The Classic Rollei A Definitive Guide By John Phillips

In 1981, over half a century after the arrival of the first Rollei twin-lens reflex, the Brunswick firm Rollei-Werke Franke & Heidecke brought production of their twin-lens reflexes to an end. The British magazine Amateur Photographer marked the occasion with an article that said, “…for many of us the name Rollei does not mean a photographic company in Northampton or West Germany. It means the thrill we all got when first we handled one of the greatest cameras the world has seen.”

Rolleiflex and Rolleicord twin-lens reflexes made between 1929 and 1981 are now collectable. Yet, because most use film widely available today in both black-and- white and colour, they remain capable of producing superb 6 x 6cm images able to be processed in the traditional way or scanned into large digital files.

The Classic Rollei – A Definitive Guide is a comprehensive guide to these famous cameras written by an acknowledged expert on the subject. It covers all the production models and virtually all the accessories. The book looks at the reasons behind the rise of the Rolleis, 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. Additionally, there is a chapter devoted to the lenses and shutters fitted to the cameras and over 40 pages of practical advice for those wanting to assess the condition of any Rolleiflex or Rolleicord TLR made between 1954 and 1981.

The Classic Rollei is an indispensable guide to these famous cameras and their accessories, and will interest everyone keen to learn more about photography at the height of the roll film era. The book is an A4 size hardback containing an extensive text and 372 high quality illustrations.