Pièce - December 15, 1934 - letter from Demetrius to Evan

1 letter, 5 pp.

Dec. 15, 1934
Dear Evan:
I received your card and the letter and hasten to reply as you seem to be very anxious about getting a typewriter. There are not many typewriters with Italic type, in fact I think mine is the only one in Western Canada. The reason for their scarsity [sic] is obvious: they are selling for $20 more than the conventional pica types. I paid $95 for mine. You can get one of the regular typewriters from $50 up new. That is portable of course, but these are substandard: i.e. they have something lacking and are cheaper for that reason. The true standard make with all of the features of a desk style except smaller and portable sell for $75 new. Don’t be mislead into believing otherwise for the cheaper ones are not the same as the 7500 variety. As to the rebuilt ones, they sell from $40 to $60. I looked them over here the other day so I know. But mind they are not with italic type. So if you want one with italic type I’ll sell you mine for $40 cash. I have no use for it: in fact I haven’t touched it for nearly two years. It is in perfect order and is almost

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like new. So let me know and I hope you can see your way clear to buy it as I really think I’ll sell it for I want to get myself a movie projector instead.
Now I am glad that you like the microscope. And furthermore I am delighted that you are abandoning the notion about guns. To start with, at the last session of the parliament a law was passed that to possess any kind of a gun one must first obtain a license from the police. Surely you don’t want a gun. You should not be so cruel as to go out in the woods and kill off birds or small helpless inimals [sic] like squirls [sic]. Every living creature has its good points and nature put [sic] them here to do good. I can only see one time when a gun is justified and that is against the exploiters.
As to cameras I am surprised that your dad didn’t know anything about them for they are the rage now. I get an English weekly photo-magazine and a monthly American magazine on photography and I think you people of all should read them. The miniature cameras are here to stay and there are several real attractive instruments on the market. Of course, they are dearer because of the high speed lenses.

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I was using the new Eastman Puppille the other day and at f2-1/25 at 4 pm I overexposed my pictures. That is how fast it worked. I am sending you a snap. Following that I was trying out the new Kodak One f3.5 and it sells for $52.50 and the Puppille at $10000. The Rolleiflex at $10000 the Rolleicord at $5000. The Brilliant from $1100 to $50. The Superb at $85 to $100 with Hilliar f3.5 in compour [sic]. You know, Eastman bought out Dr. Nagel’s factory in Stuttgard [sic] Germany and are making all the best cameras there. Their latest addition is the Retina and takes 35 mm movie roll film for 36 pictures in one loading.
I know all this because I introduced this line of merchandise into our sporting goods department and we handle all kinds of them. Right now we are out of most lines as the winter is not so good for cameras besides we sold out for Xmas trade. However, I am sending you some dope on several to read up on and would urge you to subscribe

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to an English and an American photo magazines to keep posted with the trade and the profession in general.
The prices I quoted are retail but your dad can get wholesale prices from importers or from us. I think those reflex types should sell well anywhere for they are wonderful.
Now I am closing and will add a line to your dad.
With best wishes from both of us
Ever yours
Uncle Dan