Tributes to Ivor Matanle
It’s sad to hear that Ivor Matanle has passed away. There will be a great number of regular readers who will remember his wonderful in- depth articles on various classic camera brands over many years.
I first came across Ivor through his books which have become like bibles to members of the camera collecting fraternity. I met him in person through the Photographic Collectors’ Club of Great Britain where he gave regular talks at meetings around the country. He was one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever met on the subject of classic cameras. He was also rare among knowledgeable people in being able to communicate that knowledge in a way that was informative, interesting and often amusing.
Those who remember his articles in AP might assume that he had an enormous collection of cameras with which he illustrated them. Not so. What he did have was an enormous collection of friends, who had cameras, and who were more than happy to supply pictures or – more often – heavy bags of equipment that needed to be transported to the AP photo studio to be photographed.
I remember him emailing me once to ask if I could supply a picture of a rare Rittreck camera. ‘No problem,’ I said, ‘what do you need?’ Back came the reply, ‘A three- quarter view facing left, a three- quarter view facing right, a view from the top showing an image on the focusing screen, two views from the back with the film holder on and off, a close- up of the shutter speed dial, another of the focusing knob…’ He was such a lovely man, that no one could ever refuse. John Wade
I am sure many readers will share my sorrow at learning of the death this week of Ivor Matanle. I know I am one of many whose love of cameras and photography was inspired by Ivor’s articles published in AP; and his books on collecting and using classic cameras. For those who did not know him personally, he was a lovely man. He touched many of us with his vast knowledge, enthusiasm, wit, wisdom and humour. He leaves a great legacy and will be sadly missed. John Kirkham
Thanks to everyone who wrote in about Ivor. His enthusiasm for classic cameras inspired collectors everwhere and his knowledge was unequalled. He was clearly loved by many and will be sadly missed by all who knew him Ð Nigel Atherton, Editor