The Classic Rollei guide is a comprehensive study of the Rollei twin-lens reflexes cameras made between 1929 and 1981. It covers all the production models and virtually all the accessories. The book looks at the reasons behind the rise of the Rolleis, at the causes of their eventual decline and at some of the well-known photographers who relied on them in the course of their professional careers. A guide to everything you could wish to know about the cameras themselves, plus a fascinating insight into the history of the Rollei brand. The lenses and shutters fitted to the various models are also covered, along with invaluable advice for anyone thinking of buying a Rollei whether they be collectors or users. The Classic Rollei is an indispensable guide to these world-famous cameras and will interest everyone keen to learn more about photography at the height of the roll-film era.
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About the Author
John Phillips was born and lived most of the first nine years of his life in Shanghai. After spells in Britain, Ireland and Hong Kong he emigrated, with his family, to New Zealand where, for most of his adult life, he practised as a lawyer. Keenly interested in photography since his twenties, John Phillips acquired his first Rollei twin-lens reflex in 1982. This book is a result of his deepening interest in the cameras over the following two decades. John has contributed articles to newspapers and magazines, including Photograhica World, the journal of the Photographic Collectors Club of Great Britain.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By J.B.
Format:Hardcover
This book is excellent. It's a Goldmine of Information. If you're a collector of classic Rolleis it's a must have. It contains lots of specific information on serial numbers, production years, how one camera differs from another, and so on.
It's also useful if you're a user of Rolleis rather than a collector. You'll find a lot of good info about how every camera works, what to look out for, which accessories you can get, maintenance etc.
It is NOT a coffe table book. It's a bit dry, but I like that. There are no flashy color photographs, only black and white pictures for identification purposes, plus a short section with a few examples of pictures made by some of the famous Rollei photographers. There's no nonsense here - it's strictly business. But I didn't buy it for the entertainment - I wanted specific information, and that's what I got.
It struck me that this book is made in the spirit of the classic Rollei: With care and extreme precision. And it's highly functional.
It says on the cover that it's "A definitive guide". Well, that's true. It may very well be THE definitive guide.
It's also useful if you're a user of Rolleis rather than a collector. You'll find a lot of good info about how every camera works, what to look out for, which accessories you can get, maintenance etc.
It is NOT a coffe table book. It's a bit dry, but I like that. There are no flashy color photographs, only black and white pictures for identification purposes, plus a short section with a few examples of pictures made by some of the famous Rollei photographers. There's no nonsense here - it's strictly business. But I didn't buy it for the entertainment - I wanted specific information, and that's what I got.
It struck me that this book is made in the spirit of the classic Rollei: With care and extreme precision. And it's highly functional.
It says on the cover that it's "A definitive guide". Well, that's true. It may very well be THE definitive guide.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I just wanted to add my recommendation for this book.
I am interested in buying a Rolleiflex and this book was very helpful in explaining which models were which and what the differences are between them. The book is meticulously written by an obvious expert. For each camera model there is naming information, production dates, identification information, a profile, a list of features, information on model varieties and serial numbers, accessory information and more - much better information than anything I have found online. The book is structured as a chronological history of Franke & Heidecke and Rollei production, and the individual camera profiles appear in the book in the context of when they were introduced.
The book covers Rollei cameras from the beginning up to the Rolleiflex 2.8F and Rolleicord Vb. The author argues (validly) against including later models as they were produced after the liquidation in 1981 of the original Franke & Heidecke firm.
There are also chapters covering lenses and shutters, accessories and "a guide for the user", as well as detailed appendices covering loading and winding instructions, camera condition, helpful lens focus test charts, camera care and identification charts.
My only gripes:
I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but there's no denying they could have come up with a better design.
As the other reviewer has stated, this is not a coffee table book. There is only a short section showing 14 photographs taken with Rollei cameras. (There are of course adequate images of the camera models themselves.) It would have been nice to have more sample photos interspersed throughout, though maybe image licensing fees would have excessively increased the book's retail price.... Read more ›
I am interested in buying a Rolleiflex and this book was very helpful in explaining which models were which and what the differences are between them. The book is meticulously written by an obvious expert. For each camera model there is naming information, production dates, identification information, a profile, a list of features, information on model varieties and serial numbers, accessory information and more - much better information than anything I have found online. The book is structured as a chronological history of Franke & Heidecke and Rollei production, and the individual camera profiles appear in the book in the context of when they were introduced.
The book covers Rollei cameras from the beginning up to the Rolleiflex 2.8F and Rolleicord Vb. The author argues (validly) against including later models as they were produced after the liquidation in 1981 of the original Franke & Heidecke firm.
There are also chapters covering lenses and shutters, accessories and "a guide for the user", as well as detailed appendices covering loading and winding instructions, camera condition, helpful lens focus test charts, camera care and identification charts.
My only gripes:
I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but there's no denying they could have come up with a better design.
As the other reviewer has stated, this is not a coffee table book. There is only a short section showing 14 photographs taken with Rollei cameras. (There are of course adequate images of the camera models themselves.) It would have been nice to have more sample photos interspersed throughout, though maybe image licensing fees would have excessively increased the book's retail price.... Read more ›
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Instant Classic
20 Sep 2011
By F. Clark
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Printed on heavy paper and richly illustrated I found this book to be worth every penny I paid for it. While there have been numerous books written on Rollei cameras, several of which I own, this one is by far the most complete and informative that I've ever read. Not only does it cover the historical significance of the Rollei with a wealth of detailed information on the various models, lenses, shutters etc., it also covers the accessories. While I'm not a collector, I find the information invaluable. Mr. Phillips has done an extraordinary job as one would expect from the title "A Definitive Guide". As a Rollei user/lover I would highly recommend this for anyone that already owns a Rollei or anyone looking to purchase one of these excellent cameras. Thank you Mr. Phillips for your love and passion for the Rollei and for bringing us this book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Rollei TLR Book Ever!
10 Sep 2012
By William G. Nyilas
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am a Rolleiflex aficionado and have a nice library of books on Rollei TLR's. John Philip's book is without question the best, most thorough and accurate book ever written on the subject. If I could have only one book on Rollei TLR's, this would be it. It is a fantastic work and Mr. Phillips should be congratulated for producing such a fine book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have if you like Rollei TLR
6 Mar 2013
By EF
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Very detailed articles for each models and accessories for Rollei TLR cameras. I found the camera identification flow chart at the end of the book very useful. Highly recommended.
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