Collecting and Using Classic SLRs [Paperback]

Ivor Matanle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1997

Ivor Mantale brings 40 years experience to this book on collecting single-lens reflex cameras, which includes: descriptions and evaluations of the principal makes and models from their earliest forms in the late 19th century to modern versions in the 1980s; instructions on testing and checking for faults; pictures of classic cameras, lenses and equipment, from Adams to Zenit, Graflex to Pentax as well as information on repairers and dealers; and listings of collectors' clubs and groups. The guide will help experts and novices to learn more about the cameras they admire - and to enjoy them with a greater understanding. The author has also written "Collecting and Using Classic Cameras".

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This work offers a unique look at the single-lens reflex camera, popularly known as the SLR. Once disparaged as the "ugly duckling" of photography, SLRs gradually overtook the rangefinders and reflex cameras of the day to become the most popular type of camera for amateurs and professionals alike. Written in a lively style, this book provides a thorough overview of SLRs, including a fascinating history. Generously illustrated with 385 black-and-white photographs, the wide variety of SLR cameras manufactured in the past half century is well covered, along with examples of high-quality photographs made with the cameras. The appendixes include lists of booksellers, collectors' organizations, camera dealers, and other useful information. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries with photography collections.?Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, Ill.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Ivor Matanle is the author of the companion volume, Collecting and Using Classic Cameras, also published by Thames and Hudson.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (July 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500279012
• ISBN-13: 978-0500279014
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,389,923 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Matanle's Classic SLRs Captures the Tools, July 16, 2000

By 

Scott Helm - See all my reviews

This review is from: Collecting and Using Classic SLRs (Paperback)

Matanle's "Collecting and Using Classic SLRs" is amust own for every SLR camera collector. His camera close ups, as wellas specs, prove he knows his material. He provides abundant information on cameras A to Z. His shots of cameras are crystal clear; however, photos from his personal collection are somewhat hazy and appear out of place. Book is still worth the money...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Magnificent Book on Cameras and Lenses, April 25, 2002

By 

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

This review is from: Collecting and Using Classic SLRs (Paperback)

When I first read Ivor Matanle a few years ago I had never heard of this Englishman who writes so beautifully about cameras and lenses.
This book covers single lens cameras in several formats,rather than just 35mm. He has used the equipment he describes, and writes as well as a fine novelist. He gives the history of SLR's and tells about the rise of Asian cameras as Europe abandons innovation in design. But he plays no favorites.All cameras are treated fairly.
This is a book you will marvel at, if you are a user or a collector. Read it once; refer to it often. But above all, enjoy it and marvel at how well he writes.
With nearly 400 fine photos of equipment and pictures taken with these cameras, the book is a smorgasbord of information.
If I lost this book, I would drive 500 miles to replace it!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Matanle aims straight for the heart of the SLR grognard!, October 25, 1999

By 

Ivan Singer ([e-mail]) (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Collecting and Using Classic SLRs (Paperback)

Matanle's book is a great survey book of 50's-through 70's SLRs. It is obvious that he likes certain makes/models and not others (but usually for good reason) an he makes no apologies for it. There is a certain old-fashioned paradigm that he has adopted that endears you to his pre-electronic worldview. I learned about the sleeper systems like the Mirandas and learned why Fujicas never caught on. Also, what rare birds could be found in the post-war East German lineups, and which models had poor shutter mechanisms, etc. His book is splendid bathroom rack material and a trusty companion to any obsessive Ebay shopper. A camera nerd's best paperback friend!