feelin’ bookish

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Robert

The Man of 3D – from issue 15-2 of the journal

Toronto. Collectors use many sources to expand their knowledge of cameras, photos, processes, etc. One source is books. In the golden era of camera collecting (late 20th century) books on cameras and photos abounded.

One fine example is this book annotated with three view-master reels of stereo images (adjusted with Topaz Photo AI 3 – they haven’t quite got the text feature right). A review by one of our stereo experts, the late Stan White, appeared in the ‘Bookshelf’ column of issue 15-2. The book is currently offered  on Amazon.com. Unfortunately, a link gives too much personal information. Use the book’s full title to search via Google.

Stan begins, “This is the second book in the series “3D Highlights” published by Harry zur Kleinsmiede and Mariet de Weerd in their quest to uncover the world’s most interesting 3D pictures, past and present. The first book in the series promoted the stereo image; the second features the foremost author on stereo photography.”

Stan continues his review in 15-2 which is available in pdf format on the DVD sent to all members. You can read the rest of the review by joining the PHSC today. It’s both easy and inexpensive. See the menu item ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above if your prefer to use a cheque, or go to the right and use a credit card or your PayPal account. Our membership volunteer (Lilianne) can be reached at member@phsc.ca for assistance.

Note: We often have books at our events (not always stereo). Come on out to the fair or auction this fall and see what catches your fancy – and suits your collection! Details will be posted here a few weeks before each event.

Posted in history | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on feelin’ bookish

remembering Harold

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Robert

Harold McNutt c1989 by Bob Lansdale

Toronto. When I joined the PHSC back in 1975, one of the first people I got to know was Harold McNutt. As treasurer of the Toronto branch, he invited me to audit the books – an annual requirement per the by-laws. Harold was a pleasant and friendly chap who once counted my boss at the time and a friend as a one time employee of his.

In issue 15-2, Harold was chosen to be interviewed by Bob Lansdale as a featured collector. Harold had an eclectic eye for cameras and accessories (and great mechanical skill). He once offered me a photo bag with a screw mount Leica, four lenses, and some accessories. Regretfully I passed, only to pay far more years later for similar items.

For the article, Bob did both the interview, and the photographs. The article is titled, “Portrait of a Collector”. He begins his article, “If there is anything more interesting than collecting historical photographic equipment then it must be understanding the collectors. At meetings, we indulge in photo chit-chat but rarely do we know in depth the members themselves.

“Within our Society are personalities with a myriad of backgrounds. Only when you seek these can you appreciate what lies behind their collecting interests.

“One of our earliest members Harold McNutt, at 82, is the quintessential gentleman; quiet, well spoken and friendly to all who meet him.

“Recently I visited his Toronto home to photograph Harold with his collection …”

Well, you must know the routine by now. You can read Bob’s story in the pdf version of 15-2 which is on the DVD we send to all members. See above or at the right to sign up and your copy of the DVD will go off to you via Canada Post, See Lilianne at member@phsc.ca if you have questions.

If you collect cameras and photographs, drop by our fall events and you may find that irresistible item for your collection! I will do a post closer to each event.

Posted in history | Tagged , , | Comments Off on remembering Harold

more than one way to do it …

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Robert

The Devin “One shot”· Color Camera.

Toronto. Realistic colour was one of the last frontier’s of film technology. In the early 1860s a young Frenchman (du Hauron) suggested most of the ways photographers could capture colour, but the technology of the time wasn’t ready for him!

du Hauron based his ideas on the Young-Helmholtz or three colour theory of how we see colour,  in spite of the fact that photographic plates of the day were mostly blue sensitive and saw other colours as dark grey at best but usually as black.

The Devin ‘one-shot’ color camera (c1939) used a combination of three plates, mirrors and filters to capture each colour ‘band’ on a panchromatic plate.  In issue 15-1, editor Ev Roseborough recounts a hilarious tale about using the Devin for a still life (food) shot in the article, “Harry and the Sorcerer’s Apprentice”. Issue 15-2 gives more details on the Devin camera.

Shortly into Ev’s story. he states, “In those days making a color photograph of food was a ceremonial, like celebrating High Mass.

“The faithful, in the form of client, account executive and studio sales reps would gather at a respectful distance to watch, occasionally nodding approvingly.

“Harry, the high priest, in his vestment which was a tattered brown smock with a holy pocket, a dietitian in starchy white and the grey-flannelled art director were assembled before an altar. This was a heavy, well – used wooden shipping crate. It stood on end with an open front into which Harry dropped a sand-bag to keep it from shifting.

“The Devin camera had been set up and Charlie, an assistant, was going through a ritual of dusting the filters and plate holders with a camels hair brush. Three holders were used for each picture.”

As usual, members have our DVD with the first 40 volumes of the journal in pdf format. They can easily read Ev’s tale in issue 15-1 in full. Those who wish to join or renew can follow either the ‘MEMBERSHIP’ menu item above (for cheques) or the membership note at right for those using a credit card, debit card, or their PayPal account (we have a PayPal account for the cards).

Any questions can be addressed to our Membership Secretary, Lilianne Schneider, at member@phsc.ca. You will find lots of goodies for your collection at our fall events, and may even find a Devin camera!

Posted in history | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on more than one way to do it …

don’t hide your light …

Posted on August 11, 2024 by Robert

Double Dissolving Balopticon

Toronto. Photography collectors are a gregarious bunch. A subset collects projectors, from the so called magic lanterns which amuse and educate with special slides, to more modern apparatus from last century.

One such collector was the late Dr Robert Wilson. Bob was especially interested in Stereo. He had the rare ability to ‘free scan’ stereo images with his eyes alone. In issue 15-1 his article titled, “Dissolving and Stereoscopic Lantern Projectors” reviews a sub category of projectors which use a dissolve device to smoothly move from one slide to another.

His article begins, “During the early 1900’s a large number of companies sold lantern slide projectors. Dissolving projectors were featured by many of these companies and provided the ability to dissolve one slide into the next.

“As one catalog put it, the dissolving outfit was employed “to avoid the eyestrain and disagreeable affect produced by the alternate darkening and lighting of the screen, together with the ‘racing’ of the slides across the screen in changing”. There were several different designs available to provide the dissolving effect.”

Bob’s detailed article includes the then current prices asked by various makers. Members can read all of Bob’s article in the pdf version of issue 15-1 which is included on our ‘free to members’ DVD. You can join by cheque, credit card, debit card or PayPal account. See the ‘MEMBERSHIP’ menu item above if you write cheques or the Membership details at the far right for all other means of joining or renewing. New members will receive their DVD via Canada Post. If you have any questions about membership, email our Membership Secretary, Lilianne Schneider, at member@phsc.ca.

While we can’t say for sure you will find one of these old projectors at our fall fair or auction, we can say you will find many items of interest for your collection (or use).

Posted in history | Tagged , , | Comments Off on don’t hide your light …

quint essential tash

Posted on August 10, 2024 by Robert

Tash and the Quints, Xmas, 1934

Toronto. Attention all image collectors! In yesterday’s post (q.v.)we commented on the life of Canadian Movie maker Roy Tash.

In the same issue (14-5), Bob Wilson in his column Image of the Month writes, “On May 28,1934, five identical girls, the Dionne Quintuplets, were born on a farm near North Bay, Ontario.

“At the time, the newsreel companies were quite aggressive in obtaining footage and two photographers were on the site within a day of the birth. Roy Tash was one of them. Since the old farmhouse did not have electricity, Tash reports that he had to round up several car batteries to provide the power for his lights.

“The photo shown here was taken near Christmas 1934, when the five girls were still less than seven months old. Tash, behind the movie camera, and his sound man Alf Nicholson.”

Posted in history | Tagged , | Comments Off on quint essential tash

tish, tash i was taking a movie

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Robert

Roy Tash and a Biograph camera

Toronto, … with apologies to Bobby Darin. Roy Tash was a well known Canadian movie maker. His  photo was a covershot on the early spring of 1989 issue 14-5. Roy passed away the previous year (1988) just before the PHSC could interview him.

Nevertheless, the late Bill Belier wrote about Roy in this article, “Roy Tash – Canada’s Eyes and Ears”. Bill began his article with a brief explanation, “In October 1988, editor Everett Roseborough and I arranged an interview with Roy Tash in preparation for the article in this edition of Photographic Canadiana.

“Unfortunately it was not to be. Roy was ailing at the time and the interview had to be postponed and then on December 7th [1988] Roy Tash died. He was in his ninetieth year.

“His daughter, Norma McFadden, graciously consented to be interviewed on her father’s behalf and we are indebted to her for many of the reminiscences and all of the photographs that accompany this article.”

Yo can read Bill’s article on this extraordinary Canadian using the pdf version of issue 14-5 which is included on the PHSC DVD sent to all members. The DVD covers the journal from volumes 1-40. Not a yet a member? It’s simple – and inexpensive – to join. see the menu item ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above if you use cheques, or the membership info to the right under “Membership – Join or Renew!” for those preferring to use a credit card or PayPal account. Any questions? Drop an email to our membership secretary Lilianne Schneider at member@phsc.ca.

Of course, you are invited to come to our fall events where you just might find an old movie camera etc. for your collection! Details will be posted here when they are known.

Posted in history | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on tish, tash i was taking a movie

what an encore!

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Robert

A model C Kodak with a roll film back – photo courtesy of Alldyn Clark

Toronto. The 1881 Kodak set a new standard for ease of use (and roll film). In 1891 A new Kodak was announced with  added features: different sizes for different films; a choice of film or glass plate back; two viewfinders; focusable.  These Kodaks were made from about 1891-1895.

The late Alldyn Clark, a Bracebridge photographer and camera collector, obtained a rare Kodak camera c1891. The article on this model of Kodak is titled, “The ‘C’ Ordinary Kodak 1891-1895”. Alldyn sent photos and details down to Ev who wrote the illustrated article for issue 14-4.

Ev writes, “Following considerable interest on the part of members, Alldyn Clark, well known photographer and stereo collector of Bracebridge, Ontario, sends us these details of the “C” Ordinary Kodak which he obtained from Ontario Hydro in 1957. Alldyn has restored it to operating condition. Approximately 3,000 were manufactured through the years 1891 to 1895.

“This 4 x 5 inch model has a roll-fllm back, although a plate back was interchangeable. The camera consists of two wooden boxes, one moving inside the other to focus the image. Focussing is accomplished by moving the sliding lever which projects beside the footage scale.”

Although Bracebridge is a few hours north of Toronto, Alldyn managed to attend many of our monthly Toronto meetings back then. He enjoyed the presentations and company of fellow collectors inspire of being quite deaf.

While we can’t guarantee you will find a model C Kodak at a fall PHSC event, you will find things for your collection whether you collect cameras, photos, or photography ephemera. And remember, all members received a DVD with the pdf version of every volume Photographic Canadiana from 1-40. See previous posts to join or ask our membership secretary a question.

Posted in history | Tagged , , | Comments Off on what an encore!

this art triumphant

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Robert

Unidentified children, ca. 1910 Robertson Matthews (amateur)

Toronto. Many of our members specialize in the collection of photographs. To cater to this audience, Ev Roseborough published detailed articles on exhibitions of the day such as the exhibition, “This Art Triumphant – A Photographic Portrait of Peel 1860-1930” presented by Peel Regional Archives in the Region of Peel Art Gallery. The exhibition ran from October 5 to December 4, 1988.

The exhibition featured both professional and amateur photographers from the towns and villages in Peel Township. The photograph I chose is an amateur photo taken by Robertson Matthews c1910. Photo collectors may have examples from Peel Township photographers of the day or perhaps can find such examples at one of our events this fall.

Ev writes, “Robertson Matthews began photographing about 1902. The son of a Methodist preacher from Albion Township, he was a leading expert in the United States on the international combustion engine. After receiving a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Cornell University he remained there as teacher for many years.

“He loved to return to Bolton each summer, making many photographs. These are not only  technically excellent but emotionally appealing.”

You can read all of this article and other stories first published in issue 14-4 on the PHSC DVD which covers volumes 1-40 of Photographic Canadiana in pdf format. This DVD went out free to all members. Not a member yet? It’s easy and inexpensive – see the menu item ‘MEMBERSHIP’ (cheque) above, or the PayPal button at the far right (card or PayPal account)  to join. Once registered, a copy of the DVD will be sent via Canada Post. Questions can be addressed to our membership secretary, Lilianne Schneider at membership@phsc.ca.

Posted in history | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on this art triumphant

treasure in an attic

Posted on August 6, 2024 by Robert

young girl, c1877 (1899?) courtesy of the Carbon Studio, NY and published by Alfred S. Campbell Art Co Elizabeth, NJ

Toronto. Our society includes folks whose passion is photos. This is a story of a portrait, a very special portrait taken over a century ago using a special process. The image here at left was the cover photo for the Christmas 1988 issue of Photographic Canadiana. The image at left was sharpened in Focus Magic and the curve adjusted to darken the shadows a bit at the expense of highlight detail in the dress.

For this issue of our journal,  Ev wrote a photograph-related tale, a tale about a beautiful young lady c1877 and a very unusual large, framed, photograph discovered in an attic. In an effort to determine the printing process used, Ev made 35mm shots of the photograph and finally resorted to inspecting the disassembled original.

Ev begins his story, “Sometime before his untimely death Gerry Ham, well known Canadian collector, placed a framed photograph in my hands and asked, “What is it?”

“I was never able to tell him, because a year elapsed before an answer was forthcoming .

“The original had been delivered to Gerry by llgvars Broks, Vice- President of the color lab BGM in Toronto, who had asked the same question.

“Ilgvars had been in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1986, at a house recently purchase by a relative. The attic was full of boxes, some containing family albums, tintypes, coloured black and white photos and a handwritten note book, all of which had lain unattended for many years.”

The full story and all the illustrations are available today on the PHSC DVD of volumes 1-40 of Photographic Canadiana each in pdf format. As a member, a copy of the DVD will be sent to you via Canada Post. See the ‘MEMBERSHIP’ menu item above or the PayPal buttons to the right to join. Our membership secretary, Lilianne Schneider is available to answer any questions you may have at member@phsc.ca.

Posted in history | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on treasure in an attic

a midsummer’s holiday …

Posted on August 5, 2024 by Robert

Map of Simcoe County c1950s or so

Toronto. … with apologies to Bill Shakespeare.  A long weekend break for the working folk is a great idea! Traditionally, The holiday in question is August 1st and celebrated the first Monday on or after the 1st.

One or two problems: The name of  the holiday varies by time, city and province. Sometimes it is federal, sometimes provincial and some times municipal. This means some folk have the day off, others do not. Stores and entertainments may or may not be open that day in one city or another.

When I was a kid, we called August 1st “Simcoe  Day” in memory of John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. Later it became the “Civic Holiday” and later still [in Toronto]  “Emancipation Day” while the defined long weekend remains the “Civic Holiday” (sort of).

Growing up on Lake Simcoe, the name “Simcoe Day” made sense to my young mind. No matter the name, it is a welcome pause after summer begins and before fall sets in. Happy Holiday, everyone! And as they say, “See you in September”.

Posted in activities-other | Tagged , , | Comments Off on a midsummer’s holiday …