The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Feeds

Twin-lens reflex camera updated for digital era

Complete with hand-crank

Agentless Backup is Not a Myth

If you’re not swayed by titanium-clad compacts or waterproof camcorders, then how about Rolleiflex’s modern take on the traditional 60 x 60mm twin-lens reflex camera?

minidigi

Rolleiflex’s MiniDigi AF 5.0: just three megapixels

The Germany company, which has been manufacturing cameras since the 1920s, launched the MiniDigi in 2006. It was a two-megapixel camera based on the retro twin-lens reflex camera style. Rolleiflex has now updated the older model as the MiniDigi AF 5.0. This time, it incorporates a three-megapixel CMOS sensor, which is one in the eye for all those camera vendors who reckon we need seven, ten, 12 or more megapixels to take better shots.

The AF 5.0 has an automatic focus of between 10cm and infinity, and it saves pictures onto Mini SD memory cards.

If you’re used to the established compact camera format, then the MiniDigi AF 5.0’s 1.1in display will probably disappoint you. The screen's located on top of the camera. However, you’ll probably be willing to overlook the small screen size in favour of the MiniDigi’s kitsch 1960s look.

Like Rolleiflex’s twin-lens film cameras, both the original and updated MiniDigi models also feature hand-cranks. The MiniDigi AF 5.0 uses the angled shaft for setting up the next shot, rather than rolling on the film, of course.

A release date for the Rolleiflex’s MiniDigi AF 5.0 hasn’t been set yet, but the camera’s expected to cost $400 (£250/€300).

Customer Success Testimonial: Recovery is Everything

Latest Comments

Fun - if you like that sort of thing

As the distance between phones and cameras is shrinking and the compact market is pursing a needless race towards the Gigapixel point and shoot I'm pleased to see something different.

If it actually has decent optics instead of a massive array of weird shooting modes and a bewildering interface then it has a place IMHO.

Having seen older people stuggle with tiny buttons and over complex interfaces a digital camera that looks and functions like a film camera seems like a good idea to me.

0
0

Let me be the first to say....

WHY?

On the original the crank had a purpose, now it is just a switch. And you dont even need that. Bloody hell, what a waste of space.

0
0

More from The Register

Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Proof the pen is mightier?
Sammy’s iPad Mini killer has a stylus to stab other rivals too
Microsoft lures buy-curious vixens, corduroys with a cheap fondle
Surface slab sales latest: Will no one rid Ballmer of these turbulent tabs?
First look: iOS 7 for iPad
No, Apple hasn't released it yet, but that doesn't stop intrepid devs
 breaking news
Curtain drops on Apple Store ahead of WWDC: What lies behind?
Steve Jobs watching from on high. No pressure, lads
 breaking news
Cold, dead hands of Steve Jobs slip from iPhones: The Cult of Ive is upon us
Billionaire biz baron's death clears way for uber-shiny iOS 7
Airbus imagines suitcases that find themselves
Point your mobe at your smalls to track their every move
Surprise! Intel smartphone trounces ARM in power trials
Tests show equal performance while sipping significantly less juice
Samsung plans LTE Advanced version of Galaxy S4
1Gbps download capability could stiffen drooping S4 sales forecasts
Apple said to be 'exploring' 5.7-inch iPhone
Who's the copycat this time, Mr. Cook?
Google Chromebooks now in over 6,600 stores
Major, worldwide retail push begins this summer