Rollei X-8 Sport Peeling paint

[paulsmith]

I bought one of these last september for using whilst canoeing and I'm happy with the results as far as picture quality is concerned. However after a few weekends of use the 'high gloss black paint' finish...Why? has started to flake off and soon the text on the back will go with it (as it's printed over the black) rendering the camera useless if I can't remember what button does what.The camera has been returned to Rollei who are suggesting it has been missused. This is an insult to a customer who has worked in a professional capacity with just about every make and format of camera available including Rollei. Many of which have had black casings and whilst one would expect a little wear and tear on the corners after years of continuous use I have never had a camera where the paint has peeled off in flakes with no more wear than from being taken out of its case a couple of dozen times. Does anyone own one of these? Have they had the same problem? Have I bought a 'duffer'?
Any suggestions?
Cheers,
Paul

[JanBoettcher]

Short version:

In the olden days, Rollei MADE cameras.
A little later they started brand engineering with cameras made in Korea and Japan (Rollei "Prego" etc.).
The "factory" kept existing and making "professional" cameras for a little while http://www.franke-heidecke.net/
but the name Rollei was "sold" to some other guys http://www.rcp-technik.com/typo3/ for "consumer cameras" made in CHINA, (plus to other guys http://www.mahn.net/ for branding films).

Check http://www.rollei.com/

So what you are holding in your hands is not a "Rollei" but a "camera" made in China, also available with different brands on it in several discount stores.

[paulsmith]

Thanks for the reply Jan, and I thought I was getting German Quality.Today at last after a months wait I did get my replacement camera and they have given me a new version with a satin metal finish. So with nothing to fall of it can only be better.
Thanks again.
Paul