Franke and Heidecke (Rollei MF cameras and projectors) close to an end

[dpurdy]

Well regardless of who is operating the machines and assembling the camera, the FX is still a very well made and beautiful Rolleiflex. The end of production just makes me glad I got one. And I am glad I got it before the latest skyrocket pricing taking it from 3000 to 5000. Just speaking for the TLRs though if the sales price has to be so high then it is not a viable product. You can get an older F model rebuilt and take a vacation to Mexico and still save money.

[Chazzy]

I just hope that the parts will be bought by camera repair people, instead of being discarded.

[AgX]

To be fair (and correct) that F&H are in insolvency (or rather have applied for that legal status) does not neccessarily mean they are out of business.

[Q.G.]

But reading that they already have tried to find a way out, i think the only thing that could be hoped for is that some company is lying in wait, waiting for the receiver to sell whatever there is to sell and scoop it up for far less than a rescue attempt would cost.
I doubt that there is a way for F&H Mk II to prolong itself.

[HerrBremerhaven]

If Leaf (actually owned by Eastman Kodak) or Sinar (owned by Jenoptik) want to continue the Hy6 system, they have two choices. One is making a deal for the tooling and skilled workers. The other is to wait until a liquidation of F&H, and buy what is left at bargain prices. The downside of the second choice is that they could run out of inventory and repair parts prior to liquidation going through. I don't imagine Leaf doing this, because EK is not in great shape financially. However, Jenoptik might find it of interest to continue the Hy6 under Sinar, and likely find a customer in Leaf. Also, due to the expense of these systems, and the need for back-up, they do accept film backs; when an MFDB takes a dump, then you put the film back on to complete the shoot.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography

[jwil6969]

I went to the Rollei website and sent them an e-mail asking where I could get repairs performed on my 6000 cameras and lens in the future. I received a response from a Herr Dietmar Kanzer, Marketing Manager, that stated:

"We had a meeting with the sequestor (trustee??) last Friday and the message was: the company is going on. He (didn't specify who) will look for new partners and shareholders."

So it would appear that all is not doom and gloom.

[archphoto]

They are fighting, that's for shure, I hate to see them go.....

[Chazzy]

I went to the Rollei website and sent them an e-mail asking where I could get repairs performed on my 6000 cameras and lens in the future. I received a response from a Herr Dietmar Kanzer, Marketing Manager, that stated:

"We had a meeting with the sequestor (trustee??) last Friday and the message was: the company is going on. He (didn't specify who) will look for new partners and shareholders."

So it would appear that all is not doom and gloom.

I wish them the best of luck. Apparently other companies making expensive cameras are managing to survive, so it appears that it can be done. But I would be the last person to suggest what they need to do differently, since I have no business sense at all.

[Distagon]

I went to the Rollei website and sent them an e-mail asking where I could get repairs performed on my 6000 cameras and lens in the future. I received a response from a Herr Dietmar Kanzer, Marketing Manager, that stated:

"We had a meeting with the sequestor (trustee??) last Friday and the message was: the company is going on. He (didn't specify who) will look for new partners and shareholders."

So it would appear that all is not doom and gloom.

I have got the same information from a different source. Currently the production is going on.
Let's hope the best that they find a new investor and can stay in the market.

[JanaM]

No, Kindermann still produces (or at least still sells) the 66T (link).

Yes, and besides Franke&Heidecke and Kindermann Götschmann in Munich is producing 4,5x6, 6x6 and 6x7 projectors as well. http://www.goetschmann.de/

Regards, Jana