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Classic RolleiFlex Camera Goes Small and Digital
Rollei Logistics, Inc. Press Release 26/10/04
Just 3-Inches High, the New Rolleiflex MiniDigi Has the Look and Feel of the Original Twin Reflex Camera
CONCORD, CA (OCT. 26, 2004) - Two lenses, one above the other. The hand crank lever. The shutter release. The hooded viewfinder. The exposure meter. The coal-black casing. And the RolleiFlex logo.
They’re all part of a new Rollei camera that will hit the US market in November. What’s different from the original, a classic that has attracted the world’s top photographers from its introduction in 1929 to this day, is that it’s much smaller and digital.
Much as auto manufacturers who have applied modern technologies to classic designs, such as the Jaguar “S”series, the new RolleiFlex MiniDigi has the look and feel of the original, but easily fits in the palm of your hand or pocket. Most importantly, it’s a camera with features that are not only nostalgic, but also unique in the digital world.
Take the hand crank. Like its parent, the hand crank is an integral part of the camera, but instead of advancing film (which it obviously doesn’t have), the Rollei MiniDigi’s crank prepares the camera for the next shot. Another unique feature is the classic pop-up hood and viewfinder. The hood means no stray light gets in the way. The hood also provides a quick finder function since it can fold down to allow “see through” quick framing.
Still another nostalgic design feature that has modern applications is the square format. The square format means no shutter opportunities or valuable seconds are lost having to choose between horizontal or vertical position. You simply look downward into the viewfinder at waist level, aim, and then shoot from the waist. This results in minimal “camera fright’ for portraits or taking pictures of babies or animals because the eyes of the photographer and the person don’t meet. In addition, the square format doesn’t force the photographer to choose between landscapes or portraits orientation.
Besides the features unique to Rolleiflex, the MiniDigi incorporates digital camera technology —SD memory cards, white balance, fast shutter speeds, 2-megapixel sensor, LCD monitor, etc. However, it’s not intended to be a full-featured digital camera.
“While the MiniDigi, because of its size, doesn’t have some features like USB or flash, it does have a unique, retro styling that will likely appeal to camera buffs and consumers who want something classic, original, fun, and extremely portable,” stated Dick Dischler, who is in charge of US distribution for Rollei Logistics. “The MiniDigi has really taken off in Japan where the first reaction is often ‘this is really cool.’”
The new Rollei will begin shipping in early November and be available through specialty retailers. Pricing is expected to be in the $350.00 range.
For more information, contact: www.rollei.jp/e/ or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
About Rollei Logistics
Rollei Logistics based in Tokyo, is under contract with Rollei Fototechnic GmbH Germany to manufacture the Rollei Mini Digi in Japan and to distribute the camera in the US. The original Rollei 6x6cm was first developed in Germany by Rollei Fototechnic, and has been in continuous production since that date. The classic Rollei has established itself as one of the leading cameras for top photographers.
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#1 Mr. Blobby
A ridiculous, tiny, unwieldy, practically useless gadget sold to be a collectors item.
3:35 pm - Tuesday, October 26, 2004
#2 Chris
I would buy this just to look at it. My dad has a "real" one that he used to take photos of us years ago.
Fantastic stuff..........
5:59 pm - Tuesday, October 26, 2004
#3 Mark Goldstein
Sounds like one for the collector then!
I will hopefully be getting a review unit when they are available, so I'll let you know how it performs as a camera...
9:46 am - Wednesday, October 27, 2004
#4 John
Mark, I had an opportunity to use the little Rollei today at work -- it *sucked*! The only redeeming qualities are its size and sentimental value. The viewscreen is incredibly lacking, in both pixels and refresh rate. The fact that you have to "wind" the camera like real Rolleiflexes is cute, but rather pointless. The photos themselves were godawful in most cases, though I must admit I liked the square format (i'm a Hasselblad fan). All told, I don't think I'd buy this camera even if I was a huge Rollei fan.
6:08 am - Thursday, October 28, 2004
#5 Mark Goldstein
Great - I'm really looking forward to reviewing it now!
8:27 am - Thursday, October 28, 2004
#6 Luis H. Figueroa
I agree about the comment about pixels and refresh rate, but who in this world would buy such a camera for field shooting?
I mean, it's a great camera for all of us who own a "real" Rollei, but, having one of those, why would I shoot with just 2 Megas?
This tiny piece is my 30th camera in my shelf, and I'm so proud of it.
2:17 am - Saturday, December 17, 2005
#7 Roger
Just recieved my mini in the mail from a camera store. I was impressed, it is really neat, and has a good feel in the hand. Felt uncomfortable with the whole crank thing, till i used it about 20 or more times, the battery and card cover was tricky to open and close, I break everything, so am still on nerves when opening and closing the cover. I think the images are just OK, you really need to be out in the sun, to capture a decent image, but this I know is more a collectable than a user ( I intend to use it) so image detail and quality is not what you would expect. Viewfinder is dim in my opinion, and I am worried i will break that too, the snap up sport is cool feature. If and only if it had maybe 4 MP instead, but i am happy with it. I already shot about 75 pics, what the card holds.
Roger
4:44 am - Wednesday, May 10, 2006
#8 nick in japan
Mark, before you test this ensure you get the optional accessory kit, "Personal Options Of Pleasure". After your friends and family have made you feel less than good about purchasing this.....item, you whip out, either the "Duck head and feet attachment", "soft conical 6" pleasure head" or the "clip-on cigarette support".
By using the camera battery, or , wind-up feature ( Cranking the crank backwards ), a high frequency vibration is set into operation (on-off button on bottom of camera), that will cause the following:
1. With duck head and clip- on feet properly attached, the unit will waddle around on a flat surface for up to 3 hours of continous motion, great fun for the kids!
2. With the "pleasure -head installed, instant pleasure for the female in your life! Disguise designed for the timid!
3. With the clip-on cigarette holder in place, ashes continually fall into the view-screen area, caused by the vibration.
Later this year, another option will hit the market, yes, you got it! The vibration adjusting adapter!
6:45 am - Wednesday, May 10, 2006