Over time, there have been rapid and significant developments in the field of photography. The requirements, the technical perspectives and the marketing options changed radically. While at the beginning of Rollei only a few people considered photography, today there is hardly anyone who is not in regular contact with photography.
Photography in transition
After the Digital cameras, which were already available for target groups with less budget, will be available at the latest with the arrival of the Camera phones and smartphones, there are no longer any limits. Digital social media also allows for the rapid spread of Photos and videos easily possible for everyone.
Of course a brand has to, like Rolleiflex bow to changes and go with the trend. RCP-Technik GmbH, based in Hamburg, acquired the Europe-wide company in 2007 Rollei trademark license rights and has been selling them ever since Rollei Consumer products with growing success.
Rollei today
The company has been called since 2015 Rollei GmbH & Co.KG and is currently present on the market in more than twenty European countries. The diverse Rollei product range includes professional Photo accessories, such as high-quality tripods, photo filters or studio flashes. Also in the Rollei range: action cams, dash cams, surveillance cameras, digital picture frames and slide film scanners. In 2017, Rollei established itself as the market leader in the tripod market* and in 2016 introduced the Rollei C5i, the best-selling tripod in Germany**.
It is important to us as a company to ensure the high quality of the brands and to communicate them to the outside world. Excellent service applies to all Rollei products: The all-round, worry-free package offers the opportunity to exchange the product for a new device within a very short time in the event of damage for 24 months.
You can find all available products in our online shop Rollei brand and Rolleiflex. From high-quality tripods, photo filters, camera straps, camera cleaning equipment, action cams to underwater housings and dash cams, no wish is left unfulfilled. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. By phone: +49 (0)40 270 750 277 or write to us hello@rollei.de.
*GfK, value Q1 2017 **GfK, value 2016
Timeline
1920-1950
1920 - Founding
1926 - Roll film Heidoscop
1929 - Rolleiflex
1931 - Rollei Babyflex
1933 - Rollei cord
1937 - Rolleiflex machine
1950 - Death of founder Paul Franke
1951 - 1960
1951 - Rolleimarin
1956 - Sales of the millionth 6x6 Rolleiflex & Rolleiflex 2.8 SE
1959 - Rolleiflex 3.5
1960 - Death of founder Reinhold Heidecke
1961 - 1980
1963 - Rollei 16
1966 - Rolleiflex SL66 and Rollei 35
1967 - 1. Flash unit "Strobomatic"
1970 - Factory opening in Uelzen & Rollei SL35
1971 - Factory opening in Singapore
1972 - Rollei A26
1974 - Rolleiflex SLX
1976 - 1. 35mm cross fade projector
1978 - Rollei 35S
1981 - 2000
1981 - Rolleiflex SL2000 F
1984 - Rolleiflex 6006
1986 - Rollei Metric
1991 - 1. Digital & compact camera
2001 - PRESENT
2007 - Acquisition of the rights to the Rollei brand by RCP Technik Verwaltungs GmbH
2011 - Continuation of operational activities as Rollei GmbH & Co. KG.
2012 - 1. Tripod C5i
2011 - 1st Action Cam 100
2016 - Professional rectangular filter system Mark II