Customer Reviews

Complete Collector's Guide to the Rollei TLR: Listing All Known Rollei TLR Cameras 1929-1994

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Ian Parker is THE expert on Rolleiflex cameras. This book has photos and descriptions of most of the models and changes since the first Heidecke and Franke TLR in the late 20s, helping collectors identify what they have as well as the idiosyncracies of the individual models. Not just a catalogue, the book does offer bits of information including serial numbers, manufacturing dates and closeout dates. It also mentions the benefits of the various optics used throughout Rollei's history. While it spends most of the volume itemizing the inovative TLR camera, it also mentions how each advancement or change affected sales. One note, in this day of popular intelligent cameras, is the fact that the "Magic" models did not fare as well with Rolleiflex purists who may have felt that they gave up a certain amount of creative control by using an automatic camera. Parker points out, however, that the camera serves Rollei well, because it inroduced new users to the automatic camera first thereby drawing their interest to the more complex models. # # #

I agree with the previous reviewer's five star comments. If you collect or are interested in the Rolleiflex twin lens reflex cameras this is a 'must buy' title, as is its sister book (Complete User's Manual for the Rollei Tlr: For All Rollei Tlr from 1928 to Present 2.8Gx).
For each model of Rollei TLR there is a large, clear, close-up, face-on photo and all of the information about that model on the facing page (cost, serial number range, shutter, dates of production, variants, etc.). This book is a treasure trove of information for the collector. Highly recommended.