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Cameras

Rolleiflex MiniDigi Announced

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October 26, 2004* – In 1929 the original analog form was first announced, but today, Rollei is announcing the newly remodeled digital manifestation of the Rolleiflex MiniDigi. Like the Epson rangefinder released a few days ago, this camera aims for those photographers who favor the nostalgic aesthetic over image quality. The Rolleiflex MiniDigi only places 2 million pixels on the square CMOS sensor.

The digital Rolleiflex has a 9mm fixed focal range lens with a fixed aperture of 2.8. It has a shutter speed range of 1/15th to 1/4000th of a second. The camera has automatic white balance and exposure controls. It can record in three different resolution settings: 1760 x 1760, 1200 x 1200 and 640 x 640. The MiniDigi measures 1.9 x 2.9 x 1.8 inches and weighs 3.5 ounces.

The MiniDigi has a hooded viewfinder, hand crank lever, an exposure meter and two lenses on top of one another. The hood keeps out stray light, while the hand crank prepares the camera for the next shot instead of advancing film. The original twin reflex camera is 3 inches tall, making it much smaller than its film predecessor. Both the film and digital Rolleiflex cameras have a square format.

The MiniDigi does add some features: an SD card slot, white balance and a 0.9-inch LCD monitor. However, the Rolleiflex is missing some basic functions included on most digital cameras in the market right now, including a USB hookup and a flash. Rollei does not expect that to be a hindrance because of the camera’s success in Japan. The retro Rolleiflex MiniDigi will be available through specialty retailers in November for about $350.

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