Rollei

Rollei is a German manufacturer of optical goods, and maker of the Rolleiflex series of cameras. Founded 1920 by Paul Franke and Reinhold Heidecke in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, they have had a chequered manufacturing history but still retain a certain cachet amongst photographers. Coupled with Carl Zeiss or Schneider Kreuznach optics – and on certain models a sublime build quality that matches the best Swiss watch – they have always been a worthy rival to Sweden's Hasselblad.

Classic examples – medium format

• Rolleiflex 3.5F TLR with 75mm F3.5 Planar – as used by David Bailey and Diane Arbus.
• Rolleiflex SL66 and SL66E SLR with rise and fall lens plane and exceptional close-up abilities – as used by Brett Weston.

Classic examples – 35mm

• Rollei 35 Compact Original viewfinder (Germany) with 40mm F3.5 Carl Zeiss Tessar.
• Rolleiflex SL2000 (or 3003) SLR – first 35mm SLR with interchangeable magazines.

Modern examples – medium format

• Rollei 6008 integral – advanced SLR with fast handling.
• Rollei 4.0 FW TLR with 50mm F4 Super-Angulon – classic reissue.