Rollei 6001

I have been very pleased with this camera so far. Aside from my initial troubles with the 80mm PQ lens, it has proven to be exceptionally reliable. It offers a range of convenient features witout falling into the trap of trying to 'hide' the user from the technicalities of photography (A criticism I would level at most current AF 35mm cameras). The Rollei 6000 system does not recieve much publicity in England, which is a shame, because I believe that at present, it is the best medium format system available. It features a comprehensive range of top notch lenses and accesories, making it adaptable to just about every field of photograpohy I can think of, and digital backs which are now available from Rollei mean that the camera will not be obsolete in a few years time. It is because of this that I wouldn't hesitate to recomment this system to any photographer wishing to move into medium format. It's just a shame it's so expensive.

The camera is very small and can, at a pinch, be used hand-held. The lenses are outstanding. They have produced the sharpest images I have ever made. The integrated flashmetering is also a bonus. The magazine loadin is the easiest I have ever come across. All in all, I would say that this is an exceptionally well though out camera. It is a cheaper route into the 6000 system for those who, like me, would simply not use any of the auto exposure features of the 6003 or 6008.

It's dependant on a battery. It's a very, very expensive system. I would not have been able to afford it had I not got one on special offer. A little noisy, perhaps. My original 80mm PQ lens broke down after about twenty five rolls of film

I also looked at the following cameras, but was unimpressed by all save the 'blad and the Fuji
Bronica SQ-Ai

Rollei offer a three year guarentee on the camera which, to my knowledge, is better than anything offered by any of the competition. When the shutter malfunctioned in my 8omm PQ lens, Robert White (This is a major professional photographic supplier in England, and I purchased the camera from them) supplied me with a replacement lens within 24hours of contacting them (Though I was without a camera for two days, as they aren't open at the weekend), and didn't even mind when I told them I intended to take it out of the country for two weeks. My original lens was repaired and waiting for me when I returned. I was very pleased with the quality of this service.