all in a row

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Robert

extension tubes for screw-mount Leica signed by Leitz NY

Toronto. Those wanting to make the odd close-up but not wanting to pay for fancy accessories resorted to extension tubes – those tubes that fit between the camera body and lens to extend the lens for closer subjects.

Most camera makers with interchangeable lens cameras made or had available extension tubes of various lengths. In the case shown, these tubes are signed by Leitz New York. The tubes are used with the little screw-mount Leicas.

While they solved the ‘dollar’ problem, extension tubes raised a couple of other issues: distance  from lens front to subject; and area framed. Various tables, and careful measurements helped out here. Plus a tripod …

Our Spring Fair is coming up this May 24th, a week after the Victoria day long weekend in Ontario. While we can’t say you will find Leitz NY extension tubes  – or any other make – there, we can say you will find many interesting items, some of which will add to your collection and user gear. As the fair date approaches, we will be pinning a poster with details to the top of this site.

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its getting closer

Posted on March 5, 2026 by Robert

the SOOKY-M for close-ups with the M-series cameras

Toronto. As Leitz moved to the phenomenally successful M-series cameras, the accessories changed to complement the new line.

A strange ‘bug-eyed’ little gadget called a SOOKY-M is just such a wonder. Like the screw mount NOOKY, this gadget gives the M3 a close-up range (various sources give different ratios).

When the Summicron lens was made in the black mount, it was no longer collapsible. It did not fit the SOOKY-M. To solve this, Leitz produced the little ring seen here at right called a ‘16508’ that took the unscrewed 5cm Summicron lens out of its focussing mount and changed it to a small bayonet mount just like that on the older chrome collapsible Summicron.

And speaking of getting closer, our Spring Fair debuts this year on May 24th. As we approach the date a poster and other details will be pinned to the top of this site.

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Hey, Rita!

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Robert

c1951 Leica Meter by Metraphot with Weston, DIN, and ASA film sensitivity settings

Toronto. Pre WW2, standalone meters began to appear. The more expensive ones used a selenium cell. In 1951, camera-mounted meters came along, often with a means to attach a booster cell. Selenium meters (and older) were okay in sunlight but not as dusk began to fall, or indoors when a meter would be of real use.

Initially, the meters attached to the camera hot shoe but were not linked to the shutter or aperture. Leitz farmed out the meter manufacture to Metraphot and Metrawatt.

Typical of the “post war and pre CdS” meters is the Leica Meter shown here which was offered c1951. It has a leather case and a booster cell with its own case.The booster cell is attached to a special hot shoe on the short flat side of the meter (next to the leather case in the above photo).

While we can’t say for sure you will find a Leica Meter at our May 24, 2026 fair, you WILL find many items suitable to expand your collection and user gear. The poster for the fair, plus other information will be pinned to this site closer to the fair date.

Note: This post title is inspired by a Beetles song on the Sgt Pepper album (I have the album in Vinyl  and CD).

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copy that

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Robert

the infamous ‘copyright’ symbol

Toronto. You found a great print for your collection. Who owns the copyright? Someone copies an old photograph and claims copyright. Can he do this?

Mark Twain once said, “Only one thing is impossible to God — to find any sense in any copyright law on this planet.”

My friend George Dunbar was curious about copyright conventions for old photographs and researched the subject. His findings appear in issue 26-5 under the article, “Photography & Copyright – Confusion for Collectors?”.

Occasionally on this site someone will challenge my choice of image under copyright law. Are they correct? I don’t know, but it is far cheaper to replace the ‘offending image’ than risk a costly court  hearing  over what may well be a trivial issue. Generally, as a not for profit  educational site, we are allowed a bit of leeway.

George writes, “I’ve been puzzled by the copyright restrictions placed on antique photographs and after asking advice of a number of business individuals and of members at our PHSC meetings, I turned to the internet to seek advice from a wider scope of experts. The replies produced a number of divergent views which serve to illustrate that copyright regulations are poorly understood by those who work with photographs.

“My original query was this: ‘I’m puzzled over the  copyright that is frequently claimed for photographs which, from their age, must now been in the ‘public domain’. I’ve noticed that archives and museums often publish a copyright notice under the reproduction of a hundred-year old photograph. How is this possible?

“Some claim that a newly minted copy made from the original print can be copyrighted. That seems highly irregular, since copyright traditionally applies only to original, artistic expression. Are some curators claiming that they can hold a copyright by simply copying a ‘public domain’ work?” …

Members were able to read all of George’s findings in the issue 26-5 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/memory stick. See ‘membership’ above or at right to join. Email any questions to member@phsc.ca.

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Lomography at it again

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Robert

Lomography’s 35mm fish-eye camera

Toronto. Our friends down in NYC announced a fish-eye 35 mm camera for the film niche fraternity:

Fisheye No. 2 Rodeo Denim

Bursting with untamed spirit, capture life’s wildest moments in an incredible 170° fisheye view, turning everyday scenes into bold expressions of creative freedom!
  • See and be seen with this delightful denim camera
  • Featuring a powerful built-in flash so you can shoot anywhere, anytime
  • Multiple exposure mode to mix and match scenes with ease
  • Light up the night with long exposure fun
  • Shoot fun and experimental bulbous spheres
Film Format: 35 mm
Focal Length: 10 mm Fisheye
Available Apertures: f8
Shutter Speed: 1/100 (N), Bulb (B)
Flash: Built In Flash, Hotshoe
Available ISO Settings: No ISO Adjustment
Multiple Exposure: Yes
Tripod Mount: No
Cable Release: No
Battery: 1 × AA
SKU: fcp200rodeo

In stock

CA$89.00
Of course,  readers in the GTA area should contact Downtown Camera here in the big smoke (big slush?) FIRST to see if they have the fish-eye camera in stock …
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a penny for your thoughts

Posted on March 1, 2026 by Robert

and what might this be?

Toronto. When the widely popular little Leica cameras first came out in the mid 1920s they were very utilitarian in design. To meet demand for features and versatility, Leitz made accessories. In many cases an accessory simply over-came an earlier design decision.

A case in point is the very popular 5cm f/3.5 Elmar lens. The aperture adjustment is a small tab on the front, around the lens. A lens hood, or especially a clamp-on filter, made aperture adjustment difficult to impossible.

The solution was more accessories. In the case of a lens-camera combination a small ring, the VOOLA, was sold a decade after the end of WW2. This thin gadget fitted the hood or filter with the two stubs around the aperture tab. Loosening the thumb screw on the hood/filter allows it to be turned and with it the VOOLA which uses the serrated arms to stay firmly fitted to the hood/filter.

Even without a hood/filter attached, the tab could chip an unwary finger nail. And if the Elmar was used on an enlarger, its face down position made aperture adjustments almost impossible. The enlarger issue was solved by a couple of special accessory hoods with the aperture adjustment ring built-in.

NB: the photo of the VOOLA is courtesy of James Lager from his now rare late 1990s hard cover trilogy “Leica – An Illustrated History” as I was unable to put my hands on my own VOOLA  (its around here somewhere).

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tomorrow, March 1st is CAMERAMA

Posted on February 28, 2026 by Robert

Polaroid slide film processed with a borrowed Polaroid processor

Toronto. Each year our good friend Gary Perry puts on a series of CAMERAMA shows. The first for 2026 is tomorrow, March 1, 2026. IMPORTANT! Please use this link, not the one at the bottom of this post.
email: cameramashow@gmail.com

NB: At one time I experimented with Polaroid 35mm film and a Leitz Stereoly (example at left). Gary kindly loaned me the necessary Polaroid processor for my experiment. Shown are my two reluctant subjects – Rusty (shelty) and Pete (fox terrier).

 

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well, how about flora then?

Posted on February 27, 2026 by Robert

a Christmas cactus blossom

Toronto. Experienced collectors of images can be quite choosey. Particular processes, older photos, famous people, etc., the list goes on. A sub-category of photos may include flora of various stripes such as blossoms, cacti, plants, trees, etc.

While this colour digital photo is a bit too recent (2014), it gives an idea of what attracts a collector’s eye. Colour shots from a century ago are definitely collectible as are monotone prints from a variety of processes.

We welcome all collectors – camera and photograph – at our fairs. The Spring Fair is this coming May 24, 2026, the week following Victoria day here in Canada. As the date approaches a poster will be pinned to this site with full details.

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see any more fauna?

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Robert

checking for fauna… c2006 digital image

Toronto. A sub-set of old photos collectors like to collect are fauna. Either wild or domestic. Sometimes a particular species. Or a special era.

This example, while far too recent to be collectible, could be considered either fauna or pets.

Image collectors can find portraits and other studio shots easily. Outdoor and work photos are less common as are good animal photos.

Come out to our spring fair event on May 24th. You may spot a great fauna image for your collection, or some other irresistible items. As we near the fair date, a poster will be pinned to the top of this site giving details to all.

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February 4, 2026 Executive Meeting #66 by ZOOM

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Robert

PHSC President Clint Hryhorijiw

Toronto. … Here we are once again in February.

This, our 66th executive meeting by ZOOM, was held on Wednesday evening, February 4th. All except our Social Media editor were able to attend.

Our treasurer, John Morden, sent out his report  prior to the meeting.  While there was a brief discussion, no changes were necessary.

Financial Controller, Jeri Danyleyko noted once again all is quiet on the GIC front other than an additional GIC purchase is planned.

Membership Secretary, Lilianne Schneider noted we have five new members this month. Lilianne is also one of the helpers in preparation for each auction.

Note: 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 us at member@phsc.ca.

The ever patient PHSC OC3 contact, John Allman, noted an insurance round table will be held on February 7th. Our treasurer has been invited. John sees that each PHSC event is included in the OC3 newsletter.

Our programs director, Celio Barreto, will be taking some time off from his program duties this year. Celio has been working very hard on programs as well as co-ordinating most of these ZOOM meetings and experimenting with innovative ways for the society to use ZOOM and other technical tools.

Newsletter editor Patrick Gunn sent in a report. He plans to combine issues 26-1 and 26-2 as this seems to be a quiet time for newsletter content.

The spring fair is confirmed for May 24, 2026 (Victoria Day long weekend is the week earlier). Clint will continue investigating the viability of an expanded image show (Image and Books) at the auction venue.

The first auction of the year was moved to February 15th due to the heavy snowfall that hit Toronto on January 25th seriously impacting movement around the city. Consideration is being given to holding a second auction around May 3, 2026.

Journal editors, David and Louise, are considering a revised journal schedule and content. They will report their recommendations next month at the executive meeting.

Social media editor, Ms Markovic was unable to attend this meeting. She provided a written report for instagram once more showing positive growth month/month). She will encourage article input from TMU students for instagram and eventually our newsletter and journal.

Ms Markovic attended the TMU photo books awards on behalf of the PHSC and took photographs which she shared.

As usual, I distributed a monthly web report by email. Daily posts have been made since I  began using WordPress as a basis for the PHSC website. The technical support and up time shown by our host (A2 Hosting) in Michigan has been excellent.

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