Fanstone, Robert M. Modern Miniature Cameras by Robert M. Fanstone.

Second Edition. London & Glasgow: Blackie and Son Ltd., 1947. [35mm practice, inc. cameras (e.g. Leica, Super Ikonta, Contax), films, focussing, exposure, processing, enlarging, and making lantern slides.] 97 pp. with 12 plates on glossy paper. Spot of water damage on top front edge of dust jacket, minimally affecting blue cloth on book. Summary:

Modern Miniature Cameras (1934), published by Blackie & Son Ltd. as part of Blackie's Technique Series (and later released in the U.S. by American Photographic Publishing Co.), is a seminal technical handbook by British photographic author Robert M. Fanstone.

Key Details & Summary

• Scope & Context: Serves as an early practical guide during the 1930s revolution in photography, transitioning practitioners from large-format plate and tripod cameras to small-format, hand-held "miniature" cameras.

• Featured Equipment: Covers popular early 35mm and medium-format roll-film cameras of the era, offering specific operational guidance for models such as the Leica, Contax, and Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta.

• Technical Guidance: Details essential techniques unique to small-format photography, including precision focusing, grain control, exposure calculation, specialized film developers, darkroom processing, optical enlarging, and making lantern slides.

• Historical Significance: Functions as an important historical reference documenting the technical and cultural shift toward modern candid street photography, photojournalism, and portable fine-art equipment.