Tag Archives: auction

shifting value over time

Posted on April 20, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Like many antiques, old photographs tend to appreciate with age. The value of a specific photograph  depends on many factors: condition, process used, subject (famous? pedestrian? newsworthy? etc.), current interest, studio, turnover, … A note from past president, sports … Continue reading →

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t’row da book at him!

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Our society was founded in 1974 during the rapid growth of Photographic Historical Societies –  essentially like-minded folk who collected cameras and possibly old  photographs. Over time ranks swelled as people interested in the history of photography joined, followed … Continue reading →

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blink of an eye

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Up until dry plates became common, camera shutters were simply unnecessary. Timing could be easily set by holding something like a dark hat over the lens then briefly removing and replacing it. Once dry plates and later film became … Continue reading →

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steady there, lad

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. For a large part of photographic history, the media was so abysmally slow a tripod was necessary plus a means to steady subjects. To  this end, Charlie Kruger offered a light, handy support adjustable for a realistic pose. One … Continue reading →

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pressing out from the masses

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Once studios took off, savvy owners tried ways to differentiate their services from the pack. One way to accomplish this was to use the “McKee’s Cameo, Embossing and Imprint Press” on photographic prints delivered to customers. Issue 23-1 of … Continue reading →

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19th and 20th century images to be auctioned

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. On March 29, 2025 the PHSC received an email from Christophe Goeury of France announcing: Collections & Propositions Photographs XIX (19th) and XXie (20th) century Friday, April 11th 2025, from 2:00 pm Salle VV – 3, rue Rossini – … Continue reading →

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a way to get some old photos

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. One of our exchange societies, The Daguerreian Society, raises funds via commercial announcements of auctions. Two are occurring  in the next few weeks in collaboration with Canada Book Auctions. While these auctions take place in Toronto, check which currency … Continue reading →

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a lighter shade of pale

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. In the days of film and plates, especially those of ultra slow media, photographers struggled to get correctly exposed and developed negatives and prints. Judicious use of  lighting helped with the slow and contrasty media. Both highlights and shadows … Continue reading →

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a weird little camera …

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. … from a fair nearly three decades ago. The photographs and text by Bob Lnsdale appear in issue 21-4. The writing for this camera says, “Mystery ‘Argus’ camera which has brevittato stamped on the front (Italian for patented). With an Equator … Continue reading →

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horse sense

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Robert

Toronto.  Photo collectors sometimes choose pet/animal photos like these farm horses. Others may collect special prints like this Kodak Autographic print marked “dinner time”. A little ‘horse sense’ goes a long way in deciding if a particular photo would close … Continue reading →

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