Pacific Cameras (Firm)

Date: 28 Sep 2010

From: MOTAT Photography oral history project

By: Hoggard, Rodney Angus Augustus George, 1926-

Reference: OHInt-1003-02

Description: Interview with Rodney (Rod) Hoggard, born in Grafton, Auckland, in 1926. Outlines his family background, and growing up in Onehunga and and Grey Lynn during the Depression. Talks about his father being a keen amateur photographer who had a quarter plate Klito camera and a darkroom at home. Mentions leaving school when his father died and working as a grocer's delivery boy. Comments on an apprentiship with instrument maker L.T. Hyman (owned by the family of Dove Meyer Robinson). Recalls joining the Air Force when he turned 18, pilot training at Ohakea and Taieri air bases, but not serving overseas. Talks about being a street and beach photographer for Peter Pan Studios in Karangahape Road, using a Leica 3C camera he had bought. Describes how the camera's range finder worked. Recalls developing films after each day's work. Describes joining Emanuel Robinson in a camera business, later coming to own the business and changing the name to Civic Cameras. Explains having difficulties getting supplies for the shop because of the import licensing system. Mentions stocking mostly German cameras and imported the first Asahiflex [later Pentax] cameras. Discusses other cameras he had New Zealand agencies for including Leicaflex and Linhof Technika. Explains why he set up Pacific Cameras as a camera wholesaler. Refers to people who worked there, agencies he had, and manufacturers of film. Comments on brands of colour film and the dye transfer colour printing process. Mentions that his colour photographic prints are fading. Talks about his last professional photography job visiting Niue for the Niue Tourist Board and for the Education Department. Explains ending his involvement in business when he became a Baptist minister. Reflects on his favourite cameras, the Leicaflex and Leica. Accompanying material - Photocopy of: 'The realism is... a biography of Rodney Angus Hoggard' written by Ailsa Hoggard (12 p.; with printed abstract) Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 4 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 2 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 1.26 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001726, OHA-7517. Search dates: 1926 - 2010