Collecting and Using Classic Cameras: With 320 Illustrations [Paperback]

Ivor Matanle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1992

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Matanle defines "classic cameras" as those 35mm or rollfilm cameras produced by any of the great manufacturers during the golden age of miniature camera development from the mid-1920s to the late 1960s. Passionate on the subject of their enduring fascination and quality performance, he offers practical information on specific models and manufacturers such as Contax, Leica, Hasselblad, Voigtlander, and Rolleiflex. Advice concerning condition and reliability of particular models, evaluation of styles and features for individual needs, comparison of original market values in pounds and dollars, and detailed information on the manufacture of lenses and accessories are the book's raison d'etre. Unfortunately, Matanle has used his own images to illustrate the text, and they are neither compelling nor convincing of the singular value of these great cameras. Ann Copeland, Drew Univ. Lib., Madison,
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (April 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500276560
• ISBN-13: 978-0500276563
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #981,319 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book. A pleasure to read and refer to., September 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Collecting and Using Classic Cameras: With 320 Illustrations (Paperback)

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars catnip for the classic camera user, November 16, 2000

By 

Rei Shinozuka (Ridgewood, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Collecting and Using Classic Cameras: With 320 Illustrations (Paperback)

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.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Matanle's camera writings encourage reading over and over, July 23, 2001

By 

Gerald E.Shepardson (Stillwater, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Collecting and Using Classic Cameras: With 320 Illustrations (Paperback)

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!