Tag Archives: lenses

weird cameras

Posted on June 30, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. In the 1870s dry plates began to get traction and the day of the hand-held camera began.  And briefly some cameras used clever disguises and were called detective cameras. Over the years many odd looking cameras were developed with … Continue reading →

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black and white

Posted on June 29, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Around the time we entered the 20th century, much of camera manufacture changed from wood to metal. Cameras were all black or black with chrome or nickel trim (perhaps gloomy by intent to suit the wars and depression of … Continue reading →

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Feerless Fosdick

Posted on June 28, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. For most of the 1800s, after photography was announced in 1839, street photographers were easy to spot: big wooden camera; sturdy tripod; and big focussing cloth. Two events changed this: Dick Maddox and his much faster dry plate process … Continue reading →

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the big transition to digital

Posted on June 27, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. It all began shortly after WW2 when three Bell Labs scientists created the first commercial transistor.  Little did we know digital technology would revolutionize photography just over a half century later. The early transistors were relatively low frequency. Design … Continue reading →

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leading up to the minicam revolution

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Robert

  Toronto. It began in the late 1800s when Kodak perfected roll film. Edison in his experiments with movies split the 70mm wide Kodak film in two to make two 35mm rolls. Because of slippage, Edison added sprockets on his … Continue reading →

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rare replicate

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Some of the early cameras are so rare that replicates are made. Case in point is the brass Voigtlander Daguerreotype camera that featured the famous Petzval lens. We saw this one in person at the Ryerson (now TMU) library … Continue reading →

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first …

Posted on June 23, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. … of millions and millions of improved designs and variations. Almost all smartphones have a camera module these days. In the phone, the camera computer works its magic so almost all photos are technically perfect. One has to be … Continue reading →

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rain

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Old photo collectors often search for very old and very interesting photos. Consider photos shot outdoors (almost necessary for pre early 1900 photos) in the rain to add a lustre and mystery to the photo. The example at left … Continue reading →

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fun for film fans …

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. Fans of film flock to our events for film cameras, outdated film, and the friends to be met with common interests.  Next up in our 2026 events is our outdoor event, the Trunk Sale held this coming July 12th … Continue reading →

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think trunk …

Posted on June 18, 2026 by Robert

Toronto. …think trunk sale. … think July… think July 12th. think #101. … think Legion Hall #101. Any questions, or to reserve a spot, email Clint at fair@phsc.ca. Until the event, a poster is pinned to the top of this … Continue reading →

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