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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have muscles, can use an Auto Graflex …

Posted on July 20, 2024 by Robert

the famous Auto Graflex c1940 courtesy of Larry Boccioletti

Toronto. Back in late 1986, the late Larry Boccioletti (co-founder and past president of the PHSC) wrote in the “Treasures from my Collection” column about his amazing find of a near perfect ‘Auto Graflex’ camera originally purchased (perhaps used) by the seller in 1940. The camera remains undated but that model was made from 1917-1941.

Here is Larry (Lauro) beginning to discuss his find, “Every collector has a piece that has a special spot in his or her collection, and perhaps a story to go with it. I have several such pieces, of which one of my favourites is a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Auto Graflex with a revolving back.

“The body and mechanics are in excellent condition, but the original lens board has been replaced with a fibre board fitted with an 8” Cooke lens. It is quite obvious from its condition that the camera was rarely used.

“Yard sales have rarely yielded any real gems for my collection. This time was an exception. On my way home from my weekend retreat in Sutton, Ontario, I stopped at a sale on Highway 48 and, as I usually do, asked if there was any photographic equipment for sale.

“I got the usual negative reply from the lady in charge, but she added that her dad, sitting under the tree “over yonder” had an old camera at his place. Naturally I asked the gentleman about his camera. He described it as an “old beast” with a thing on top that unfolded and you looked into it to focus and take the picture. I began to get excited as further questioning confirmed that it was almost certainly a Graflex.”

Back then, members could read the rest of Larry’s story in the hard copy issue of Photographic Canadiana (issue 12-3). Members who joined more recently could see this and other issues on the DVD sent to all members via Canada Post. This DVD includes volumes 1-40 of Photographic Canadiana. It’s easy to join and get your copy of our DVD as a bonus. See the menu item MEMBERSHIP above or the right hand sidebar item on membership and payment through our PayPal account (anyone can use PayPal for payment)

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sitting pretty

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Robert

a c1870 sitting portrait cabinet card looking as crisp as when first made a century and a half ago

Toronto. In the summer of 2005, late editor Bob Lansdale was still busy researching the Chromotype and similar carbon process B&W prints that purported to eliminate the nefarious fading issue that plagued photographs in the mid 1800s.

Shown at left is a beautiful sitting portrait taken by the Lindop and Cooper studio around 1877. This cabinet card is courtesy of Les Jones. Here is Bob Lansdale as he introduces this cover shot for issue 31-1, “We continue our investigation into the carbon process that was hoped would bring an end to the fading of photographic images in the mid-nineteenth century. Samples of the Chromotype and Lambertype print are rarely seen when sleuthing through collections of old carte and cabinet prints despite wide ranging publicity in the photographic press.

“We have here a cabinet-sized Chromotype portrait by Canadian photographers Lindop & Cooper of St. Thomas, Ontario. Facial details and tones are retained over the century since the image is made of non-fading carbon (India Ink).

“See pages 8 to 16 for the full story and images.”

Members of the day read the latest saga of the process in hard copy. More recent members could read this and similar issues on our DVD sent to them via Canada Post. The DVD contains all volumes of Photographic Canadiana from 1 through 40. Not a member? It’s super simple! Follow the menu item above marked ‘MEMBERSHIP’ or follow the right hand sidebar to use a credit card or PayPal.

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stan’s little secret

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Robert

The Dagron camera c1865 for taking Stanhope images – courtesy of GEH

Toronto. The PHSC encourages investigation of photographic history in many ways. In late 2012, we announced our first thesis winner from Ryerson (now TMU). The winner, sol Legault (first name all in lower case as requested). Part One of Mr Legault’s excellent thesis was published as “Making the Invisible Visible – Exhibiting Erotic Stanhopes” in issue 38-4. This was followed by Part Two in the following issue (39-1)

If you are not an image collector, or unsure about Stanhopes, follow the links in an earlier post titled “Dancing with mr Stanhope” – heck, read the earlier post anyway!

The photograph at left is a camera used to make the tiny Stanhope images. The photograph, from Mr Legault’s thesis, is courtesy of GEH. The camera name, Dagron, is that of the Frenchman who first saw the potential in John Dancer’s microscopic images. By the way, the name Stanhope refers to the lens used to view the tiny images.

Members enjoyed reading the thesis in issues 38-4 and 39-1. More recent members could read the pdf versions on the PHSC DVD which covers volumes 1-40 of Photographic Canadiana. Not a member? Well, what are you waiting for? Join today using PayPal – just follow the right hand sidebar. You can alternatively use the above menu item MEMBERSHIP. Once signed up, a DVD will go off to you via Canada Post.

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what on earth is a FLOTEMAR

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Robert

a “Flotemar” (?) camera as photographed by Bob Lansdale

Toronto. The late John Kantymir and his father both collected cameras – some very rare. One camera John came across simply had the name “FLOTEMAR” embossed on its base. No other name or country was indicated. A Google search was as unsuccessful then (2012/13)  as now (2024).

Please note that the photo (at left) was taken by Bob Lansdale and ‘upscaled’ in Topaz Photo AI which still mangles text occasionally as it did here.

Perhaps the camera is German. In German Flote means flute and mar means sea or in English ‘sea flute’. A search on Google for sea flute shows it to be a type of Norwegian recorder copied from German recorders of the day imported by sea, hence ‘sea flute’ in Norwegian. So perhaps our mystery camera is called ‘Recorder’ . Who knows?

Editor Bob Lansdale suggests, “John Kantymir comes up with some weird and wonderful cameras for his “A Treasure from my collection” column but here is a cameras that has completely stumped him.

“With the name Flotemar engraved on a medallion ensconced on the outside bed of this folder, it leads to no data as the company or country of manufacture.

“It is quite a unique camera in its odd shape and its two-part construction; it may be a one-off pre-production model that never went into manufacture. Quite a hefty camera at 3.2 pounds which might have something to do with its non-production.”

The column appears in issue 39-1 of our journal. Members back then read the hard copy version of 39-1. More recently, members can read about this strange camera in the pdf version of 39-1 which appears on our DVD (it covers all volumes of Photographic Canadiana from 1 to 40). And you are STILL not a member? Okay, let the moths loose and follow the menu item “MEMBERSHIP” above, or the PayPal set-up in the right hand sidebar. Once your membership is received, a copy of the DVD will be sent to you by Canada Post.

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a metal miniature camera

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Robert

the Marion Metal Miniature Camera c1885 (bottom of box)

Toronto. Many of us think miniature cameras stem from the 1920s when the Leica was announced but there were many earlier ones. In this case it is a French camera named after Monsieur Marion, and sold around 1885.

The late John Kantymir recounts how he added one of these very rare cameras to his collection, “This camera story has a real twist to it when a gentleman in England bought a trunk full of junk at a boot sale. He paid 50 pounds for the trunk and thought he was taking a risk at getting anything for it. Out of the mess he found an odd metal tube which he thought was a microscope camera. He described it as such when he offered it on eBay.

“In my searches I happened to come across the listing and somehow it just did not sit right in my mind’s eye. I just couldn’t figure it out.

“I was lying in bed wondering about it when all of a sudden it came to me. I had a eureka moment and sat up and yelled “I know what it is!” I really scared the living bejesus out of my wife, Carri who was lying beside me. I was sure it must be a Marion’s Metal Miniature camera built about 1885 when a number of miniature cameras were being introduced to the market.”

Following John’s story is added material in an illustrated article titled “Marion’s Metal Miniature” written by the late  Dr Robert G Wilson, a long standing member of the PHSC.

Members continued on with the story in issue 38-4 that spring (2013). Later members could read the story in the pdf version of 38-4 on their copy of our DVD which includes all volumes 1 through 40 of Photographic Canadiana. You don’t have the hard copy or the DVD? You are not a member? Well, see the MEMBERSHIP menu item above, or the right hand sidebar item on membership using PayPal. Sign-up and the DVD will be sent via Canada Post!

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