One of the most enduring camera designs of all time is the Rolleiflex 6×6cm Twin Lens Reflex. First developed in Germany in the 1920s, it’s still in production today - and is still treasured by many professional photographers.

The Rollei design has such enduring ‘cool’ that it has now been downscaled and replicated for a new digital camera. We wouldn’t normally give a digital camera a second glance, but this one is different.

The Rolleiflex MiniDigi closely follows the Rolleiflex 2.8F original in looks and functionality. It has two lenses, one above the other. It has the same logo mark, and a similar exposure meter and shutter release. Even the carrying strap is a miniaturised version of the original.

The MiniDigi also has an old-style ‘film advance’ crank lever on its side. But this time, a turn of the crank readies the camera for the next 2 mega pixel shot, rather than winding on 120-format film.

The best thing about the twin lens reflex system is that the camera is held at waist level. This makes it particularly good for portraits, because the lens never ‘stares the model in the eye’. People are less intimidated: they look and act naturally instead of posing. And you can be discreet when shooting photojournalism material.

Reports suggest that the Rolleiflex MiniDigi will retail for around ¥40,000 (NZ$580) when it goes on sale next month. That’s pricey when compared to run-of-the-mill two mega pixel cameras. But then again, thankfully, there will always be people prepared to pay a premium for good design.