let it snow …

Christmas in western part of Montreal Island c1970/1

Toronto. Our decision to defer the auction on January 25th proved absolutely correct. It was initially planned to fill a gap in events for photo collectors. Hopefully we will have better weather on the 15th of this month when we now plan to host our “January”, er, February auction.

By the way, this is the first time in about a half century of PHSC events that we have had to defer an event  due to weather – or anything else.

The thumbnail at left shows a typical winter in Dollard des Ormeaux. The snow is higher than we saw on the 25th of last month.

Come out to our February 15th, 2026 auction. Lots to see and enjoy. Something will surely catch your eye and may even add to your collection and user gear!

 

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reminiscing again …

the late Ron Anger c2000 by Robert Lansdale with PHSC fair posters

Toronto. The second ‘memories’ person in issue 26-4 is the late Ronald Anger – charter member #007. Ron was heavily involved in the society in a variety of capacities including president of the PHSC. Ron collected Ernemann cameras and was a dedicated amateur photographer.

The editor begins, ” chairing the 4th Photographic Fair in 1978 and the 9th Fair in 1983; he also served as our 3rd President. Previous shows had been held in Cody Hall on Bloor Street or the War Amps Building on Wellesley.”

Ron takes over, “We moved to the Chelsea Inn, paid a rental fee of $800 and expanded the show to a two day week-end with a hospitality room for the dealers on Friday night. In the early days we rented tables for $5 to $7 and filled them with boxes of collectibles – only 50% of the material was ‘modern users’.

“The prize cameras have disappeared into collections or have been picked off by dealers; we see some of that material gradually coming back on the market as older collectors disperse their collections. I had lined up a donation of a Zorki 2 (Leica II copy) but in the draw I won it myself.” …

This winning was embarrassing to Ron. You can learn his reaction and solution by reading the entire article in the issue 26-4 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/memory stick. See ‘Membership’ above and at right to join. Address all questions to member@phsc.ca.

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another memories article

our first Membership Secretary, the late Marj Addison, member CM 004, at home c2000

Toronto. Taking a brief break from collecting, we look once again at the column, “Members Memories… from the past”, initiated by late editor Bob Lansdale in volume 25 of the journal to help celebrate our 25th anniversary.

The first memory article in this issue is by the late Marj Addison, our first Membership Secretary. The introduction to the article (presumably by the editor) states, “[Marj] sits once again with the original membership books which she established for the society in 1975. The first ledger was a school scribbler in which each new member was given a sequenced number –the system continues today. [Marj and Jack lived in Scarborough and on Jack’s retirement moved to eastern Ontario].

“A file card was also maintained for detailed information on the individual’s participation in the PHSC. Every entry was hand written since that was before computers. [these historical documents were later lost by a volunteer].

“Marge supported her husband Jack, in both his business life as a photographer and in his social activities. When he joined the PHSC and volunteered for the executive she decided she might as well offer her services and thus became the Membership Secretary.

“Jack had a way of sinking himself deep into the society and served as President from 1977 to 1981 and, at the same time, editing our journal –Photographic Canadiana. He advanced it from a news sheet to a magazine format. Needless to say Marge was kept busy typing up articles and sitting at the kitchen table packaging the completed issues for mailing.

“Helping run the promotional booths at the CNE and several shopping malls, running Fairs and special events –it was all in good fun as the volunteers always gathered for a wine & cheese party after every event”. …

Members easily read Marjorie’s thoughts in the issue 26-4 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. You can join by following ‘Membership’ join instruction above and at right. Questions may be emailed to member@phsc.ca.

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as Horace Greeley once said …

Pioneer photographers of the far west 1840-1865

Toronto. …Go west, young man. Many photographers did indeed ‘go west’ – in North America, that is. Messrs Palmquist and Kailbourn recently released a “biographical dictionary” of the “pioneer photographers of the far west“.

This opus was reviewed in issue 26-4. The review begins, “This is a most comprehensive, well documented, biographical dictionary of some 1,500 photographers (and workers engaged in photographically related pursuits) that were active in western North America before 1865.

“It is enriched by some 250 illustrations, many previously unpublished. Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn, two of America’s leading photo history researchers, have produced an epic production.

“With over 800 pages [above link suggests 639 pages] this is but volume #1. A second volume will take the study eastwards to the Mississippi River and include Prairie Canada and Mexico.” …

The full review is in the issue 26-4 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. Not a member? Well then check out ‘Membership” above and at right. Questions? Email them to member@phsc.ca.

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a really rare one

the itinerant photographer’s wet-plate camera

Toronto. I often mention that wet plate cameras usually self destruct as they are used. In this rare example shown in Bill Belier’s column in issue 26-4 it is described by its present owner – Mike Robinson.

Bill begins, “Our ‘treasure’ this month is from the collection of our multi-talented Program Chairman, Mike Robinson, …lecturer, contemporary daguerreotypist, wet-plate photographer and replica builder of early landmark cameras. His story follows…

“The maker of this mahogany and brass half-plate camera was a Mr. C. Burr, described as a ‘London optician and camera maker, 1862–1865’, about whom I have uncovered very little information to date.

“Hopefully, with continued research, I will learn more about this early British craftsman. The sliding box design is of the earliest type of camera construction which was used for daguerreotype, wet-plate collodion or calotype paper negatives. This camera is equipped with a Petzval design portrait lens with Waterhouse stops and a focusing knob.

“The lens (serial #3254) is believed to be original equipment as I found no flange markings or additional mounting screw holes on the body.” …

Yes, indeed. Members could read all about this wet plate camera in Bill’s column in the issue 26-4 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/memory stick. See top or at right “Membership” to join – it’s cheap and easy. In the rare case of questions, email them to member@phsc.ca.

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submerged in religion

A Baptist convention in 1868 Toronto captured by R Carswell

Toronto. The article “A Surprising Find!” not only expands on Carswell’s CdVs but discusses the meeting of Baptist clergy in Toronto in 1868 and Carswell’s group photo shown here. It is a collage of individual portraits.

The article by editor Robert Lansdale, begins, “PHSC member Thomas Ritchie brought to my attention two photographs that were found inside an old picture frame; the two aged images were mounted back-to-back on a single cardboard sheet. A 9 1/4 by 11 1/2 inch print of a building graces one side and would appear to be the Bowman’s Hotel according to a sign on an omnibus carriage parked near the right edge and by a part sign on the building.

“Although there were Bowman’s hotels and taverns in early Ontario this appears to be a British scene… the question awaits further research.

“The more interesting photograph, a 7 1/4 by 9 1/2 inch print –brown with age, shows 57 portraits of Baptist Ministers who, according to a caption, ‘attended the Convention in Toronto, October 16–21, 1868’. Credit is given to ‘R. Carswell, Photographer, 6 King Street West, Toronto’.” …

Yes, you are correct – members were able to read the entire article and see the two photographs from Mr Richie’s collection in the pdf file for issue 26-4 on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. See above or at right to join (Membership). Email any questions to member@phsc.ca.

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a pocket full of poses

CdVs by Robert Carswell c1866-70 taken in his Toronto studio.

Toronto.  Around the time when the northern part of British North America established  itself as the Dominion of Canada (1867), a Toronto photographer, Robert Carswell, created these CdVs which became part of the late Robert Wilson’s collection. Twenty-five years ago, editor Bob Lansdale chose this quartet of CdVs for the cover shot of issue 26-4.

Inside the issue, Bob describe this cover photograph as follows, “We feature a sample of carte de visite portraits from the 1866-70 time period when Canada was just entering its Confederation.

“Like so many others, twenty-eight year old Robert Carswell operated a photographic enterprise for a short while then was removed from the listings in photographic history.

“We tell the story on pages 6 to 8 of how ‘A Surprising Find!’ led to the discovery of his true success in life.”

Members saw the photos and read the “A Surprising Find!” story in the pdf file for issue 26-4 on the free members-only DVD/memory stick. Check above and at right (Membership) to see the many ways to join. Any questions? Email them to member@phsc.ca.

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spring camerama

Toronto. Our friend Gary Perry has announced his first show of the year. Address any question to Gary at email: cameramashow@gmail.com or use Phone/Text: 905-550-7477.

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
6 Sakura Way, Toronto, M3C 1Z5
Show Hours: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Admission $10, Students $8 (with valid ID)
 

We still have a few vendor tables available so if you have been thinking of getting a table to sell some of your gear now is the time!

Tables cost $100 (8ft) and include entrance for you and a helper. 

March 1, 2026 CAMERAMA show

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Winter Photographic History Auction

a familiar figure

Toronto. Louis Daguerre is famous for releasing the first publicly announced practical process for photography – and for offering it free to all outside the UK.

His portrait (shown here) is one of the lots in the upcoming auction of old photographic images by Michael Lehr.

Mr Lehr has an auction house down in New Jersey. He announced his latest photographic images auction recently.

The auction will begin on January 31, 2026. Anyone can bid online for a particular lot. Notice of the auction is in this post.   Details on the lots-catalogue offered and how to bid are on his web site.

PS. This is a great chance to add more Americana images to your collection.

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keeping it small …

lot 339 – a small Super Baldinette made in the early 1950s by Balda

Toronto. Lot 339 in February’s auction (Feb 15th) is a fine example of keeping cameras small, This Balda folds up like a Retina and can be dropped in a pocket. The auction lots include many small 35mm cameras and a few even smaller subminiature cameras like the famous Minox.

Shown at left is a Super Baldinette made by Balda in the early 1950s. The camera could be purchased with a few different lenses of varying maximum aperture and cost. The camera in lot 339 has a high quality f/2 Rodenstock lens with a Synchro-Compur leaf shutter.

IMPORTANT: OUR AUCTION WAS RESCHEDULED TO FEB 15th DUE TO BAD WEATHER. Come out on Sunday, February 15th  and enjoy the ambience of our first 2026 event, Remember, admission is free and so is the parking. The auction location is the Legion Hall 101 in Long Branch (southwest Toronto). Slightly west of Brown’s line (highway 427/27) on the Lakeshore.

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