flashes of fancy

Posted on July 30, 2024 by Robert

getting enough light

Toronto. Our then recently appointed editor, Ev Roseborough wrote an engaging story in issue 13-5 called, “The Twenty-fourth of May – everyday”. Ev’s skills as a photographer make a point that to be a good editor one must be devoted to the subject and its history and  have a sound network of like-minded contacts.

Ev’s story tells the many ways photographers in the 1800s and early 1900s strived to show their subjects in the best light in spite of the terribly slow media of the day. His story covers the time before we had flash bulbs, electronic flash and faster emulsion speeds.

He gives a hilarious ‘critique’ of the poor photographer who chose the ‘Byron Lamp’ as show in the ad at left. An assistant or two or light stands would have helped …

Ev begins his story, “Photographers have been unwilling to be restricted to the use of natural light to make pictures. Whitening was resorted to, even in sunlight, as a means of shortening exposures for dark complexions.

“The use of instantaneous (or nearly instantaneous) illumination has been an important factor in the development of Photography.

“Fox-Talbot, in mid 1851 , used a powerful electric spark to stop the motion of a spinning object in a photograph, thus predating Dr. Harold Edgerton by some 79 years.”

Members continued Ev’s story, and other articles in the hard copy issue that March of 1988. More recent members could read the stories on the PHSC DVD which includes the pdf version of issue 13-5. To join the PHSC (or renew) see the submenu item ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above (for use of cheques) or see the note at right to join with a card or via your PayPal account. Once registered, Lilianne will have a DVD sent to new members via Canada Post.

Want a flash or other item for your collection? Come to our events this fall. Dates and posters will be posted on this site later in the year.

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kudos to Kodak

Posted on July 29, 2024 by Robert

An 1888 Kodak inside and out

Toronto. In 1888, George Eastman down in Rochester broke new ground with his then iconic “Kodak” camera. This marvellous invention has a name speakable in most languages.

For the first time in photography it was a camera that used roll film and came ready for 100 exposures. When the roll was finished, camera and film were returned to Eastman to have prints made, a new film added, and the whole package (prints, new roll and camera) returned to the owner.

In one flash of inspiration, photography was opened to many new amateurs! A camera and sensitive media light to carry, a camera simple to use, and exciting photographs to view and admire. All thanks to the dry plate, and inventors who created roll film and the means to ‘meter’ it in the camera. This earliest version used so called stripping film. The film’s transparent backing was not optically clear.

Editor Ev Roseborough described this cover shot to issue 13-4 as, “The original Kodak introduced in 1888, can be easily identified by the two brass screws immediately above and below the aperture. Approximately 5000 were produced before it was superseded by the Kodak No. I in 1889.”

Members back then (early 1988 could read the journal articles including histories of Eastman Kodak and the E. Leitz Leica. More recent members received our PHSC DVD and could read the pdf version. You can join or renew easily – follow the MEMBERSHIP sub-menu above for traditional cheques, or the right hand sidebar to use a card or PayPal. Easy-Peasy. Once registered, the DVD will be mailed to you via Canada Post. Problems? Just email our membership secretary Lilianne Schneider at menbership@phsc.ca.

While we can’t assure you that you will find one of these 1888 beauties for your collection at one of our fall events, we can say you will have a good time and meet friends old and new at our fall auction and fall fair. Dates  and posters will be in place this fall.

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all a-whirl …

Posted on July 28, 2024 by Robert

back of a magic lantern slide called a Kaleidotrope – courtesy of Les Jones

Toronto. In the days before motion pictures, people congregated to see ‘magic lantern‘ slides projected on a screen with commentary by the projectionist or an assistant.

In order to add motion to the slides, some had added means to move parts of the slide projecting a sense of motion on the screen. Back at the beginning of 2009 we had the pleasure of hearing a talk on the magic lantern and its slides given by ‘Professor’ Lindsay Lambert.

The definitive book on these wonderful machines and slides is “Encyclopaedia of the Magic Lantern” published back in 2001 by the “Magic Lantern Society” of Great Britain based in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Past president of the PHSC and retired sports photographer, Les Jones, sent me an email (actually a few) mentioning his acquisition of a Kaleidotrope slide. The reverse of the slide is shown at left.  Les commented. “Bought this lot almost sight unseen as it seemed interesting. Included these two – possibly an Eidotrope but marked Kaleidotrope”. The slide shown is 6-7/8 inches long by 4-1/4 inches high. It is 3/4 inch thick to accommodate the 3-1/2 inch diameter disk and its spring.

The slide is described as, “a slide with a single perforated metal or cardboard disc suspended on a spiral spring. The holes can be tinted with colored pieces of gelatin. When struck the disc’s vibration and rotation sends the colored dots of light swirling around in all sorts of shapes and patterns. The device was demonstrated at the Royal Polytechnic Institution around 1870 and dubbed “Kaleidotrope” when commercial versions were marketed.” The Encyclopaedia gives a similar definition using slightly different words.

Drop in on one of our events this fall – you may find a Magic Lantern or a slide for your collection (or other interesting photographic memorabilia).

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helping the bacon

Posted on July 27, 2024 by Robert

1938 ad for the famous precision Zeiss Ikon cameras

Toronto. In issue 13-1, I reviewed the book, “#16 – Champlin on Fine Grain”. This 1938 text gave a detailed explanation and developer formulae for fine grain processing while maintaining film speed. At the time there was considerable effort to develop a fine grain formula for the rather contrasty film to break up the silver halide clumps, soften the contrast, yet maintain sensitivity.

To augment recovery of the book publishing costs it was common in that era to include subject related advertisements. This book was no exception. In addition to ads for photographic chemical suppliers, there was this ad for the famous Zeiss Ikon Contax and related precision cameras.

We are fortunate today – our lowest digital sensor sensitivity is far higher than that of the fastest film processed in the finest of fine grain developers back then. How times (and ads) have changed.

If you are seeking to add to your personal collection, either with these famous Zeiss Ikon cameras or other precision or unusual designs, be sure to visit our events this fall.

PS. Our editor offered this comment on the Zeiss Ikon ad, “Editor’s note: This advertisement for Zeiss Ikon appeared in the back 0f Harry Champlin’s book, … , which is reviewed on page 11. Advertising in books was common in those days, to help defray some 0f the production costs.“

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a merry Kodak Christmas

Posted on July 26, 2024 by Robert

a late 1930s CKC ad for a Christmas gift in a wooden presentation box

Toronto. Early in our history, Canadian Kodak contributed to us for printing a vintage ad from CKC on the back page of our journal. This ad for an art-deco folder announced a perfect Christmas gift. Unfortunately it was the May/June 1987 issue and released very late!

As a gift , Kodak enclosed the camera in a presentation box made of cedar. The wood was coloured ebony and the exterior of the box mimicked the shutter with its art-deco design. While undated the ad and camera appear to be late 1930s (my father bought his somewhat fancier Brownie art-deco Kodak in that period).

The camera and cedar box  would be a wonderful addition to any camera collection even today. Drop by one of our events this fall and you too may spot one of these beautiful items – or another exotic piece just waiting for your keen eye!

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a dime a dozen?

Posted on July 25, 2024 by Robert

The only known photograph of A.T. Roberts, taken by Ev Roseborough in Feb 1944 for the J. Walter Thompson agency.

Toronto. Photo collectors and historians can attest to the fact that only the wealthy could hire an artist to use his talent and paints to create a ‘likeness’ before 1839 and photography opened up creation of a ‘likeness’ to millions. Within a couple of generations one photo could be taken and printed on the carte de visite cards over and over – with a dozen prints costing just a few pennies.

People ‘back home’ could send a CdV photo by mail to relatives in the new world and those already here could reciprocate to keep in touch in the days before smartphones and their ubiquitous cameras that send images around the world in seconds.

Not all folk were recorded for posterity, In the case of photographer A T Roberts, his photos of other things are easier to come by than photos of the gentleman himself. The late Ev Roseborough has an article in issue 12-5 of Photographic Canadiana about “A T Roberts” and his contribution to history.

Ev begins, “A.T. Roberts had the ability to create a story situation, and apply photographic technique with such telling power that he must surely have earned the title of Canada’s first photographic illustrator.

“Although still-life was his forte, he could exhibit the same skill in posing a figure, or drawing it from memory as he had done for his teaching certificate at England’s Kensington Art School. The importance and rarity of his unique prints in various media make them valuable to collectors.”

Members back then read all of Ev’s article in their personal copy of the journal. More recently, members could use our PHSC DVD to read the pdf version of issue 12-5. The DVD, sent to all members, covers volumes 1-40 of our journal. Not a member? It’s easy (and cheap) to join. Follow the sub-menu above titled ‘MEMBERSHIP’, or use the right hand sidebar and pay by card or PayPal. A copy of the DVD will be sent via Canada Post once your membership is registered.

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ain’t no wreck!

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Robert

A Kodak Recomar designed by Nagel and made in Europe

Toronto. If you can stand it, here is another Kodak Canada ad from the back cover of issue 12-5.  The ad shows the result of Kodak’s decision to buy a German factory which  manufactured precision cameras. This ad covers the Kodak Recomar camera. At one time I had the earlier Nagel Recomar technical camera in my collection.

The Recomar is a very well designed and manufactured camera. Different models use different sizes of cut film, film rolls, and even glass pates. Its bellows can be extended to capture tiny subjects just a few inches from the lens.

Predating the growth in minicam popularity and market share, Kodak looked to Europe to manufacture precision cameras. Rather than starting a new factory, Kodak decided to buy the Nagel factory in Stuttgart along with its innovative product line. Initially, Nagel Recomars were re-branded as Kodak cameras in North America. Later, the European factory began production of the line of Kodak Retina 35mm cameras. August Nagel is best known for designing the Retinas and the cheap 35mm cassette that became the industry standard.

This ad extolls the virtues of the Recomar and infers it is a Kodak! It should be noted that both Recomars and Retinas were well built precision cameras, showing their Germanic roots.

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some fall down … sort of

Posted on July 23, 2024 by Robert

a photo from Photographica Canadiana 12-5 of the Klito horizontal enlarger

Toronto. Most film enlargers are constructed to project an image vertically downward, but not all. In this article acquisition of a Klito horizontal enlarger is discussed (Klito is a UK trademark  for Houghton products).

Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time. In the March of 1987 journal, the late Larry Boccioletti relates in a “Treasure”   column how he came to acquire a Klito horizontal enlarger.

The article begins,  “Those of you who have been to my home know that I have quite a number of cameras on display. I have been collecting for some thirty years, and it all started with a most intriguing item which is still my favourite.

“I was operating a studio in the 1950’s and had photographed some items to illustrate an auction booklet. When I delivered the results to the auctioneer’s place of business, we went to his back office in the warehouse to discuss the photos and layouts.

“During our talk, I noticed a huge pile of what was obviously refuse in the middle of the warehouse floor. On top of the heap was a black square item with what looked like a chimney on it.

“When we had completed our business, I asked the auctioneer about the black thing. He replied it was “some old photo equipment” which was going to be thrown out.”

And the story continues in issue 12-5.

Members in the late 1980s read this and other stories in the paper copy of issue 12-5. More recent members could read the same stories on the PHSC DVD which we delivered to all members. The DVD covers volumes 1-40 of Photographic Canadiana. You can join today (menu item MEMBERSHIP above, or the (right) sidebar item on using PayPal to join. Drop me (Robert) or Lilianne a message at info@phsc.ca if you have a problem with the DVD.

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an enlightening experience

Posted on July 22, 2024 by Robert

What could this box be? Photographers used it a century ago

Toronto. Collectors can relate to (Professor) Lindsay Lambert in his late spring 2004 tale.  Living up Ottawa way, Lindsay is known for collecting and talking on magic lanterns and their  assorted extras. That spring, we produced issue 30-1 of our journal. In it Lindsay speaks of his background and the discovery of this unusual ‘box’.

Lindsay begins, “My wife and I had an antique shop for some 15 1/2 years, from 1978 to 1993. Actually she opened the store in 1978 and I met her eight months later. During those years I got to see a lot of collectable material and learned two great lessons from that experience:

“The first is that you can’t own anything unless you consume it. If it is something lasting, it will eventually be transferred to someone else. You are merely a temporary custodian.

“The second lesson is that it is unequivocally all junk. The only thing that is important are the stories that they carry and communicate across time and space.

“I began collecting photographica and using old cameras back in 1972. My interest and experience eventually led me to set up an old-time portrait studio at Calgary’s Heritage Park in 1977. I was inspired by itinerant photographers of the late 19th century and I fulfilled the part by dressing my sitters in period costumes for their trip back in time.

“The Park management purchased an old Century View camera mounted on a bi-post stand from Calgary photographer Albert Tigerstedt. He was in his eighties, at the time, and still running his business. I noticed on a visit [to Calgary] a couple years ago that the Tigerstedt Studio was still in operation but I assume the photographer has passed on.”

Members back then could read the rest of the story – and discover the purpose of the strange box – in their personal hard copy of Photographic Canadiana. More recent members could do the same using the PHSC DVD sent free to every new member.

Don’t have one? Not a member? Easy to solve, just see the sub-menu ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above or the details in the right hand sidebar (to use PayPal or a credit card). Once signed up, a DVD will be sent off via Canada Post. Problems? Email me (Robert) at info@phsc.ca for assistance.

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a c1924 miniature camera

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Robert

ad for the Vest Pocket Autographic Kodak camera series c1924

Toronto. Not all minicams used 35mm movie film bits – some used paper-backed Kodak roll film. I once had a few of these delightfully compact little Kodak gems.

This ad by Kodak in 1924 was reproduced on the back of our journal issue 12-4. At the time we had an arrangement with Kodak Canada to pay us a modest fee for running period Kodak ads of interest to our members on the back page of each issue.

Using the special attached stylus, the snap-shooter could write a brief line on the negative to identify the location, content, etc. (before digital files and EXIF data). The metal stylus scraped off the red paper backing exposing the negative and writing as a dark latent image turned white on the print (contact printing or enlarging).

If you are missing one of these guys in your collection, visit our fall fair and auction. You may find one there (or another item to add to your collection of photographica).

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