Vintage Photography Reference The Amateur Photographer’s Handbook (1966) Aaron Sussman | Revised & Enlarged, Photography Reference

A solid vintage photography reference for readers who love old camera manuals and practical darkroom-era instruction, The Amateur Photographer’s Handbook is packed with classic how-to guidance for beginner and hobby photographers.

This 1966 seventh revised edition covers exposure, light, filters, shutter behavior, darkroom practice, and picture-making in a clear, methodical style that still feels useful to film-camera enthusiasts today.

Inside are 125 plates in color and monochrome, 100 drawings and diagrams, 58 formulas, and 28 tables, giving it the feel of a true bench reference as much as a reading copy. 

Quick Specs 

• Item Type: Vintage hardcover reference book with dust jacket
• Size: 10 x 6.5 x 1 in.
• Material: Hardcover book with cloth boards and paper dust jacket
• Color: Red, black, cream, and dark blue
• Origin or Maker: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York
• Year or Era: 1966
• GENRE: Photography Reference / Instructional Nonfiction
• Language / Pages: English / 400 pages
• Identifiers: Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 61-18664; ISBN Not provided

Edition & Features 

• Edition/Printing: Seventh revised edition; third printing, August 1966
• Dust Jacket: Present; price not visible / Not provided
• Illustrations/Maps/Plates: 125 plates in color and monochrome, 100 drawings/diagrams, 58 formulas, 28 tables
• Extras: Ex-library markings, library card pocket, date-due slip, property stamps, jacket taped to boards with old protective covering/tape remnants

Condition Grade: Good

• Notes:
•  Ex-library copy with honest, visible wear. Dust jacket is present but secured with old tape/protective covering; tape residue, tape shadows, and browned tape marks are visible on endpapers and jacket flaps.
• Library stamps and card pocket remain inside. Spine label is present. Boards show shelf wear and edge rubbing.
• Jacket has scuffing, corner wear, and some small edge wear.
• Text block appears complete and generally clean, with bright usable pages and sound binding in the photos.

See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.

Provenance & Notes 

Ex-library copy. Interior marks include “Property of U.S. Army” / library stamps and a date-due card pocket visible in photos. Pencil shelving notation is also visible on an interior page.

About the Author: AARON SUSSMAN 

Aaron Sussman was known for writing accessible photography instruction for amateur shooters, and this handbook went through multiple revisions over the years as camera technology changed.

This copy’s seventh revised edition reflects that long life as a working reference for home photographers learning both camera craft and darkroom basics.

A great shelf piece for the film-camera enthusiast who still likes learning from the old masters.

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Disclaimer  

The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.

Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.