References

 1. Coe, Brian. Cameras: From Daguerreotypes to Instant Pictures. Crown Publishers, Inc., USA, 1978.

 2. Coe, Brian. Kodak Cameras: The First Hundred Years. Hove Collectors Books, East Sussex, U.K. 1988.

 3. Lahue, K.C., and Bailey, J.A., Glass, Brass, & Chrome, The American 35mm Miniature Camera, Univ. of Oklahoma Press, 1972 (Reprint edition 2002).

Note:  A reference book that is not just a collection of camera specifications, but rather a history of design, people, companies, all in a style that makes for interesting reading.  If possible, find the 1972 edition for better illustrations and photography of the cameras.  I would only hope that another comparable book would appear in the future on the subject  of cameras and technology.  Though this one is 36 years old now, it is by far the best and most useful of its genre.

 4. Lager, James L. Leica Illustrated Guide II. Morgan & Morgan Inc., Dobbs Ferry, New York, 1978.

 5. Laney, Dennis. Leica Collectors Guide. Hove Collectors Books, U.K. 1992.

 6. Larson, G. The Far Side Gallery 3. Warner Books, London, U.K. 1992.

 7. Lewis, Gordon (Editor), The History of the Japanese Camera. from translation by William and Amy Fujimura of Japanese text by Nihon Camera No Rekishi. The International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House, Rochester and Tokyo, 1991.

Note: This book is an invaluable resource for those interested in the history of Japanese cameras.  It contains articles by noted Japanese authors, W.S. Fujimura, T. Hibi, H. Miyabe, I. Ogura, K. Saeki, T. Shirai, H. Suzuki, Y. Tanaka, and M. Tanaka.  Articles describe the origins of the Japanese camera industry in the 19th century through to modern times.  It includes detailed and frank examination of business practices and historical notes on many manufacturers, and a Forward written by Philip Condax of the George Eastman House.

 8. Lewis, John E.  It's by Corfield: It Must be Good. Ericsen Lewis Publications, Nowwich, U.K., 1985.

 9. Lipinski, J.  Miniature and Precision Cameras. Iliffe & Sons, London, 1955. 

Note: A somewhat uncommon book that addresses the basic optical designs of miniature cameras from the perspective of the mid 1950's.  It was written during a time that marked the end of the early 20th century development of camera design and is particularly interesting from the point of view that it anticipated the emergence of the advanced cameras that were to soon appear that marked the beginning of the end for so many unique cameras of the 1930's through 1950's. 

10. McKeown, Jim and Joan. Collectors Guide to Kodak Cameras. Centennial Photo Service, Grantsburg Wisconsin, 1981.

 Note:  Certainly the standard reference book that is indispensable to all collectors.

11. McKeown, James, and Joan McKeown. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Ed. 2005-2006, Centennial Photo Service, Grantsburg Wisconsin, 2004.

12. Rogliatti, Gianni. Leica: The First Hundred Years. Hove Collectors Books, East Sussex, U.K. 1995.

13. Sartorius, Ghester. Identifying Leica Cameras. Editrice Reflex Srl, Italy, 1995.

14. Small, Marc James. Non-Leitz Leica-Thread Mount Lenses. Rita & Dr. Sigmar Wittig Publishers, 1997.

15. Thomas, D.B.  Thomas International Photo Directory of Antique Cameras 1840-1940. Thomas International, Washington D.C. 1983.

16. Tubbs, D.B.  Zeiss Ikon Cameras 1926-39. Hove Collectors Books, Sussex, U.K. 1977.

 

Acknowledgements

Elisabetta Di Rosa Tomei, my wife, for her patience letting me clutter up her drafting table with tools and rags and stuff for camera repairs and for a place to set up the equipment for photographing the collection.

Adrien Ribollo, the author of many of the articles on older Japanese cameras at Camerapedia.org on which I often rely.

Dan Fromm for his information regarding the history of the LTM Amotal Anastigmat lens (P/N Forum).