Berning Robot Cameras: The Leica for Mechanical Enthusiasts!
Discover the 35mm Robot Cameras made in Germany from the mid-1930s until the mid-1980s in this article by Check Fehl, excerpted from The Photogram.
November 1st: Lorne Shields Presents Selections from his Cycling Photographica Collection
In this presentation, historian Lorne Shields will illustrate the history of the bicycle through original photographs dating from 1850 to 1926.
Supersize That Polaroid
Polaroid’s 20×24 and its Museum Camera were both introduced in 1976 to satisfy the “announced desires” of Edwin Land. The 20×24 was designed to “juice up the 1976 shareholders’ meeting”…
Vladimir Khazan Presents a Brief History of Soviet Modular Medium Format Cameras
This talk by PHSNE member Vladimir Khazan has passed and will be available as a recording soon. The presentation will briefly describe the history of one of the oldest Soviet…
The Painted Backdrop: Real Photo Postcards from the Collection of Christopher B. Steiner
Discover the 19th- and early 20th-century world of painted backdrops through real photo postcards from Christopher B. Steiner’s collection.
The Certo Dollina: A Quirky Piece of 35mm Camera History
A look at the Certo Dollina series and the unconventional design choices behind this German 35mm camera line.
Early Photographic Studios of New Bedford with Marina Dawn Wells
Marina Dawn Wells discusses early studio photography and the Whaling Museum’s “Look pleasant, please” exhibition.
Snap Shots June 2026
PHSNE’s June 2026 edition of snap shots features a deep dive on the Kardon by Leica, info about PHSNE’s field trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and more!
PHSNE is on Summer Break!
PHSNE is on summer break. Cap off the 2025-2026 season with this Photographica 93 recap from the show manager.
The Kardon by Leica
The story of the Kardon camera—an American Leica IIIa redesign built for the US military that became a rare collector’s item after WWII abruptly cut production short.
Minox Model B: The Classic Subminiature Spy Camera Explained
Discover the Minox Model B spy camera — its compact design, subminiature film, exposure controls, and storied history from 1930s Latvia to postwar West Germany.
Snap Shots May 2026
PHSNE’s May 2026 edition of snap shots features a deep dive on the Minox B, a subminiature spy camera, as well as a preview of a talk with the Curator of Technology from the George Eastman House, and more.
Recording: Machines of Memory with Todd Gustavson
Todd Gustavson, Curator of Technology at George Eastman House in Rochester, New York, highlights the museum’s camera collection, documenting camera evolution.
Snap Shots April 2026
PHSNE’s April 2026 edition of snap shots features all the need-to-know details about Photographica 93, a tribute to longtime PHSNE member Allan Goodrich, and more.
The Journal – 2025
The 2025 New England Journal of Photographic History contains four articles that further our knowledge of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century photography in New England. Authors Lee McIntyre, John Felix, and Chris Culy introduce…
Widelux: The Iconic Panoramic Camera Beloved by Kubrick, Bridges, and NASA
From film sets to spacecraft, the Widelux panoramic camera left its mark on photography history, and it’s coming back. Learn about its models, notable users, and modern revival.
In Memoriam: Longtime PHSNE Member Allan Goodrich
After joining PHSNE in 1995, Goodrich was a board member for many years, serving as secretary from 2007 to 2015 and was named an honorary life member in 2017.
Photographica 93 – Saturday, April 25 @ Newton North High School
PHSNE hosts Photographica, the largest film camera and vintage photography show in the eastern U.S.
Snap Shots March 2026
PHSNE’s March 2026 edition of snap shots features a teaser for the March 2026 virtual meetup, a profile on photographer Lou Jones, and more.
Old Standard Rolleiflex Makes an Appearance at Photographica 93
A 120 roll film Rolleiflex camera from the estate of Henry Weisenberg will be available for viewing and sale at Photographica 93 on Saturday, April 25th.
The 19th-Century Roots of Instagram: The Amateur Photographic Exchange Club
Adrienne Lundgren of the Library of Congress discusses the Amateur Photographic Exchange Club and its connection to modern day social media.
Nikon F: Nikon’s Original System Camera
Explore the history of the Nikon F, its modular SLR system, lenses, meters, and accessories, and see this iconic camera at Photographica 93.
Ur-Retina: Pre-Production Kodak Retina Nr.117, Presented by Dr. David L. Jentz
Explore the history of the Kodak Retina, early 35mm film cassettes, and the pre-production Ur-Retina, presented by Retina historian Dr. David L. Jentz.
Snap Shots February 2026
PHSNE’s February 2026 edition of snap shots features the history of the Kodak Retina, a deep dive on the the iconic Nikon F, and more.
Franklin Eaton: 1940s Maine through the Photographer’s Lens
Take a trip to 1940s Maine through photographer Franklin Eaton’s lens.
Inside the Univex Mercury II: Design, Features, and Legacy
Explore the Univex Mercury II, a half-frame 35mm camera with a unique movie-camera-derived shutter and interchangeable lenses, surprisingly sophisticated for its age.
Beautiful Tools: A Photographer’s Evolution with Charles Baldwin
Charles Baldwin explores the cameras, techniques, and tools that shaped his artistic evolution, from early film to digital hybrids.
Snap Shots January 2026
PHSNE’s January 2026 edition of snap shots features Charles Baldwin on cameras as creative tools, a look at the Univex Mercury II, current photography exhibitions, and more.
The Ansco Memo: America’s First 35mm Still Camera
Explore the history and design of the 1927 Ansco Memo, a pioneering American 35mm camera known for its compact build and clever film advance.
Holiday Show-and-Tell, Annual Meeting and Election
The annual PHSNE holiday show-and-tell is almost here. Find out how to sign up for a spot.
