DHW Fototechnik in insolvency

[AgX]

see post #43 too.
Last year it seemed from their statement that camera sales where not the critical issue.

But then a new firm only would survive with reduced costs. Maybe this is the case if the new firm only is mounting TLRs from a stock of parts. Than it could be as small as a one-person enterprise.

 

[Xmas]

Good luck to them but unless they think of something radical I just don't see how they can make money by trying to sell TLRs for 3000 euro when there are lost of used ones available for a fraction of that.

There is always a premium for new...

http://www.apertureuk.com/MediumLargeFormat.html

 

[Ektagraphic]

Has anyone heard any updates on this?

 

[AgX]

No. But that weird DHW-website and -ad thing is going on.

 

[AgX]

From the ashes: German photo news site Photoscala reports that the production of Rollei TLRs (and probably Hy6 as well) will start again soon.

http://photoscala.de/Artikel/Rolleiflex-Kameras-Es-geht-weiter-–-wieder-einmal-und-irgendwie

In short: company now calls itself DW Photo GmbH (Ltd.). Differences on the use of the "Rolleiflex"-trademark still have to be settled because it was sold years ago to RCP (the one which has been producing cheapish digital cameras and other stuff under the label for years). Probably the new company won't be allowed to use the Rolleiflex-name at all ...

They are starting with "long time employees" at "the old location"

I missed that auction of the old factory compartimented stuff, but starting at the old place in empty premises does not make much sense. Thus I wonder what more than specific tools they got out of it.
The new company was formed 3 weeks after that auction.

A continuation with same people also not necessarily is the best idea. The former CEO is the new CEO again.
Maybe the new owner has a different view on things.


Anyway, "Rollei" is the company with the longest history of demises and restarts within the german photo industry.

We shall see...

The old ads are still on...


But here is an Update by their US-importer:

https://rolleiflex.us/blogs/news-te...it-summer-2016-yes-they-are-still-in-business

 

[mshchem]

The old ads are still on...


But here is an Update by their US-importer:

https://rolleiflex.us/blogs/news-te...it-summer-2016-yes-they-are-still-in-business

Sure would be great if somehow the TLR could be saved. Such a masterpiece.

 

[Prest_400]

Sure would be great if somehow the TLR could be saved. Such a masterpiece.

+1. The Rollei 2.8GX was priced quite steeply, maybe 3000-4000€? If there was a way to make a model for 1500-2000€ it would probably sell rather well, taking into account that the classics, Mamiya 6/7 and GF670 were in the ballpark and prices soared recently. Essentially being artisanal in manufacturing accounts for the high pricing and overhead covering.

Rising capital... Perhaps a "Save Rolleiflex" KS would work.

 

[baachitraka]

Recently pro D****** cameras sell in that range but I am sure 2.8GX will last way longer than modern counterparts.

 

[RauschenOderKorn]

For those who actually would like to see a product from DW Photo:

http://m.ebay.de/itm/COMPLETE-ROLLE...%3Ab6da943215a0a2a405a2770ffffc4ad4%7Ciid%3A1

Half of the kit is old DHW - the other half in new "DW photo"

Btw: not my offer, nor endorsed or recommended by me

 

[Slixtiesix]

According to the German photonews-site Photoscala, the Rolleiflex Hy6 is back in production now.

 

[AgX]

With a markup of 10% by the new manufacturing entity. Maybe that is not even much seen the circumstances.

 

[NJH]

I noticed their new website has been up for a little while as well, includes all sorts of stuff like the projectors, dinky little 35mm compact, and the 6000 series cameras and lenses.
http://www.dhw-fototechnik.de

Also noted an article shared earlier via PhotoKlassik's facebook page (thanks guys!):
https://www.heise.de/foto/meldung/Mittelformatkamera-Hy6-wird-weiter-produziert-3719765.html

 

[locutus]

(Warning, digital heresy follows....) at 6000 euros the market for it must be vanishingly small by now.... Especially when it has to compete as a platform for digital backs, at that price you can also buy a Pentax 645Z and you get very close to a Phase One with a entrylevel back.

And i fear that the largest potential market for any MF SLR's left is when used with digital backs.... MF Film users probably do not fall in this 'price flexible' segment.

 

[AgX]

I noticed their new website has been up for a little while as well, includes all sorts of stuff like the projectors, dinky little 35mm compact, and the 6000 series cameras and lenses.
http://www.dhw-fototechnik.de/QUOTE]

That is still the old, obsolete website of DHW. I wondered all the the time how it survived the demise of DHW.
As their banner on Apug.

 

[locutus]

The banner on APUG is actually from a Rollei dealer in the US, try clicking it

 

[EricWHiss]

Yes Rolleiflex is still in business and making the Hy6 Mod2 and lenses as well as the electronic shutters and things for the X-Act2 technical camera. The TLR's are not in production at this time. The new name of the company is now DW-Photo and they have just put up a new website
http://dw-photo.eu/index.html
They are servicing the Hy6 and lenses, 6000 series lenses, electronic shutters and lens control units and some other items. I am still their US Dealer and sell all that they make, plus many used items and accessories. I still have my banner ad here on APUG.

 

[NJH]

Excellent, that is good to know, thanks Eric. My 6008 especially with the Curtagon 60mm on it is for me the best camera I have used, really bonded with the thing so having long term technical support is important for me as I intend to use this camera going forward for as long as I can get the film for it.

 

[OptiKen]

I'm actually surprised they aren't more expensive.

{{faint}}}

 

[PittP]

{I'm actually surprised they aren't more expensive.}

I'm not suprised at all: With this cheapo paint ...
and it doesn't even match with my modest Lambo- eh, Bugatti

---hope you don't mind.

The truth is likely: Times can hardly get more difficult for high-quality MF and analog-ready equipment. The 2nd hand market is flooded with perfectly usable high end equipment - which new was about as or even more expensive (consider inflation), and is now available for a dime or two.
Wishing DW well! Unfortunately, though, I won't be able to become their customer.
Good light and long snapping lifes to our oldies.

 

[EricWHiss]

Excellent, that is good to know, thanks Eric. My 6008 especially with the Curtagon 60mm on it is for me the best camera I have used, really bonded with the thing so having long term technical support is important for me as I intend to use this camera going forward for as long as I can get the film for it.

You're right.... that 60mm Curtagon - its an amazing lens - definitely a jewel of the system.