Cooper, Joseph D. Single-Lens Reflex Photography by Joseph D. Cooper.

Third Edition. Amphoto, 1972, 5th printing, wraps, very good with signature of previous owner on title page. Surprisingly uncommon in this Amphoto edition. Summary:

Single-Lens Reflex Photography by Joseph D. Cooper (first published in 1959 by Universal Photo Books) is a seminal technical guide and instructional manual written during the rise of the 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera as the dominant tool for amateur and professional photographers.

Key Summary & Highlights

• System Mechanics & Mechanics: Cooper breaks down the fundamental optics and internal mechanics unique to SLR cameras—specifically focusing on the waist-level and eye-level pentaprism viewfinders, the instant-return mirror mechanism, and the clear advantages of through-the-lens viewing over traditional rangefinders.

• Camera & Lens Selection: The guide serves as a practical buyer's and operator's manual, offering detailed evaluations of contemporary 35mm and medium-format SLR systems of the late 1950s and 1960s (such as Exakta, Hasselblad, and early Japanese SLRs).

• Optics & Interchangeable Lenses: Explains the principles of focal length, depth-of-field previewing, close-up macrophotography, and the specific optical behaviors of wide-angle, normal, and telephoto lenses when viewed directly through the shooting lens.

• Practical Technique & Accessories: Provides step-by-step guidance on exposure calculation, lighting techniques, close-up extension tubes, bellows, and specialized accessories designed to maximize the SLR format's versatility across portraiture, action, and technical photography.