Collecting and Using Classic Cameras: With 320 Illustrations

by Ivor Matanle

Book Overview

Describes a variety of antique cameras, explains how to evaluate the condition of a used camera, and looks at rangefinder, single lens reflex, twin-lens reflex, medium format, and viewfinder cameras.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0500276560
• ISBN13: 9780500276563
• Release Date: April 1992
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.0" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

THE book about collecting classic cameras

If you are interested in collecting 120mm or 35mm classic cameras then you need this book. Mr. Matanle has owned and/or used most of the cameras in this book and the text is loaded with the kind of user information that can't be found anywhere else. I only wish this book were longer. I have read the book several times and I use it often to refresh my memory about a particular camera or manufacturer. It is well written and the black and white photographs of the cameras are excellent. Mr. Matanle even shows actual photos he took using the cameras discussed in the text. My copy is printed on heavy, high quality, clay paper that allows the high contrast, detailed photos to look their best. Highly recommended.

Matanle's camera writings encourage reading over and over

Ivor Matanle knows cameras as well as we know our own faces in the mirror, and his love and understanding of their strengths and weaknesses makes for informative and fascinating reading.This is a wonderful book for browsing and/or serious study. The writing is first rate. The illustrations are fine photos and are inserted close to the accompanying text. If you are a collector or merely want to learn more about these mechanical and optical marvels, you owe yourself the treat of reading this book.You will be richly rewarded.His other book, "Classic SLR's" is equally rewarding. I refer to both books regularly. What a writer!

catnip for the classic camera user

if you are interested in using classic cameras (defined by the author for the purpose of this book as 20's to 60's 35mm and rollfilm cameras), this is as nice a volume as i've come across. there's some truth to the comments about the author's personal photographs being a bit unpolished, but 1) the quality is standard for most camera-oriented books and 2) they do add a personal touch to what is, after all, a personal treatise. i also appreciate the author's contention that using the classic camera is a sort of fetish (NOT his words) that's difficult to articulate or justify on purely technical grounds.the only other books that i've encountered that may better matanle's book are jason schneider's excellent collection of 80's Modern Photography columns "Camera Collecting" volumes I-III, which unfortunately out of print and cost hundreds of dollars.

Excellent book. A pleasure to read and refer to.

I bought this book shortly after becoming seriously interested in classic cameras, and it reinforced my interest greatly. It contains much useful information, such as how to check the condition of cameras, lenses, and shutters comprehensively before buying. It also has lots of interesting historical info about manufacturers and their products. Although some of the photos used as illustrations may not be brilliant art works, they illustrate the qualities of the equipment, and because many of them are shots of the authors family, friends, and environment over many years, they combine to give the book a very friendly touch--like looking through a friend's album, with notes on the equipment used and how the photos were taken. All in all, a very worthwhile book for anyone interested in collecting and using the classics.

This is an excellent book for those who use old cameras.

I have read this book several times and find myself referring to it often. The pictures may not be the most interesting in the world; but they demonstrate the abilities of the cameras being discussed. The book is not intended to describe in detail every old camera. (If that's what you're looking for, try to find a catalog). The book successfully introduces the major options available to the classic camera enthusiast who wants to take pictures, not just collect equipment to put on a shelf. I would definitely recommend this book to those wanting to acquire old cameras for use.