Over 100 Years of Rollei
Since 1920, the Rollei name has stood for innovation, quality, and the fascination of photography. What once began with the legendary Rolleiflex evolved over decades into a brand that has accompanied photographers worldwide.
Today, Rollei combines this rich history with modern technology. From tripods to filters to lighting solutions, products are created that help photographers and content creators reliably implement their ideas – then as now with the aspiration to make creative visions possible.
Welcome to our story
Our Story
In 1920, Paul Franke and Reinhold Heidecke founded their company in Braunschweig, laying the cornerstone for one of the world's most renowned camera brands. From here, developments like the Rolleiflex emerged, shaping photography for decades and bringing Rollei international recognition.
Even today, buildings and places in Braunschweig serve as a reminder of that era – of the origin of a brand that has accompanied generations of photographers.
Former headquarters of Rollei
Original Rollei building on Viewegstraße, Braunschweig, East view
Copyright: Plumpaquatsch - Own work
Former workshop building
By Plumpaquatsch - Own work, Copyrighted free use, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51168697
Test Wall for the Rollei Metric System
By Plumpaquatsch - Own work, Copyrighted free use, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51168653
From its origins to today.
1920-1950
The Birth of a Photography Icon
In 1920, Paul Franke and Reinhold Heidecke founded the company Franke & Heidecke in Braunschweig – the origin of the Rollei brand. With innovations such as the Heidoscop and later the Rolleiflex, the company quickly established itself as one of the leading camera manufacturers. The twin-lens Rolleiflex became the tool of many professional photographers worldwide.
1951–1960
International Achievements and Technological Milestones
The 1950s were a decade of international success and technical advancement. With the Rolleimarin, Rollei opened up new possibilities in underwater photography. Models like the Rolleiflex 2.8 and 3.5 set new quality standards and made Rollei known worldwide.
1961–1980
Innovation, Expansion, and new camera generations
Rollei developed new generations of cameras and continuously expanded its portfolio. Models like the Rollei 35 or the Rolleiflex SL66 made high-quality photography more compact and versatile. At the same time, the company expanded internationally and supplemented its offerings with flashes and projectors.
1981–2000
Transformation of Photography and the Path to the Digital Future
With camera systems such as the Rolleiflex SL2000 F and the Rolleiflex 6006, Rollei combined traditional quality with modern technology. In the 1990s, the company finally ventured into digital photography and presented its first digital and compact cameras.
2001 – Present
New Strength under the Rollei Brand
Since 2007, the Rollei brand has been part of RCP Technik Verwaltungs GmbH. Under today's Rollei GmbH & Co. KG, the portfolio has developed significantly. Today, the focus is primarily on tripods, filters, LED lighting, studio flashes, and accessories for modern photo and video production.