Tag Archives: WW2

a treasure from my collection

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. At some point when the late Bill Belier became editor of Photographic Canadian, he started this column. In issue 30-3 dated November/December 2004, under editor the late Bob Lansdale, Bill has written, “A Short Survey of Some Earlier Medium … Continue reading →

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Kodak’s contribution to the war effort

Posted on April 2, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. WW2 brought war photography to a new level – along with  advertisements and non-German cameras etc. The ad at left shows how Kodak continued to support the war effort in the States with military goods manufactured of ‘Tenite’ – … Continue reading →

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zoned out

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. Post WW2, a decision was made to divide Germany into four zones – American,  British, French, and Russian. To politicians, this was a marvellous way to solve occupation of the defeated country by many forces. But to some camera … Continue reading →

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an innovator called Karl

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. You have likely used his designs or innovations, especially if you took photographs last century with smaller roll film cameras (127 and 35mm) or used an SLR. A young Dutchman, Johan Steenbergen, moved to Dresden in 1912 where he … Continue reading →

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Sgt Leonard E Thompson: Combat Cameraman WW2

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Being a small country (population), and a relatively new country, we seldom see our heros get recognition. Sgt Thomson is a fine example. The Canadian Film & Photo Unit website recounts many tales of the Canadian photographers who recorded … Continue reading →

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watching you

Posted on August 20, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. The premiere binoculars pre WW2 were brands like Leitz or Zeiss or Ross. When the war broke out export of the binoculars ceased and they became military assets. This left the US struggling with its locally made products. Fortunately, … Continue reading →

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bravely optimistic

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. The summer of 1943 found America at war on two fronts: in Europe against the onslaught of Hitler and in the Pacific against Hirohito and the Japanese. At this time, native American industries swung over to war production with … Continue reading →

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Leo does Leica

Posted on June 24, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. After WW2, the Japanese optical industry tried to get in to the mighty American retail market. One option was to copy German cameras at much lower prices. This was the choice that Showa Kogaku made (later this maker became Leotax … Continue reading →

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accessorize your Ektra

Posted on March 9, 2022 by Robert

Toronto.  When the USA joined the WW2 fight, it lost all the Germany minicams. In the mid 1920s, the tiny Leica set the close-focus standard for the normal (50mm) lens at 1 metre (or 39 inches). Closer shots meant using extension … Continue reading →

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first brick in the wall

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Talk about great timing! On the eve of WW2 Argus announced their new C3 camera. This ad from the March 1938 issue of International Photographer aims at the average America with these key points:  This miniature camera has features … Continue reading →

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