I recently had a chance to hold one of these 'new' RF camera's from a Rollei sales representative. I have mixed feelings about it, and it makes me wonder why Rollei bothered to market this camera at all. First: the body is exactly the same as the Voigtlander Bessa R2: it's now an all metal construction; the Bessa finished in a matte black, the Rollei in a (quite shiny) silver/aluminium look. The fit and finish of both camera's are of unquestionable high standard. The bottom plate of the body is marked 'Rollei Germany' (in black print) and 'Made in Japan' (in raised letters). The look and feel of the Rollei and Bessa R2 are identical. Surprisingly, the Rollei uses 40, 50 and 80 mm frame settings. What's the practical use? When you look through the viewfinder and change the settings, so will notice only the slightest difference between 40 and 50 mm. Rollei markets a standard set (body + 40mm) which is a perfectly all round combination, but why whould anyone add a 50 mm? And why a 80 mm tele and not a 90 mm as the Voigtlander? A small lens line up of 35, 50 and 90 mm (Voigtlander) seems more logical and practical than a 40, 50 and 80 mm (Rollei). The 40 mm lens is beautifully finished and according to a Dutch photograpy magazine ('Foto') of the highest optical and mechanical standards. The tested both real life and lab lens performance and had nothing but the highest praise. Oh, by the way, the lens is fitted with a Leica M-bayonet and it perfectly matches an M-body, I tried it an checked it for focussing accuracy.
What it comes down to is this: Rollei is asking its customers to hand over around 1.800 (Dollars or Euros, doesn't really matter) for a camera body that has been never been designed as a top of the line, highest quality product, but rather as a low-cost, bottom line product. Remember this is the basic body of the Nikon FM10, Olympus 2000 and various Cosina variations. Not a bad thing, but designed and manufactured to appeal to an entirely different customer than a Leica M camera. This Cosina body has gradually been moved upmarket. First by Cosina (the Voigtlander Bessa L and R), then came the R2 (better materials, higher price) and now the prestigious Rollei brand name (nicer finish at even higher price). Is it worth it? Nobody knows, but at least when you buy a Leica (new or used) you know your buying the highest quality (inside and out), an investment that will last a lifetime and will hold it's value. I'm not suggesting the Cosina/Voigtlander/Rollei camera is a bad camera. It isn't and it produces first class results. But then, so do hundreds of other camera's. The question here is if the high price is justified buy the inherent quality or a result of the perceived brand name image. I have a feeling as if I'm being offered a BMW on Volkswagen Golf underpinnings. Of course it's up to the customer to decide. I still have my reservations.