The History of Rollei Film: From Classic to Modern

Rollei is a well-known brand in the world of photography, having produced a range of cameras, lenses, and other accessories over the years. However, the company is also known for its film products, which have been a favourite among photographers for decades.

 

 

Rollei began producing film in the early 20th century, with its first product being a black and white roll film for use in its cameras. The company went on to produce a range of film products, including both black and white and color films. One of the most popular of these products was the Rollei Retro 80S black and white film, which was known for its fine grain and high resolution.

In addition to its black and white films, Rollei also produced a range of colour films, including the Crossbird line of slide films. These films were known for their vivid colors and contrast, and were a popular choice among photographers looking to capture striking and dynamic images.

However, as digital photography began to take hold in the early 2000s, Rollei faced increasing competition from digital cameras and other technologies. The company struggled to keep up with the changing landscape of the photography industry, and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2014.

Despite this setback, the Rollei brand has endured, and in recent years the company has begun to re-emerge as a player in the photography industry. Under new ownership, the company has focused on producing high-quality Rollei film products that appeal to both classic and modern photographers.

One of the most popular of these products is the Rollei RPX line of black and white films, which includes RPX 25, RPX 100, and RPX 400. These films are known for their high contrast and sharpness, and have been well-received by photographers around the world.

Despite the challenges faced by Rollei over the years, the company's commitment to quality and innovation has helped it to remain a presence in the photography industry. With its focus on producing high-quality film products that appeal to both classic and modern photographers, Rollei film is likely to continue to be a popular choice among photographers for years to come.