The Classic Rollei: A Definitive Guide

The Classic Rollei is an indispensable guide to these world-famous cameras.

The Classic Rollei is a comprehensive guide to 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.

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.