Franke & Heidecke still manufacturing

rolleiclubleader

News article taken from Britisch Journal of Photography

Title: Leaf and Sinar: business as usual
Date: 18 March 2009

News that Franke & Heidecke , one of the leading makers of medium format cameras had gone into insolvency threw the market into a brief panic last week, with dealers and their customers left speculating on the future of an innovative 6x6 system sold by Leaf and Sinar. Olivier Laurent reports on how the companies are responding

Leaf and Sinar are rushing to assure customers that they are not immediately affected by Franke & Heidecke's announcement, revealed in last week's BJP, that it has gone into administration.

Franke & Heidecke owns and develops new products for the legendary Rolleiflex twin-lens camera system, but it also produces a 6x6 format camera body for both Leaf and Sinar, named the AFi and the Hy6 respectively. Now that the German maker has gone into insolvency, saying it cannot pay its bills, questions have been raised about Leaf and Sinar's cameras.

Answers came swiftly after both companies rushed to assure customers that production of the cameras hasn't stopped. Talking to BJP, a spokeswoman for Sinar, which is owned by Jenoptik, said that it is closely monitoring the situation, but for the time being is still fulfilling orders for the Hy6. 'We are still receiving cameras,' she said. 'Production has not shut down and we will be looking at what is going on and what alternatives there are (in case the firm does go under).'

Leaf has released a statement to reassure customers that its camera system is still, and will continue to be, available. 'Leaf management is in constant communication and working closely with the management of Jenoptik and Franke & Heidecke. They are updating us frequently as the story unfolds,' the statement says. 'Regardless of any rumours in the industry, the Franke & Heidecke manufacturing plant is operating normally and will continue to operate while Franke & Heidecke works with their creditors to reach agreement on the best way forward.

'While this process advances, production of Leaf AFi parts and components continues. To further ensure that Franke & Heidecke continues operating efficiently, an interim administrator has been appointed to evaluate the Franke & Heidecke business. What this means is that we will continue delivering Leaf AFi-II camera systems, lenses and accessories.'

Leaf adds that, in parallel to the actions being taken by Franke & Heidecke, it 'is investigating all possible opportunities to ensure that Leaf can achieve its goals. This effort includes urgent work with Jenoptik, Franke & Heidecke, our sales managers and dealers worldwide'.

Trouble ahead The financial troubles at Franke & Heidecke come six months after the firm partnered with Hans R Schmid Beteiligungs to inject new finance to support an increase in its production of camera systems and lenses. However, by January this year the company appeared to be running into trouble after it announced that its chief executive officer would leave the company following disagreements with the new partner, who had become the majority shareholder as part of the investment deal.

'In view of different views regarding past and future policies and cooperation with the new partner Hans R Schmid, Mr Bodo Fischer offered his resignation from the management of Franke & Heidecke, an offer that was accepted by the company,' the firm said in a statement in January.

Now, in a new statement, the company says it is being forced into administration. And, if the statement is to be taken at face value, Schmid is blameless: 'For majority shareholder Hans R Schmid, a devoted supporter of the company's products, who had described his commitment as a matter of personal importance, there was no alternative to filing for insolvency any more. Although it had already been obvious at the time of the take-over that a successful restructuring would cost substantial effort, Schmid accepted the responsibility and acted determinedly. Additional specialists were employed, weak points in the company were examined and millions were invested, et al, in production and quality management. Due to these measures quick progress could be made, however, the massive failures of the past could not be resolved in the required time.'

The second half of the statement is more ambiguous, insinuating that there were hidden debts: 'When recent financial and other old liabilities turned up, which had not been known to the new shareholder at the time of the take-over, it became evident that a financial reorganisation would not be possible even by investing further millions.'

It adds that 'negotiations with important business partners, banks and the attempt to obtain public funds failed', and ends with the suggestion that Schmid invested at least EUR10 million into the business: 'In spite of considerable risk the new shareholder invested repeatedly until the very end and has preserved the company and the hope to maintain 131 jobs. Now the insolvency could not be avoided any longer. In total Schmid invested millions in the two-figure range.'

Franke & Heidecke started producing the 6x6 medium format camera in May 2007 under the impulsion of Jenoptik, Leaf and Sinar. The 'open' digital platform initiative came after Hasselblad announced its H3D camera would no longer be made compatible with competing digital backs (BJP, 18 October 2006), citing a lack of co-operative investment from other makers.

The development of the camera was, at first, largely financed by Jenoptik, which hoped to recuperate the costs by 'franchising' the camera to Leaf, and by distributing it through its subsiduary company, Sinar.

Leaf remains upbeat about the German firm's future, saying: 'F&H investors have recently made a lot of progress in modernising their production facilities and processes,' says Ziv Argov, director of sales and marketing. 'We have recently seen great improvements made in a very short time. These improvements add to the real value of F&H and contribute to the likelihood of creating a solution that will support the factory's future.'

He added: 'As far as other Leaf products are concerned, keep in mind that Leaf digital backs are manufactured and assembled by Leaf with components from various vendors. These products, comprising the core technology of Leaf, are not in any way affected by this announcement.'

Source:

© Incisive Media Ltd. 2009
Incisive Media Limited, Haymarket House, 28-29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RX, is a company registered in the United Kingdom with company registration number 04038503

About insolvency in German law: A company that is not capable of paying its bills anymore has become insolvent. This does not mean the company has to close down its doors at that moment. In a court will be decided if and how the company will continue. In the case of Franke & Heidecke that still can mean a great future, given the state of the art technology they possess, the highly motivated staff and the solid portfolio of ongoing camera orders.
When hope is lost ... all is lost .. let us send them a lot of positive energy and perhaps order a new camera !!
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 11:28 pm Post subject: F & H production

Today 30.April.2009 I had contact with Dietmar Kanzer , the PR manager of F&H :

He could confirm to me that the Franke & Heidecke production continues as before. Just some staff are working reduced hours and the management is under responsibility of an administrator who will head F&H as per 1.May.2009.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

sienkin · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 10:46 am Post subject: Franke & Heidecke to close

Sad news for all Rollei fans was published by the British Journal of Photography on July 4 concerning the closure of F&H.

Click on the link below to get the full story.

http://www.bjp-online.com/public/showPage.html?page=864695

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 3:28 pm Post subject: F & H

Thanks for this update , sadly another victim of digital progress. Unfortunately communications with F&H have been complicated ever since I took over Rolleiclub. I will try to call them later to see what the future may hold. Sometimes a total bankrupt is used to make a new start. Lets hope for a miracle to come.

Jaap
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

edwinb · Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 2:50 am Post subject: Hy6 support

Rolleiflex HY6 (and Leaf Afi) Users are encoraged to register on the image2output website to be kept informed of support available
Rolleiflex Hy6 & Leaf Afi registration
Edwin
_________________
technical manager
Sinar | Foba | Briese

aypeyret · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 5:29 pm Post subject: Availability of lenses

I cannot afford buying all the AF lenses for my 6008, but definitely do not want to lose the opportunity of having the full set if the production is not taken over...

Would anyone know a gross estimate of how many AF-lenses the stores/F&H may have in stock, and the average sales per year, so we can compute a probable number of years before stores run out of the AF lenses ?

batavia · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 6:24 pm Post subject: Stock of lenses

Hi , I have tried to get answers from the remaining F&H staff regarding this and other issues. So far hardly any answers. I have as per today contacted a Japanese wholesaler with pretty good contacts re F&H . As soon I know more I will tell...
jaap

edwinb · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 7:14 pm Post subject: Re: Availability of lenses

aypeyret · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 4:02 pm Post subject:

The is an answer I got from the DSM (US/JP distributor for Rollei) tech. representative:

"Yes this is very sad news... some in Germany have never worked for another company.

Dealers have lenses in stock. That will be the last of new inventory.
B&H, Kurland, Samys in LA, ...

After they are gone, the used market will be there for quite some time for purchasing lenses etc.

Service is being discussed as to where and by whom, production of final orders that were in house is being completed. As far as I know there will be no more F&H after that."

He does not say how long the new stocks may last, but his last sentence seems to mean that he does not think F&H will find a buyer / enough funds to go past bankruptcy... Very very sad news.

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 9:53 pm Post subject: Franke Heidecke

As per toady I learned that Franke Heidecke's main number of staff was already in July out of work. Just a skeleton staff is working on some last orders and repairs. Talks are still going on to keep some staff employed in a scaled down business for service and repairs of existing equipment.

I am trying hard to get in touch with F&H and several suppliers world-wide to shed light in existing supplies but so far no exciting news at all.

I keep trying until the last day of F&H which now is scheduled September 30 .... a day of great sadness for all of us. Jaap
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

rolleiclubleader

As per today I learned that the Rolleiflex TLR series , the FX , the FW and the FT are still in production. Rolleiclub has secured a contact with the factory and the cameras can be built on demand. This also counts for several accessories and lenses. I will work hard to secure more precise details.

So today a day of joy for many of us , let's keep Rolleiflex alive my friends !!
Jaap
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

aypeyret · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 2:03 pm Post subject:

Did you get anything about the 6000 series AF lenses ?

Jan_Keyling · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 1 Country,State,Town: Germany

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:52 am Post subject:

Indeed sad news. Looks like Hasselblad is the last MF straw on the planet. Their immaculate public relations record seems to pay off.
Currently I am awaiting more news after the initial good contact with good news I have not heard more.... let's hope it was for real.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

sienkin · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 7:45 am Post subject:

Not only do people at Hasselblad have an immaculate PR record, as you say, but they also have a vision for the future of MF photography and are very efficient at marketing their products.

They have been able to build customer loyalty through good PR, excellent customer communication, continued product development, product reliability and quality, and excellent service.

They also have enabled V-system users to keep up with the digital age by developing digital backs that they could use even with cameras made 50+ years ago, confirming that buying a Hasselblad system was a sound investment in the first place.

Some of these pluses for Hasselblad were minuses for F&H.

In my opinion, F&H relied almost exclusively on product quality, and neglected communication. I have been using Rolleiflex cameras (I have 4 of them) for over 37 years but I have never received any communication from F&H or their distributor. On the other hand, since I bought my first Hasselblad about 7 years ago, I have been receiving e-mails and other communications from them and their local dealer on a regular basis.

Furthermore, I sent e-mails to F&H on a few occasions requesting information but I never received any answer from them, not even an acknowledgement. By contrast, every time I sent e-mails to Hasselblad, they answered me, and either gave me the information I had requested immediately or had someone from their organization follow up on my inquiry.

On-going communication with customers and end-users is indeed a sure way of building loyalty and having customers coming back. This has been a major drawback at F&H.

Even though F&H made the best cameras, and I believe they did, marketing has always been their weak spot.

This is indeed a sad ending but one that could be foreseen in this highly competitive world.

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 8:51 am Post subject:

Even though I never used a 'blad full time only on a few occasions ( I simply could not get used to their ergonomics ) I recognize their quality. And always kept in touch with their system development. All I can do is admit each and every line of what you write. The Rollei cameras are better in every aspect I worked with the SLX , 6006 and several 6008s and now have some SL66. YES if only F&H had done a better job in PR they still would be world leader. It is sad that in a time where PR has been given the most powerful tool they ever could imagine ( the www ) they failed where Hasselblad exceeded.

It must have been at the PhotoKina of 1986 I think , I was contemplating a new camera, visited the Rollei and Hasselblad and Mamiya stands. The Rollei Rep , a man in his 30's with a neat cut beard showed me the 6006 , I sort of compared it openly with the Hasselblads , he said with a gravely voice in english but with that characteristic German accent : "After this kamera 'Aasselblaad ist deaad".
History ....
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

pointblank · Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 9:16 pm Post subject:

Member sienkin mentiones he sent them email on several occasions and did not receive any reply. Last year when I bought a GX it appeared that the user manual was not present. After contacting F&H I was suprised in getting a feedback within the same day and received my manual in no time for no charge at all!

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 9:12 pm Post subject:

Actually I had a Rolleiflex 6008 in repair with them since dec./2006 . Since I live in Australia but have family in the Netherlands I told them to keep the camera until my next visit, assuming it would be in 2007 and I had no urgent need for the camera. But that visit never effectuated, time passed and I forgot it . Suddenly realized a few months ago that if not claimed the camera it would be lost forever. I emailed the F&H service department , received a swift reply : faithfully they had as per my instructions the camera placed in a secure cabinet or so , it took no time or trouble all to send me the repaired camera. So I to fully admit : sections of F&H worked like a fine oiled machine . But unfortunately management had other priorities to cope with which as now has become clear means that F&H is in its final days.
There are as I write still TLR cameras being completed. Rolleiclub has contact with a European supplier who can deliver orders at demand. If any of you is interested please let me know what you are after and I will see what can be done. I have negotiated competitive pricing for some equipment.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

pointblank · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 2:02 am Post subject:

Still highly interested in the Rollei FW, but obviously for 'a competitive price'. Ebay prices are highly overrated and not realistic.

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:26 am Post subject:

We are proud to announce that Rolleiclub has established a secure contact to Franke & Heidecke to sell Rolleiflex TLR cameras direct to our members for special prices:
Rolleiflex FX : € 3575.00
Rolleiflex FW : € 3875.00
Rolleiflex FT : € 4975.00

All prices exclusive Postage from Europe by Courier. European residents in the European Union must add a tax (VAT / GST / BTM / MWsT ... etc.) Extra of 20%

Anyone interested should send me a purchase order with all personal and address details. After which I will check availability. I will then send a confirmation of reservation of the camera together with an invoice. Payment by direct bank transfer only. The camera will remain reserved for 10 days until payment has been received. If no payment has been received after that period the reservation will be cancelled.

All cameras come with full Franke & Heidecke factory warranty. Besides of that Rolleiclub has secured the services of a independent Rollei Accredited Service center.

For enquiries please contact me direct via the forum or at : webmaster2 [ at ] rolleiclub.com
Regards:
Jaap Roskam
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

edwinb · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:42 am Post subject:

Thats great news - any info on the 6008?
Edwin
_________________
technical manager
Sinar | Foba | Briese

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:07 pm Post subject:

Hi Edwin. The latest via ... via ... via .. ?'News'? is that F&H is depleting old parts stock , that a few employees are assembling that stock into cameras / lenses , that demand is bigger as ever... No idea if 6008 is still in the pipeline as such. I still get very upset about the sheer idea that in reality F&H aka Rollei is 'over' . Is that perhaps due to simple mis-management mis-communication and mis-PR. In a time where younger camera giants like Canon , Nikon , Olympus , Hasselblad are doing well, even in those economic slow times, a manufacturer like F&H with probably once upon a time more accumulated skilled labor as all the others combined should have done better. My advice : buy Rollei New as long it is still available . Rolleiclub can assist in the TLR series.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

edwinb · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:26 am Post subject:

Thanks,
Sinar have moved to new premises in Zurich and I expect some news on new developments with HY6 soon
Edwin
_________________
technical manager
Sinar | Foba | Briese

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 2:19 pm Post subject:

Hi Edwin, thanks , the total NON communication FROM F&H is driving me and certainly many others nuts. Thanks for your assistance. Jaap
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:28 pm Post subject:

Followup:
At November 11 2009 a German News flash stated that parts of F&H production line will be continued by a former manager and employees of F&H in a new company.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

RayCornett · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 4:20 am Post subject:

Reading all of this makes me feel even more lucky that 2 days ago I was given a Rolleiflex for free by a little old lady who had not used it in years and felt it deserved a better home.

But I am confused.Thier website seems to be still working.Have they not closed down?

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 9:09 am Post subject:

It is confusing indeed. All I have learnt is that the former CEO of F&H / Rollei mr. Wolfgang Sass has started a new company . This company will continue a core production of F&H products. Perhaps only the TLR cameras . With regards to the website still online ... as long as they have paid for the domain hosting services the web site will stay live. Many companies pay in advance for a year to get the best deal.

I hope some good news will emerge from Braunschweig / Brunswick .

J.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

sicetnon · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 4:41 am Post subject:

Hello all. I am new to this group, so forgive me if I am re-hashing what has already been discussed ad nauseum, but it does seem to me that Rollei could regain position in today's photo market by creating a modified cut-film back for its TLR's that would accept MF digital backs. Has there ever been a sign that this has been considered?

Chuck Garrettson

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 8:36 pm Post subject:

It is a 'not so old' idea and also in opinion should be very possible. But after their failure with the other digital adventures I am afraid that they lack the initiative and the fund to dive in to it. Main problem is the sensor though. To make such an option interesting it should have a sensor as close as possible to the square 6x6 format. The only sensor on the market coming close is the one we considered for the SL66 recently. The dimensions are about 56 x 42 mm. Cost in a good photographic grade a whopping $8000.= for the sensor alone. Add to that the additional development , setup of production , marketing and one can understand that such an option is perhaps to hard for the remains of the Rollei production team. Had Rollei remained its strength it had in the 1980's ... well perhaps we would have a bigger and even better choice of real professional DSLR cameras as the current two : Nikon and Canon. With Rollei in the forefront of innovation , especially in those days gone, we may have had a DSLR tailored on an improved version of the Rolleiflex 3000. It is a sad example how financial mismanagement ( greed ? ) destroyed the future and life of a great factory with so many highly skilled technicians as Rollei ( Franke Heidecke) once had.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

sicetnon · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 1:30 am Post subject:

Hello. Many thanks for your thoughtful and helpful response. I can see that developing a sensor at this point would likely be cost-prohibitive/too daunting, but what I am suggesting instead is that they simply develop a back/door--like their cut film back--that could accept current MF backs, such as Phase One and the Hasselblad V backs. How difficult would that be? If it could be done relatively easily and without incurring daunting costs, that would mean that every TLR ever made could conceivably become a digital camera with extremely high image quality possible--maybe even greater than Hasselblad, if the MTF and other data that I have seen is correct. The only reason why I am holding on to my Hasselblad gear is because I can put digital backs on it, as well as use film. If Rollei would make that possible for my 3.5F I would sell my Hasselblad gear immediately and go entirely with Rollei.

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 8:54 am Post subject:

In theory it sounds as easy as... in practice though it appears a bit harder. We learned that during the research for the SL66 DB. First there is the synchronization between camera and DB. With a bit of modification of the camera , perhaps even not to difficult it can be done , but again... at a price. More difficult is to get the focal plane of the sensor in the focal plane of the camera, the sensor needs a certain thickness of protection and moiré / anti alias filter , with the SL66 research we found that it was only just possible. If we settle for a sensor of say 45x45 mm and have one of those manufacturers willing to adapt a back mechanically then the sensor filter package could protrude in the camera beyond the camera focal plane. So yes in theory it will be possible. But if we can get the new F&H getting so far to do that ? It seems they are working hard and very serious on a small scale comeback , but they still focus on all film / collectors cameras. I am still a bit of a photographic dinosaur myself , hang on to film , but if we look at the capabilities of the latest Nikon D3x we may have to wonder how sensible it is to keep on pushing on with film. As a fantastic hobby yes.... but professionally no . In that light I would only hope that our great German camera geniuses come to their digital senses. Only looking at the Rolleiflex Hy6 is enough to know that they indeed are geniuses.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

sicetnon · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 1:45 pm Post subject:

Good points made. I wonder if the engineers have considered Leica's foray into digital? They [Leica] made a very interesting choice: they chose not to include a filter over their sensors--in order to take maximim advantage of their lenses. It has produced some moire issues, but they are minor. Perhaps that could also be a solution for Rollei. I still love and shoot film for my personal artistic work, but professionally, I need to shoot entirely in digital [currently using Panasonic G1 cameras with Leica lenses--a wonderful combination]. If Rollei really wants to become a leader again, it is going to have to come to terms with digital. Imagine every Rolleiflex/cord ever built able to be used as a digital platform...and with film as well!

steve_thorley · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 3:39 pm Post subject: F&H status news

So what is the current news re the status of F&H ?

rolleiclubleader · Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 9:26 am Post subject:

The company name is not officially Franke & Heidecke in name. But most of the old staff are working in the same building on the same products : luxurious Rolleiflex TLR , Rolle35 , Projectors.... perhaps the Hy6 and repair / warranty service to sold products. Unfortunately communication is very slow with the 'new' management. As soon I have my hands feee here I will start poking them into more action on the PR level.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
[Edmund Burke]

aypeyret · Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 4:59 am Post subject: Still active for manufacturing..

... but apparently their service has not improved. At the time I posted a message in this forum about where to get service for my 6008AF in the USA, I also emailed DHW using the email address on their webpage (that has been under construction for a year at least..), but still have not had any answer from them.

Service is as important as the quality of the camera; I do not know how Hasselblad service is, but I guess that if Rollei loses customers to Hasselblad, part of the reason is service quality.

rolleiclubleader

steve_thorley · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:25 am Post subject: Franke Heidecke still active

I just e'mailed DHW foto (the makers of Rolleiflex) and not only are they still active today. There is a backlog/waiting list for the 2.8FX.

I think I might have to wait till after tax time for a new addition to my ever growing collection Wink

steve_thorley · Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 12:48 pm Post subject: Follow up

Hi guys,

Just thought I'd follow up my last post. I have since purchased a new 2.8FX direct from the factory. It arrived yesterday, it's a thing of beauty.

I found that communication via e'mail was excellent and fast. I am really impressed with the service I received, postage was also fast. Overall a very positive experience.