Rollei 35RF notes
In December 2002 Rollei announced a new 35mm (film) rangefinder camera with Leica M lens compatibility. At the same time they also announced three Zeiss lenses to complement the new camera:
- Rollei HFT Sonnar 40mm ƒ2.8
- Rollei HFT Planar 50mm ƒ1.8
- Rollei Planar 80mm ƒ2.8
URLs
rollei-usa.com/compact/35rf.htm
<Photo.net: #0047xt> -
Dec 2002 Leica forum discussion
Planar 50mm ƒ1.8
Sonnar 40mm ƒ2.8
Planar 80mm ƒ2.8
Details from Rollei USA
1) Will the three lenses announced for the Rollei 35 RF be made in Germany as is mentioned ("Rollei Germany") on the front of the lens ?
YES
2) Who was responsible for the design of these lenses ? Rollei of Germany, Zeiss or Cosina of Japan ?
The lenses are designed in Germany by Carl Zeiss. The 40mm is based on the lens design of the Rollei 35 - a world-class lens. The 80mm is based on the design of the 2.8GX/FX TLR lens - again, an amazingly sharp, high performance lens. The 50mm ƒ1.8 is based on an equally impressive formula used on earlier Rollei SLR lenses.
3) Who will manufacture these lenses ? Again, Rollei of Germany, Zeiss or Cosina of Japan ?
Rollei fototechnic in Braunsweig, Germany will be the manufacturer of the three lenses.
We hope the above information will be helpful. Thank you
Rollei USA 1275 Bloomfield Avenue Bldg 7, Unit 38 Fairfield, NJ 07004 973-244-9660 Fax 973-244-9818 info@rollei-usa.com
Additional notes:
- The first lenses should be available from dealers in January 2003
- Don't get too excited about the "new" 35 RF camera body, it appears to be just a re-badged Voigtländer Bessa R2
- Having used a Rollei 35S for a few years, I found the 40mm Zeiss Sonnar under whelming - v.flare prone, so-so contrast and not particularly sharp. Remains to be seen if the new 40mm is any better…
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