inclement weather can make great photos

Posted on November 28, 2025 by Robert

aftermath of a 1960s ice storm – courtesy Ev Roseborough

Toronto. In collecting old photos, one source may be old photographic greeting cards. Our journal editor, the late Bob Lansdale, wrote this article and anecdote from a conversation with the previous journal editor, the late EvRoseborough.

Bob Writes, “As we settle into the grips of the snow season we are reminded that nature can turn an ugly hand at any time and place us at its mercy. Last year’s ice storms [1999] created havoc to our electric distribution systems causing many households to add portable generators to their emergency survival kit.

“Nature can also apply a touch of artistry during her wintery blasts. Such is the case with our accompanying illustration which Ev Roseborough shot in the 1960’s. Recalls Ev, ‘I had a standing invitation from Mark Napier, VP of J. Walter Thompson ad agency to visit his farm just north of Toronto. The morning after the storm the sun burst forth and all was beautiful; so I bundled my kids into the car and phoned to say I was on the way.

“There were photo opportunities for my Rollei in all directions but this scene  [above left] which includes Mark, his wife Frances and their poodle dog, turned out to be the best. It was chosen for the Napier family’s Christmas card.”‘ …

Of course members could read all of Bob’s article (and another Christmas related anecdote from Mr Roseborough) in the issue 25-4 pdf file on the free members only DVD/thumb drive. To join (or renew) see above and at right. Email membership questions to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

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reflections of the past

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Robert

part of the gift to the late Dr Wilson from his uncle

Toronto. We all have memories of how we became involved in photography. Sometimes a camera or cameras are gifted and our innate  curiosity takes over. The late Dr Robert Wilson, for many years very active in the PHSC – you may have bought old books or old stereo images from him at one of our fairs – received a gift and a letter.

In issue 25-4 of our journal, Bob shares that letter with us along with photos of the goodies received from a favourite uncle. The gift was literally the foundation of a camera collection in itself. The letter begins: “Dear Bob: I quite enjoyed our brief conversation about photography and so you may appreciate some of the old stuff I am passing on to you for disposition or retention as you please.

“My mother, your grandmother, had an interest in photography and taught me how to develop films and make prints in the 1930’s when I was in knee pants. We used wax trays and blackened out all the windows in the kitchen at xxxx Main East in Hamilton. You will find her old split-back printing frame in the junk box.

“You could buy developers and hypo in any drug store in those days. Later when I was using the house to practice dentistry, I naturally had a darkroom so I could process my X-Ray films. At that time the only camera I had was an old box camera using the then-popular 120 film.

“I can remember drooling over the Eaton’s catalogues which had pictures of fabulous cameras. One of the cameras that I ‘worshiped’ most was a Mercury 35mm at a cost of $90.00 in the years 1945-48. If you multiply by the inflation factor ( at least x15 ) you will see why owning one was a wild dream when the yearly salary for a public school teacher was only $900-$1200.

“Many years later I bought the one in the box for about $10 and used it up at the cottage in the fifties.” …

You can read all of this letter in the issue 25-4 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/memory stick. Non members can find out how to join above and at right. Any member questions may be emailed to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

While our 2025 Events are over, Similar events are planned for 2026 and will appear in the right sidebar when confirmed. A post will give details a few weeks before each event.

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a very special old photo contest

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Robert

too hot to work – first prize (Robert Squires)

Toronto. In the early years of the PHSC, we ended the ‘year’ with a summer picnic and photo contest – but with a difference. The locale was noted for featuring the olden days (like Black Creek Pioneer Village here in the big smoke) and the photos were taken with (initially) pre minicam cameras often dating to the 1800s.

In his enthusiasm to celebrate the 25th  anniversary of the PHSC, editor Lansdale suggested amongst other events, a special photo contest with awards and publication in the PHSC journal. The judges were non-PHSC folk recognized for their acumen and judgement of photographs. The cameras used were extended to 120 roll, or 35mm but old.

In issue 25-4 the winning photos and winners and prizes were published. The first prize award ($250) went to the late Bob Squires (PHSC member and high school teacher) for his photograph taken with an old standard Rolleiflex TLR camera.

Ed Warner, the Photo Contest Chairman, wrote this article about the winners: “Winners of the PHSC 25th Anniversary Photo Contest were announced at the December [1999] meeting after judging had been completed by visitors Robert Hall, John Poole and Jonathan Ward. This panel was supplied by the GTCCC from a list of qualified judges.

“Taking first place honours was Bob Squires who won the $250.00 prize for his B&W image of Too Hot To Work. Fred Hunt followed in second place with a colour scenic of The Sacred Ground, winning $100.00. Everett Roseborough’s Portrait of Gloria, a strong seductive head shot was chosen for the $50.00 third award.

“The judges selected two additional photographs which they felt deserving of an Honourable Mention. Larry Boccioletti and Mike Robinson will receive $25.00 each.

“The awards will be presented at our February 16th [2000] meeting in Toronto. Other participants in the competition worth mentioning were: Thomas Ritchie, Walter Shean, Vincent Chan, Harold Stein and Michael Oesch.

“Congratulations to all!”

Members saw not  only this brief summary, but all winning photos and the cameras used in the issue 25-4 pdf on the free members’ only DVD/thumb drive. Not a member? Joining is both cheap and easy-peasy – see above and at right. Any membership questions may be emailed to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

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a tale of the shutter tester

Posted on November 25, 2025 by Robert

a nifty shutter tester once sold to members a quarter century ago

Toronto. Editor Bob Lansdale published a number of extra page journals to celebrate our 25th. In issue 25-4, Past President, the late Ron Anger, wrote an article titled, “The Shutter Tester” (back then, camera collectors and users often attempted to determine the speed and condition of a camera’s shutter).

Popular photography magazines of the time occasionally offered ways one could test a shutter. Mr Toding went even further, creating a device to test any camera shutter.

Ron begins his story thusly, “About five years ago [1995] an old fellow approached me at our PHSC camera fair and asked, ‘Could I sell a shutter tester?’. This is how I first met Mr. Toding. He left his phone number and an invitation to visit his workshop located in the attic of his bungalow home in the Bayview/Eglinton area.

“On my first visit I perused a miniature Unimat lathe from Austria which had been modified with a bigger motor from Active Surplus on Queen Street and a direct drive belt replacing the original elastic rubber one. ‘I sometimes repair the early Contaxes’, he declared.

“Getting around to the shutter tester, I could buy them at $50 each. This obviously meant he was manufacturing the units right here in the attic. The tester consisted of a grey metal box with a six figure digital readout and six solid state chips for the oscillator and counter. To operate it, you place the camera on a bracket that lines up with a light source.

“A cell is positioned behind the shutter to pick up the light coming through the lens. All the instructions were there along with a chart to correlate the counter reading in milliseconds to camera shutter. I took away three testers and sold hem at the next camera show.” …

You can read all of the illustrated ‘Shutter Tester’ article in the issue 25-4 pdf file on the free members’ only DVD/thumb drive. See above and at right to join (it’s easy and inexpensive). Questions on membership can be emailed directly to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

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what about the …

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Robert

left – the Hobart Centair lens and right – the Leitz Elmar 50mm f/3.5

Toronto. …Tasmanian Leica Lens? In celebration of our 25th anniversary, editor Bob Lansdale cajoled the editors of our exchange journals to offer up an article for Photographic Canadiana.

Ray Moss of the LHSA submitted Chris Kok’s article, “The Tasmanian Leica Lens”. a very rare copy of the famous 50mm f/3.5 Elmar.

Chis begins, “Yes indeed, a copy of the famous 50mm f3.5 Elmar was made in Australia by the Waterworth Company of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. The Waterworth Company was founded in Hobart for the purpose of manufacturing military optical products such as gunsights and weapon rangefinders for the Australian army during the Second World War. However, it is not commonly known that they made a camera lens in Leica screw-mount known as the “Centair”.

“The exact optic formula and layout of this lens is unknown but its external appearance has a close resemblance to that of the Leica Elmar except that its mount is not collapsible.

“It is unknown as to how many Centair lenses were actually made but they must be quite limited in number. The sample I have is no. 133; no. 171 has been published in an Australian Journal. A closer comparison of the sample that I have with that shown in the Journal reveals several external differences regarding the aperture adjustment ring, the shape of the lens barrel and the style of the engraving.

“I have tested the performance of the Centair lens and, to my surprise, I find the lens extremely soft but excellent for portraits (contrary to one’s expectation of military optics which are usually sharp and hard). The sharpness of my lens probably could be improved by a thorough cleaning but I quite like the way it is now.” …

All of Chris Kok’s illustrated article is available in the issue 25-4 pdf file on the free members’ only DVD/thumb drive. Details on joining are found above and to the right. Membership questions may be emailed to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

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like no other …

Posted on November 23, 2025 by Robert

Lomography Petzval lens from their 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Toronto. The name Petzval is familiar to photographic historians and collectors. The original lens won a contest for a fast portrait lens shortly after the invention of the Daguerreotype technology was released. Eder’s book on the History of Photography (Dover reprint) has the gory details.

The Lomography folks designed a newer lens, also called a Petzval but a bit faster at f/1.9 and shorter at 80.5mm focal length. It is included in the Lomography Holiday Gift Guide for 2025.

Chloe Fuller down in the Big Apple writes:

“Dear Film Photography Friends and Press Partners,

“The holiday season has begun and we’re excited to share our Holiday Gift Guide 2025! Featuring a selection of our most popular film cameras, instant cameras, lenses, film and accessories, this guide is designed to inspire creativity and make holiday shopping a breeze.

“Our collection offers something special for everyone – from absolute beginners to seasoned film enthusiasts. With a variety of colorways and designs, there’s a perfect match for every style and budget.

“This holiday season, let us help you create a holiday shopping experience your community will remember – with gifts that inspire creativity, nostalgia and wonderful memories.

“Attached [pdf format]: The Lomography Gift Guide 2025.

“Press Kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QrKXXbkOGh2hz1Sc2shS-uZnU3u8zi4U?usp=sharing

“Shop Lomography Deals: https://shop.lomography.com/deals

“Happy Holidays!

“Stay analogue,”.

And for those in the big smoke, remember that Downtown Camera have many of the Lomography goodies in stock too. PS: The link notes the Nov 2023 auction – we have since held the 2024 and 2025 auctions. Our next event is likely the 2026 spring auction not yet confirmed.

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get a move on …

Posted on November 22, 2025 by Robert

MOTION – PhotoEd magazine #75 cover

Toronto. Our favourite editor is at it again! The latest issue of photoEd – the MOVEMENT edition – is out now. See Rita Godlevskis’s latest opus on newsstands now and read her latest photo posting here.

Some introductory statements (at the bottom you can see a short list of supporters including this fine ‘not for profit’ organization) :

MOVEMENT – “Every avalanche begins with the movement of a single snowflake, and my hope is to move a snowflake.” – Thomas Frey

Movement. Community, momentum, motion. 
Our 75th edition in print celebrates photography with forward-facing momentum.
This issue features:

  • Xavi Bou & nicholas x bent: Motion in Frame by Corinna vanGerwen

  • Isabelle Hayeur & Ruth Kaplan: Border Stories by Alan Bulley

  • Stuart Robertson: Peace in 10,000 Hands by Craig D’Arville

  • Lori Ryerson: Quiet, noise, and moving in between by Rita Godlevskis

  • Crip Trip: Reframing Disability by Gladys Lou

+
PORTFOLIO FEATURES

Lorena Zschaber, Amy Heller, Yasser Alaa Mobarak, Roland Ramanan, Nika Belianina, Xiatong Cai, Ed McDonough, Peter Dušek, Julia Nathanson, Jonny Silver, Paul Mitchnick, Lesley Nakonechny, Ashot Harutyunyan, János Lakatos, Andre Conceicao.

AND…

  • Change Made with JAYU by Sid Naidu

  • Mattie Gunterman: Playful Pictures by Cassandra Spires

  • Thinking Outside the Cube: SPAO Photo Walk by Alan Bulley

  • Tilly Nelson: Authentic representation by Hazel Love

  • Book recommendations by Alan Bulley

  • Protest is a Creative Act:  Resistance and tides of change in Australia.

Our cover features a detail from Xavi Bou’s  “Ornithography #24.”

Yellow-legged gulls at sunset in El Prat de Llobregat, Catalonia. Xavi Bou is represented by The Cardinal Gallery in Toronto.

photoED magazine is also available as digital replicas for readers worldwide on Press Reader and Flipster platforms.

 This edition could not have been made possible without the support of:

Tamron, Nikon, The Photo Historical Society of Canada, Beau Photo, Harcourt House, GuruShots, a very generous anonymous private donor passionate about supporting Canadian women in photography, our Patreon Patrons, Downtown Camera, B3K Digital, Front Row Insurance, Professional Photographers of Canada, and Total Image Works.

 

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when the winds of November come calling …

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Robert

PHSC President Clint Hryhorijiw

Toronto. November has arrived, just in time for Exec meeting #63. The meeting was held via ZOOM on Wednesday, November 5th. Exec meeting #62 in October missed being posted.

Treasurer, John Morden, sent out his report before the meeting  reporting that the Fall Fair was well received. Many more exhibitors are using PayPal.  John continues to discuss some form issues with the Federal Government.

Financial Controller, Jeri Danyleyko,  discussed our GIC status and related issues.

Membership Secretary Lilianne Schneider provided a membership report by email. She will be taking charge of the MailChimp updating function in December.

For those choosing to buy or renew a membership, please remember our journal is now  in ‘pdf format’ only, so an email address is essential. A MailChimp notification is sent to all member emails when each journal pdf is produced and uploaded.

If you are a member but HAVE NOT seen any notification for Photographic Canadiana since you registered or renewed, please email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

Celio reported the October Halloween program is now up on Youtube.

Newsletter editor Patrick Gunn  sent in a written report before the meeting. The October newsletter will be issued in early November after some details regarding the November auction are resolved (since issued).

The fall auction was  hosted on Sunday, November 9, 2025. It was a well received estate/museum auction in spite of the snowy weather.

The RESEARCH menu item link to the free pdf version of Mr Garrett’s index to Canadian Daguerreotypists was corrected and is now available.

David and Louise report that the journal issue 51-2 has been issued to members.

Social media editor, Ms Markovic provided a written report for instagram which shows a continuing enthusiastic interest in this media (15,000 views and 1022 followers by October month end).

Robert issued a monthly web report before the meeting and selected highlights were reviewed at the meeting.

Note: The post title is a riff on a line in Gord Lightfoot’s iconic ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald“.

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a game changer

Posted on November 20, 2025 by Robert

the little game changer. photograph © Leitz Photographica Auction and is courtesy of José M. S. Esparza, Madrid, Spain

Toronto. When 35mm movie film ‘ends’ were common, various cameras using the ends were sold, but failed to gain traction – until a century ago when a little German camera from a optical house specializing in microscopes introduced the Leica and the saying “small negative, big picture“.

Until that time, for the most part a camera size would be chosen so the negative could be contact printed to see the final positive image. A decade later minicams and enlargers had taken off and photography was for ever changed.

Recently we received an email from José Manuel Serrano Esparza in Madrid, Spain. In the email,  José says in part, “The reason to send you this email is because a few weeks ago, Alexander Sedlak (Managing Director of Leica Camera Austria and Leica Camera Classics) and Dennis Iwaskiewicz (Head of Sales of Leica Camera Classics), two world-class experts on analogue Leica cameras, lenses and accessories, as well as featuring many years of experience in this highly specialized scope, imparted a milestone lecture at the Leica Store Madrid (Spain), presenting the upcoming 47th Leitz Photographica Auction, which will be held on November 22, 2025 inside the Imperial Hotel in Vienna (Austria), as gold brooch of the Leica Centenary Celebration, and will be highly probably the most important one ever celebrated in the world.”

José offered the following link to a blog that Heinz Richter posted in late September titled, “PRESENTATION OF THE 47TH LEICA AUCTION CLASSIC VIENNA AT THE LEICA STORE MADRID (SPAIN)“.

The auction is in Vienna this coming Saturday. It’s also on line if a trip is out of the question.

 

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Ja, das ist gut!

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Robert

Mr Tubbs’ 1977 book on the famous Zeiss-Ikon cameras

Toronto. After WW1, Germany faced high inflation and had a serious need for foreign funds.  Mergers and consolidation within German industries was in the air! For example, its camera industry was a conglomeration of relatively small firms who spent their time competing domestically with far too many similar cameras and far too scarce domestic resources.

To rationalize the industry and foster foreign sales, the mighty Zeiss organization of Jena was brought in and amalgamated many firms (amalgamation was underway for decades, even before WW1). Zeiss reduced the number of competing camera models, and named the new company Zeiss-Ikon based in Dresden.

Looking beyond WW2, in the latter part of the last century, there was a flurry of camera collectors world-wide and many books were published to cater to the group. In the case of Zeiss-Ikon, D.B. Tubbs wrote about the iconic firm from its formation to the start of WW2. The book (first edition) was published in England  in 1977 by Hove Camera Foto Books.

An even rarer (and massive) book was written decades later by the late Larry Gubas of Las Vegas (about 400 copies). It was called “Zeiss and Photography” and printed in 2015 by Friesens of Manitoba, Canada (known as a printer of school annuals). Larry was well known to many through Zeiss Historica.

Our 2025 Events have come to a close, but the 2026 PHSC Events are just around the corner. They will be listed in the right-hand side bar of this site (date and location when known) and posted as each event nears. You may find Zeiss-Ikon information, and certainly many models of Zeiss-Ikon film cameras at our events.

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