A world without new Rolleiflex TLRs? Unimaginable.
But...
Although I realize this is largely out of their control at this stage of the game, nevertheless the problem from our perspective is pretty clear:
Rolleiflex TLRs at B&H Photo
(for however long this link is still good)
Recently I fulfilled a long-time bucket list item by purchasing a Mamiya C330S together with all seven lenses, the four original lens hoods, the prism finder, the four sports finder masks (as a gift), a paramender, the wide-angle parallax viewfinder plate, and special slim Mamiya filters. I completely refoamed the light and focus screen seals. I then added one of those Suntar form-fitted heavy-duty left-hand grips with the square mount.
The camera equipment is all either NIB NOS, or very close to it. The lenses are all the latest black/blue-dot models. With the exception of the chimney finder, there is not a single scratch or rub mark on anything. Every lens and body feature and control functions as-new. Nothing is missing.
The cost?
A little over $2,000, out the door. About the same as a still-available Fuji GF670 folder. Compare that amount with the link above. If I make the assumption that the Rolleiflex tele-version is the same price as the wide-version, a three-lens Rolleiflex setup comes to $27,211, not including shipping. That's a difference of over $25,000, and the Mamiya has seven, not three, lens options.
Had I been able to afford one, I might have gone with a new Rolleiflex. Unfortunately, that price difference alone is enough for a down-payment on a young married couple's modest starter home.
Ken
