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Rollei's RolleiFlex MiniDigi digital camera. Courtesy of Rollei, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Rolleiflex MiniDigi comes to the USA
By
(Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 12:29 EDT)

A press release today from Rollei Logistics announces that the Rolleiflex MiniDigi digital camera, a two megapixel model announced in Japan last March, will be coming to the US market.

The specifications have again been updated slightly from when the camera was first announced. The MiniDigi features a square CMOS sensor with a resolution of two megapixels, coupled with a 9mm fixed focus lens. The focusing range is now 0.7m to infinity, and shutter speeds are now 1/15 to 1/4000 second. An interpolated three megapixel resolution of 1760 x 1760 pixels has been added, along with a slight adjustment to the size of the two megapixel mode (now 1200 x 1200 pixels). The LCD display has been reduced in size slightly to 0.9 inch, and the weight of the camera has now been announced as 100 grams.

More details can be found in the press release below, and on the Rollei Japan website.

RolleiFlex MiniDigi
Rollei's RolleiFlex MiniDigi digital camera. Courtesy of Rollei, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sensor 2 megapixel CMOS (square format)
Lens F2.8 9mm fixed focus with five elements
Focus Range 0.7m - infinity
Shutter Speed 1/15 - 1/4000 second
Exposure Control Automatic
White Balance Automatic
Storage Media SD / MMC card (removeable)
Image Resolution
1760 x 1760 pixels
1200 x 1200 pixels (high resolution mode)
640 x 640 pixels (low resolution mode)
LCD 0.9 inch waist-level LCD
Power Supply 1 x CR2 battery
Dimensions 49 x 73 x 45 mm (W x H x D)
Weight 100 grams
.

Original Source Press Release:

Classic RolleiFlex Camera Goes Small and Digital

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 [email protected]

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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