PRJ: The US Rollei dealer (yes, there reputedly is one in L.A.) shows some used Rollei gear and either an Hy6 or 6000 series last I checked (which was last week). Prices for the bodies ain't bad. It's some of the lenses where the prices seem to climb. And from the outside looking in, it's hard to know the compatibility between lenses and bodies. I bought a Bronica SQ series (I have an SQ for parts and 2 SQ-A's) and a series of lenses. It's a brick. Shots are good. Lenses are fine. They're not Zeiss.... and as a Zeiss fanboy, that's a bit of a comedown both in that they are better than I'd expected, and also... "it's still not a Zeiss", and I can't say that Rollei and Hassy's Zeiss collection isn't a tractor beam.... 'cause they are for exactly that reason. My resistance so far is just fine. But from this perspective, the Rollei can't be heavier, and though bundled (in the Hy and 6000 series) with electronics that might be decent and additive (like a meter for when you want it - mostly I don't, but it's nice to have) in casual shooting.
The thing these days is everyone seems convinced an electronic analog camera is a money trap "one day", and to be avoided. The Bronica SQ's have an electronic shutter and I've come to look at it as a plus. There was a time Seiko was the state of the art in accurate time keeping.... back when we didn't all have iphones and wore watches to tell time, and so I have high confidence in the shutter as a result. I have many questions about the Rollei SLR's and mostly whether or not there's demand if you ever want to sell the thing. FWIW, Bronica's mustn't have a lot or the prices would be better. Rolleis are scarce as hens teeth, but reading the history of the company, I think that's more a reflection of repeatedly missing the market and therefore low production. Will add that I've found there's a world of Nikon Coolscan repair folks replacing circuit boards folks said couldn't be replaced... blah blah blah, and the truth may be that IF there is enough production and market following, there will be repairs available. THe downside of the Rollei isn't its electronics, but the combination of high electronic reliance and low production.
But check with the LA guys. I think their site insists Rollei still has parts.
I still have the Praktica LTL. I ran the shutter recently after it had sat unused for, what 20 years! All speeds sounded okay! Pretty good for a cheap East German SLR which I'd heavily used, bounced of a sidewalk, etc. While the meter calls for a mercury cell, since it is a bridge circuit a silver oxide cell will do fine. The Oreston needs a CLA, sticky diaphragm. I should have it cleaned and get this old cold warrior back in the game!
