90 years of Rollei — 90 years of photo history
As the enthusiasm for Rollei cameras continued to grow around the world, the company’s workforce and sales figures also continually increased. Up to 1935, the company managed to sell a total of 180,000 cameras. At this point in time, the factory employed a workforce of around 238.
The crowning moment of this success came when the company was awarded the “Grand Prix” at the International World Fair in Paris in 1937. Franke und Heidecke received this prestigious award for the outstanding design of their Rolleiflex camera. The same year saw the launch of the 3rd Rolleiflex generation.
Whilst the technical development of photography continued to advance rapidly in the twenties and thirties, hardly anyone in Germany dared to accept photography as an art form. Many photographers did not regard themselves as artists, but simply as good craftsmen. An initial milestone on the road towards photography becoming recognised as an art form in Germany was the Werkbund photo exhibition “Film und Foto” in Stuttgart. In 1929, international photographers such as Edward Weston, Immogen Cunningham and Man Ray presented exhibits there for the first time ever.
Profound crisis: the Second World War
The start of the Second World War reduced camera sales and ushered in a critical time for the now globally operating company. Rollei fans abroad became enemies and outstanding accounts in the “enemy nations” led to lost assets. Some 60% of the factory and company premises were destroyed during the war, although production was able to be resumed swiftly once the war was over. Right on time for the currency reform of 1948, the reconstruction work had already been completed and all necessary conditions created for the fifties and sixties.
The golden fifties and sixties
The golden age began. Even by 1950, Rollei already employed more staff than before the war. Optimised models of the twin-lens Rolleicord and Rolleiflex were introduced and, in spite of the numerous copies, global demand was undiminished. On 28 September 1956, the millionth 6x6 Rolleiflex left the factory. This twin-lens Rolleiflex became the symbol for medium format photography. It became an icon of its day and was used by countless travel, fashion and studio photographers. These defined the unique Rolleiflex photo style.
Work continued on optimisation and further development of the Rolleiflex product family. An outstanding example was the [more...]
The crowning moment of this success came when the company was awarded the “Grand Prix” at the International World Fair in Paris in 1937. Franke und Heidecke received this prestigious award for the outstanding design of their Rolleiflex camera. The same year saw the launch of the 3rd Rolleiflex generation.
Whilst the technical development of photography continued to advance rapidly in the twenties and thirties, hardly anyone in Germany dared to accept photography as an art form. Many photographers did not regard themselves as artists, but simply as good craftsmen. An initial milestone on the road towards photography becoming recognised as an art form in Germany was the Werkbund photo exhibition “Film und Foto” in Stuttgart. In 1929, international photographers such as Edward Weston, Immogen Cunningham and Man Ray presented exhibits there for the first time ever.
Profound crisis: the Second World War
The start of the Second World War reduced camera sales and ushered in a critical time for the now globally operating company. Rollei fans abroad became enemies and outstanding accounts in the “enemy nations” led to lost assets. Some 60% of the factory and company premises were destroyed during the war, although production was able to be resumed swiftly once the war was over. Right on time for the currency reform of 1948, the reconstruction work had already been completed and all necessary conditions created for the fifties and sixties.
The golden fifties and sixties
The golden age began. Even by 1950, Rollei already employed more staff than before the war. Optimised models of the twin-lens Rolleicord and Rolleiflex were introduced and, in spite of the numerous copies, global demand was undiminished. On 28 September 1956, the millionth 6x6 Rolleiflex left the factory. This twin-lens Rolleiflex became the symbol for medium format photography. It became an icon of its day and was used by countless travel, fashion and studio photographers. These defined the unique Rolleiflex photo style.
Work continued on optimisation and further development of the Rolleiflex product family. An outstanding example was the [more...]
