« Camera and Photography Manufacturers »

Main camera companies

Sod's Law strikes! After nearly finishing this section I found Photolink who have a phenomenal list of links covering manufacturers, on-line magazine, agencies and a who's who of photographers.

I reckon I've covered all the main players, the rest I will add as I come to them. If you think you belong below or want your entry amending, let me know.

Paul.

Page index:

• Main camera companies
  
  
• Smaller camera companies
  
  
• Medium and large format cameras
  
  
• Lenses
  
  
• Tripods and stands
  
  
• Camera bags and cases
  
  
• Flashes, filters and other accessories
  
  
• Studio equipment and light meters
  
  
• Consumables, darkroom and photolab equipment
  
  
• Others
  
  

Main camera companies

• Canon
  SLR and Digital cameras, scanners, printers*, camcorders, media. etc...
  If I wasn't dedicated to Nikon I would be a Canon advocate. Can't fault their SLR's
  
  *I wouldn't touch their bubblejet printers with a barge pole though and I've had horrendous experiences with Canon's high end colour copiers!
  
  
• Kodak
  In a surprising show of wisdom (for a corporate) these were in the forefront of digital cameras and camcorders
  
  
• Nikon UK
  OK, I admit, I'm a snob. When I want a new computer I build it myself because I want the very best. And when I want a camera, who do I turn too? Too right. Nikon without a second thought, albeit the prices take some swallowing.
  I think at one point I had half a dozen Nikons from the cheap and cheery EM to a couple of F3's and I've yet to find any Nikon camera or lens that I wasn't satisfied with. The rest are also rans!
  The said, the current top range of Canon's are gorgeous.
  
  

Smaller camera companies

• Casio
  I suspect there are far far better known for calculators, watches and music but yes, they have a few nice digital camera's too.
  
  
• Contax
  Carl Zeiss lens as standard. OOOh!
  
  
• [ www.creoscitex.com ] Creo
  Creo manufactures more than 300 products, including professional digital cameras, colour and copydot scanning systems; inkjet, drop-on-demand, and digital halftone proofers
  
  
• Epson
  Actually one of the first to put there money behind digital cameras.
  
  
• Exakta
  
  
• Fuji Film
  The 4th generation CCD products look especially tasty.
  The also make a Nikon compatible* digital SLR - the FinePix S2 Pro which boasts the newly developed 3rd Generation of Fujifilm’s Super CCD sensor [not the 4th].
  The sensor, which has 6.17 million effective pixels and is capable of producing 12.1 million (4,256 x 2,848) recorded pixels
  *Compatible with all AF-D type, AF-G type and AF-S type Nikkor lenses
  
  
• HP - Hewlett Packard
  
  
• Jenoptik - Jena
  
  
• Konica
  Now merged with Minolta
  
  
• JVC
  
  
• Kyocera
  
  
• Leica
  
  
• Minolta
  Minolta have a wide range of products from the cameras they are best known for to film scanners to some really nice printers. I still prefer Nikon every time...
  
  
• Minox
  A German company with a range of digital cameras
  
  
• Mustek
  Huge with scanners, but a decent range of digital cameras too.
  
  
• Olympus
  Olympus used to have a huge market share a few decades back.
  
  
• Panasonic
  
  
• Pentax
  Pentax have a wide range of compact digital, SLR and medium format cameras. Never been a great fan myself though.
  
  
• Polaroid
  Instant cameras and film, Digital Cameras, Digital Microscope Cameras, Film Recorders & Printers, Scanners & Software, CD Burners & Media and more
  
  
• Praktica
  
  
• Ricoh
  
  
• Samsung
  The website is that hard to navigate I only persevered long enough to report the webmaster!
  Your [ www.samsungtechwin.com ] website obviously hasn't been cross-browser tested because, for a start, your menu system is all messed up with Mozilla. How sloppy is that! I expected better of you! Microsoft SP2 breaks it too for the ActiveX element. - Paul
  
  
• Sanyo
  
  
• Sony
  
  
• Toshiba
  
  
• Trust
  
  
• Umax
  
  
• Yashica
  (Goes to Kyocera last I looked)
  
• Voigtlaender
  
  
• Zeis
  
  

Medium and large format cameras

• Bronica
  A very popular range of Medium format cameras - like Hassleblad, but without the extra price tag.
  
  Each Bronica camera has its own system of lenses, film backs viewfinders and other accessories to suit the diverse needs of photographers.From fisheye to telephotos, Bronica lenses give you an incredible variety of focal lengths from which to choose. Film backs for the E/S and G series enable you to change film mid-roll. There are backs for all traditional medium format films including 220 and Polaroid. You can also get backs for alternative formats like 35mm, wide 35mm, 6x4.5 and more. Bronica also offers you a wide range of interchangeable viewfinders to suit your shooting style, such as waist level, eye level and metered AE finders."
  
  I used to drool over the idea of Hassleblad and Bronica's but I could never get my head round the idea of one camera model, one set of lenses. There's always this suspicion in the back of my mind that I'd be getting screwed into a bespoke system. The mounts should, I feel, fit across the range.
  
  
• Contax
  Carl Zeiss lens as standard. OOOh!
  
  
• Hassleblad
  
  
• Imacon - Now merged with Hassleblad
  
  
• Mamiya
  Mamiya have an excellent range of medium format cameras (to 6"x7"), some like the Mamiya 645 Pro even handle like a 35mm SLR.
  Some of the cameras have a mere handful of lenses available though. You'd think they would try and make the lenses with across the range, but I've always disliked studio photography myself, which is where medium and large format cameras often live.
  
  
• Phase One
  Digital medium format camera backs up to 22 Megapixels at present.
  Read this review at Luminous Landscape
  
  
• Pentax
  
  
  
• Rollei
  
  

Lenses

• KENKO
  - Teleplus converters, extension tubes, video converters and eyepieces
  
  
• Sigma Lenses
  Almost on a par with Nikkor lenses. I use them myself.
  
  
• Soligor
  - range of cameras, lenses, binoculars and accessories.
  
  
• Tamron Lenses
  Manufacturer description:
  "Tamron's original lens technology is packed into one compact chassis. Achieving the highest possible image quality in such a conveniently small and lightweight package is the result of efforts to develop new advanced technologies and combine them with our original opto-mechanical technologies. The design concept of Tamron's feature packed, high power zoom lenses include delivering characteristics such as shorter MOD (Minimum Object Distance) to make the lenses handy for macro shooting, as well as making them easy to handle and effortless to carry with you."
  
  
• Tokina Lenses
  Manufacturer description
  "Tokina is highly respected for producing some unique and spectacular AT-X lenses, offering professional and amateur photographers something extra in terms of aperture, build quality and optical design.
  
  The term AT-X is derived from the phrase "Advanced Technology - Xtra". This signifies a special group of lenses that are manufactured using the most advanced design and fabrication technologies available. The use of an unprecedented optical configuration system, independently developed by Tokina, has made advanced specifications, high performance, lightweight and compact designs possible. Tokina have also given full consideration to ergonomics and handling. AT-X means excellent performance from superior technology."
  
  
• Vivitar Lenses
  
  

Tripods and stands

• Giotto
  Professional tripods and camera bags. I use their MT9170 tripod myself.
  
  
• Gitzo
  Gitzo's sell a range of range of tripods and camera supports and accessories for traditional and digital still photography and videography.
  
  
• Manfrotto
  Gruppo Manfrotto are the international leader in the design and manufacturing of camera tripods, stands and lighting support systems
  
  
• Slik Tripods
  Established over 30 years ago their state of the art engineering, combined with accumulated photographic knowledge, has been instrumental in helping Slik create tripods that are amazingly light, yet remarkably strong and stable. Slik offer a selection of over 40 different models including table top, compact, video, monopods and carbon fibre tripods as well as a comprehensive range of ball and socket heads, quick release shoes and other accessories.
  
  
• Velbon Tripods
  For over 40 years the name VELBON has been recognised as a leader in the design, development and manufacture of tripods and tripod accessories. Whether you need a tripod for still camera - 35mm, medium format and large format, digital camera, video camera, binoculars or scopes, Velbon has a model with the quality, craftsmanship and exact features to meet your needs.
  
  

Camera bags and cases

• Billingham Bags
  The world's premier range of camera bags.
  If you ever see a cameraman or journalist of TV or in the street look closely and it's a safe bet they will have one of these bags. They are the Roll Royce of camera cases.
  
  
• CCS Camera Care Systems
  They have a versatile product range including waist mounted pouches for SLR cameras, lenses and compact cameras, rucksacks, holdalls and professional carrying cases - available in a variety of materials, finishes and capacities to suit your requirements.
  
  Apparently CCS products have been used almost everywhere: in the Antartic; on the first balloon flight over Everest; in the Amazon jungle; but mostly by photographers who wish to protect their valuable equipment with a functional quality-made product.
  
  
• Giotto
  Professional tripods and camera bags. I use their MT9170 tripod myself.
  
  
• Lowepro
  Lowespro manufacture a wide range of cameras cases and holdalls from digital flash meters to large format SLR's to video cameras. Use these myself.
  
  
• Oyster
  Cameras, lens and tripod cases
  
  
• Pelican Products
  Manufacturers of watertight professional cases.
  They also make specialist lamps - military grade, diving etc etc.
  
  
• Tamrac
  Tamrac produces Camera Bags, Camera Cases, Camcorder Bags, Camcorder Cases, Photo Backpacks, Camera Backpacks, Rolling Backpacks, Pro Camera Bags, Photographer's Vest, Digital Camera Bags, and lots more.
  
  

Flashes, filters and other accessories

• Cokin
  Filters and filter accessories
  
  
• Gossen - Professional light meters.
  
  
  
• Hoya accessories
  The best filter lenses in the world - with a website that's an absolute beggar to locate!
  Hoya are the largest worldwide producer of optical glass, in fact around 60% of the entire worldwide demand and supply is met by HOYA. Hoya offers a wide variety of superior quality filters for use in all imaging applications such as 35mm SLR cameras, Medium Format, Large Format, Video, Cine and Digital, It is important to select the best filters for your needs, as choosing inferior brands can deteriorate the performance of your high quality lenses. Hoya filters guarantee you the highest standards so you can create the best images.
  
  
• Lee Filters
  Products include a range of filters and filter accessories, lens adapters and lens hoods.
  
  
• Metz
  I always think of yuppie alcohol if you mention Metz but, along with TV's, DVD's and such they also have a large range of flashes. Check for compatibility first though as, for example, there is no TTL flash control possible with Nikon's digital SLR's (D1 through D100).
  
  
• Nixvue
  Products include an all-in-one storage device for today's digital camera user with massive capacity 2.5 inch hard disk (Up to 30Gb) and instant viewing on built-in colour LCD display.
  
  
• Quantum
  They have a range of flashes which, unlike others, are fully compatible with Nikon's digital SLR's. Other products include photometers and wireless remote control for cameras and flashes.
  
  Their Quantum Battery is one of those products you never tend to think about but when you do you start to get a tad excitable when you think about it. It's a range of camera batteries. The range extend to include the likes of Nikons SB-80 flash.
  If you do much digital photography you fast learn one given, the things have an insatiable appetite for batteries!
  
  

  The Quantum Battery connects to the camera using a convenient coiled cords, and the power packs clip to your belt or can be worn over the shoulder using any common camera strap. There QB1c pack is also designed to mount under your camera.
  A LED "fuel gauge" gives you visual oversight of the remaining battery capacity - no surprises, no missed shots and provide dependable power for extreme temperature climates.
  The reliable cells exhibit none of the "memory" effects of some other types of batteries. Typically a Quantum Battery will supply about 5 times the power of alkaline AA batteries. While performance varies according to actual operation.

  
  
  
• Simpletech
  Designers and manufacturers of flash memory products for OEM and commercial applications.
  Includes PC Card (ATA and Linear Card), CompactFlash, SmartMedia, MultiMedia and SecureDigital Card.
  
  
• Sunpak Flashguns
  Sunpak is one of the world's largest manufacturers of electronic flash equipment. It has earned a reputation for advanced technical achievement and superior quality. Sunpak electronic flashes are produced for professionals as well as enthusiasts and casual photographers, with the range including Ring Flash for even illumination in macro and medical use.
  
  

Studio equipment and light meters

• Cabin
  Cabin offer a range of light panels, slide holders and transparency projectors.
  
  
• Elinchrom
  Professional studio lights and accessories
  
  
• Gossen
  Professional light meters.
  
  
• Photon Beard
  Specialist manufacturers of Portable Tungsten and Studio Fluorescent Lighting to the Broadcast industry.
  
  
• Polaris
  Professional exposure meters
  
  
• Sekonic
  Professional light and flash meters and related products including a Digital Wireless Radio Triggering System.
  
  

Consumables, darkroom and photolab equipment

• Agfa
  One of the de-facto's for film, darkroom products and inkjet paper.
  
  
• Dunco and Beard
  - Easels
  
  
• Durst
  Most of their products are aimed at professional printers and photo-printing, photo-publishing applications, products like the Rho 160 which is some 15ft wide and can print onto rigid material up to 40 mm (1.58 in.).
  
  On more concern are the likes of their UT100 plastic film drying cabinet, digital timers, the Labolux sodium darkroom lighting system whose 100 LEDs can supply optimum light for up to 10,000 hours, film and paper processors and a range of enlargers up to the professional level Laborator 1200.
  
  
• Epson
  
  
• Fuji Film
  
  
• Gepe
  Professional slide mounts and related products
  
  
• Hakuba
  - Photographic loupes (magnifiers) and media cases for memory cards
  
  
• HP - Hewlett Packard
  
  
• Ilford
  These guys are to Black and White photography what Ford are to cars!
  Film, paper, chemicals, even high end printers capable of 6ft x 16ft glossy posters
  
  
• JOBO
  - Darkroom Equipment
  
  
• Kaiser
  - Enlargers and darkroom equipment
  
  
• Kodak
  It's Kodak, come on!
  
  
• LPL
  Enlargers, Timers and darkroom equipment
  
  
• Marrutt
  Apparently besides being the main distributors of Lyson archival long life inks and media in the UK they are the largest manufacturers of rotary doors and drying cabinets in Europe.
  
  
• Meopta
  Enlargers and darkroom equipment including Enlarging Lenses, Enlarger Switch Timers, Print Masking Frames, Negative Carriers Inserts, Light Mixing Chambers, Transformers and Trimmers. Includes the Anaret lenses which apparently are optically identical to Schieders Componar S range.
  
  
• Paterson
  Darkroom equipment
  
  
• Polaroid
  Instant cameras and film, Digital Cameras, Digital Microscope Cameras, Film Recorders & Printers, Scanners & Software, CD Burners & Media and more
  
  
• Rodenstock
  Prestige German optical manufacturers Rodenstock produce an excellent range of enlarger lenses from budget to APO.
  
  
• Rotatrim
  Photo and paper cutters and trimmers
  
  
• Schneider
  Schneiders optical range covers Enlarging lenses to filters to applications in the US space shuttle!
  
  
• Silverprint Ltd
  Silverprint are actually a London based supplier but I have included them because they have a massive catalogue of darkroom papers, chemicals and equipment.
  
  
• Tetenal
  Printing and inkjet paper and high end services including preprocess and medical imaging.
  
  
• Walther
  Photo album range.
  
  

Others

• Anagramm
  High end professional equipment and services
  
  
• Foveon
  Products include a 16.8-million pixel image sensor.
  Included for interest, these are more a cutting edge component company.
  
  
• Kigamo
  medium format accessories and software
  
  
• Pentacon
  Component manufacturers. They also own the Praktica and Exakta brands.