC EVENTS at right), you are sure to see items to add to your collection. Next up is our Spring Auction to be held on May 4th. Questions? Email Clint at fair@phsc.ca.

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not up in smoke

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Robert

Left 5x magnification LVFOO. Right 5x magnification OTVXO

Toronto. Leitz came up with a mirror box housing that converted its famous Leica rangefinder to an SLR for close-ups and telephoto shots. The first version (Visoflex I) came with the 5x vertical magnifier (LVFOO). A 45 degree 4x magnifier for eye level use was also offered (PEGOO).

A second much slimmer version, the Visoflex II (and later a more refined Visoflex III) came with a right angle 4x magnifier. A separate 5x vertical magnifier (‘chimney’) was also offered (OTVXO). Other high end camera and accessory makers offered similar mirror boxes,  bellows, and ‘chimneys’; some for the Leica and some for their own cameras.

Visit our 2025 events and see what items add to your collection! All events are listed under ‘PHSC EVENTS’ at right. Up next is our spring auction on May 4th. Any questions can be answered by Clint at fair@phsc.ca.

Note: The title of this post is a riff on the Cheech and Chong 1978 movie (a send up on the weed generation) “Up in Smoke“.

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