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

[AgX]

A german online shop devoted to analogue photography has released a new Rollei collectors kit:
http://shop.spuer-sinn.net/de/rolleiflex

In german online media it is stated that the shop wants to set a signal for the ongoing production at Franke & Heidecke.
The kit is said to be delivered in person worldwide and a photo story of the delivery will make part of a publication to come.

[archphoto]

This is why they did not make it: € 4100,- for a TLR with no changable optic's....... sorry out of my league !

Peter

[Q.G.]

The "kit" is even € 29.500,-.
That's only a bit shy of € 10.000,- per camera.

So € 4.100 is cheap.


You can get a decent car for € 29.500,-.

I'd rather have the kit.

[kavandje]

Dude. Gold plated Rolleiflexes in a wooden display case? That has to be the pimpiest ghastliness I have ever heard.

It's OK for collectors I guess, but I don't think I could bear to have those things in my house. I'd rather spend the money for a minty-good 2.8F, and blow the change on film, a suitably-equipped motorcycle and a ride from Cape Aghulas in South Africa to Nordkapp in Norway, via Braunschweig. And I'd have money left over.

Ah, but what film? I'm leaning towards Tri-X...

[dpurdy]

OK a 2.8F and how much film can you get for 29.5 thousand euros?

[kavandje]

OK a 2.8F and how much film can you get for 29.5 thousand euros?

OK, a decent 2.8F can be got for €1000 - 1500. Leaves €28k. I work it out thusly:

€5000 -- 1998 Honda Africa Twin 750cc tour-prepped motorcycle
€2000 -- extra equipment (tent, tools, sleeping bag, etc)
€3000 -- 600 rolls of Tri-X (assuming €5/roll; bulk discount may apply)

Leaves €18000 for fuel, repairs, spares, tyres, visas, bribes, accommodation, activities, insurance, even more film since 600 rolls is a bit tight, etc.

Received wisdom in the long-range touring community is that €10,000 in the bank is what it takes to ride across Africa, taking 6 months, avoiding the war-zone(s)-du-jour and doing lots of activities.

I reckon it's more than do-able, and the resulting photo-book will be a zilliion times more interesting than some hoity-toity handover of a display case queen.

Who's with me?

[kavandje]

Dammit. Now I'm eyeing my 2.8F in that certain way. There's a tour-prepped Africa Twin in the garage.

[Q.G.]

Go for it!

[kavandje]

Someone give me €29500 and I'm off...

[funkpilz]

Does this mean Rollei film will get cheaper?