The Hy6 ownership belongs to Sinar, itself a Jenoptik company. Leaf licensed the camera. F&H was manufacturing all cameras (regardless whether they are called Hy6 or AFi) lenses and accessories. F&H is selling the camera as Rolleiflex Hy6 with film back only, while Sinar and Leaf are selling the camera in combination with their digital backs (as Hy6 and AFi respectively). Those that seek more in-depth information on the system can find it on my web pages:
http://www.rolleiflexpages.com
As a surprise and notwithstanding the strong demand for its products F&H filed for insolvency on 27 February 2009. Though several important investments had been made it appeared impossible to cope with historic liabilities. Production continued till the end of April 2009. In order to further cut costs, many employees were sent on temporary leave of absence. Sales and servicing/repairs have remained. All 131 employees have been called for a staff meeting on 30 June. It is not impossible that they will receive their letter of resignation and that the company will enter into bankrupcy. If this scenario is confirmed, it would be a sad loss for the long history and experience of Rollei and F&H, for the German camera industry, and for medium format photography in general.
At this moment there is unclarity on the future of the company and its products but there have been talks with several interested investors over the past months and it is somehow expected that the business will be continued, in particular since F&H has been manufacturing the Hy6 and AFi cameras, lenses and accessories for Sinar and Leaf.
However, on 25 June 2009 PhaseOne and senior Leaf management agreed to set up a joint company, Leaf Imaging Ltd, taking over most of the Leaf assets (parent company Kodak had already for some time been looking at options to sell off Leaf). The longer term effects of this new development are as yet unknown, in particular for the owners of Leaf products. While the new company will continue selling Aptus backs, it will not immediately sell the AFi pending further consideration. PhaseOne has bought itself heavily into Mamiya, so there is in reality no need for a second camera line. But it was in particular the combination of the Aptus digital backs with the Hy6 / AFI, which was such a strong combo where the camera body added value to the back. If Leaf were to loose the AFi body, it would surely negatively affect its users.
At the same time, the Hy6 system remains a strong line of business for its owner, Sinar AG, at least in Europe. Summer 2009 should provide more clarity. Let us hope for the best, in the interest of medium format photographers.
Pascal