How it started
Cambo BV was founded in The Netherlands in 1946 and has the distinction of being the first studio camera manufacturer to produce an all-metal large format camera. Based in the town of Kampen in the east of the Netherlands, Cambo has since built a reputation for high quality, precision engineered cameras, stands and other studio equipment.
Today, Cambo is based in a modern 2,000 sq m facility equipped with the latest computer controlled design and machine tools, ensuring production to the highest standards.
Emphasis on design innovation ensures that the Cambo range of High-End View Cameras continues to provide for differing needs across the marketplace, from the entry level, ideal for the budget conscious student or dedicated photo enthusiast, to the sophistication of the "Actus System" and the ultra-precision of the "WideRS System" which caters for the precise needs of the digital professional and advanced photo enthusiast, in studio and on location.
The Cambo range of cameras is complemented by a range of camera support stands and other studio accessories to suit all needs, including dedicated Reproduction cameras and Reproduction stands.
Since several years Cambo has expanded their product range into the market for Video Supports, including an innovative series of Video Pedestals, Booms and a Track and Dolly System, complemented with an extended HDSLR Support Rig system for the demanding amateur as well as professional video and broadcast companies.
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Product History
Here are a few milestones in the history of Cambo:
1946: Cambo BV founded in Hengelo, the Netherlands by
mr. R. Bok
1958: Introduction of the
SuperCambo view camera series with square 1" monorail
1960: Introduction of the
USK universal 3-D camera head
1963: Introduction of the STG studio stand
1966: Introduction of the
CBH-1 panoramic head
1967: Cambo presents the DPS heavy duty tripod
1968: Introduction of the BST passportrait studio stand
1970: Introduction of the MST studio stand
1972: Introduction of the
TWR-54 Twin Reflex 4x5" camera
1973: Introduction of the UST series black column
1975: Introduction of the
EST studio stand
1977: Introduction of the
PP-42 Identity System
1978: Introduction of the
SC-5 dedicated 8x10" portrait camera for Polaroid instant 8x10 film
1979: Introduction of the
PST height adjustable heavy duty portrait stand for SC-5
1980: New Management Team founding Cambo Fotografische Industrie BV
1982: Introduction of the
SCX view camera series
1983: Production of PP-60 identification cameras with Kodak instant film
1984: Introduction of the four lens passportrait camera for Kodak instant film
1984: Introduction of the
SCS studio stand
1985: Introduction of the Cambo
Maxiportrait for Polaroid 4x5 film
1985: Introduction of the
ECS studio stand
1987: Introduction of the
Legend Series view cameras
1988: Introduction of the
Master Series view cameras
1988: Introduction of the
Master Plus Series view cameras
1990: Cambo moves to the current location, a modern facility in Kampen
1990: Cambo introduces the UBS Ballbearing Studio stand
1991: Cambo starts delivery of
UBS-E Studio stands dedicated to the SINAR-E camera
1992: Cambo introduces the MBS Studio stand
1993: Cambo starts delivery of the Monostand
1994: Cambo presents the Cambo
Megavision 3-shot digital camera back
1994: Introduction of the
SF view camera series
1998: Introduction of the
Ultima view camera series
1999: Cambo starts production of the metric version RedWing Light Boom
2000: Introduction of the Cambo Wide DS series
2002: Introduction of the Cambo Video Boom series V40, V-15, V-5
2003: Introduction of the Cambo Ultima 35 for use with DSLR cameras
2004: Introduction of the Digital version Wide DS
2005: Introduction of the UniTrack for Videography
2006: Introduction of the X2-Pro view camera for DSLR cameras
2007: Cambo presents the new VPD-4 Four Wheel Dolly System on IBC
2008: Introduction of the WideRS camera series
2009: Completion of dedicated Tilt-Swing Lens panels for the WideRS camera series
2010: Cambo starts delivery of HDSLR and DV Shoulder Rigs
2011: Cambo celebrates 65th Anniversary with WideRS Special Edition
2011: Introduction of the RPS series of Repro Columns with motorised control
2012: Cambo introduces new Follow Focus CS-MFC-2 for the HDSLR rigs
2012: Cambo presents updated Wide RS Family with WRS and WRCompact
2013: Introduction of the new designed EPT Electronically Video Pan-Tilt Head
2014: Introduction of the new Cambo ACTUS Mini View Camera
2015: Addition of the Cambo ACTUS-DB version for the use with Digital Backs
2015: Introduction of the ACTAR 24 wide angle lens for the ACTUS system
2016: Expansion of the Artes Video Boom with the Artes-L version
2016: Release of the Actus Lens Adapter for Canon EF lenses with motorised aperture
2016: Celebration of Cambo 70 years Anniversary
2016: New MBX mid-range Studio Stand introduced at Photokina
2016: Introduction of the WRS-1600 Tech cam with easy H/V rotation
2016: Update of the Ultima series into Actus-XL series with Actus accessories
2017: Addition of the ACTUS-GFX to the Actus series hosting the Fujifilm GFX50s
2017: Addition of the ACTUS-XCD to the Actus series hosting the Hasselblad X1D
2017: Introduction of the PCH precision geared tripod head
2018: New Anniversary WRS-7250 for 50 years of Cambo Wide Celebration
2018: Additional Base-Tilt function for the ACTUS introduced
2019: Optional Fine Ratio drive function for the ACTUS introduced
2019: Dedicated ACTUS-100 functionality for the Fujifilm GFX-100
2019: Most WRS Lens Panels become available with Aperture Only [No shutter]
2020: Introduction of the X-Shutter Electronic shutter to replace Copal shutters
2021: Cambo celebrates 75 years Anniversay with ACTAR-15 and ACTAR-19 kits
2022: Introduction of the ACTUS-MV -Maximum Versatility View Camera
2022: Addition of the heavy duty PCS Gearhead
Some nostalgic view cameras from the 50's and 60's featured underneath: