Us-Made Cameras: Which Brands Keep Production Stateside?

The golden age of American-made cameras began with the launch of the Kodak Box Camera in 1880. However, throughout the 20th century, domestic camera-making ceded ground to foreign interests, leading to the widespread manufacture of cameras and electronic products overseas. Today, it is rare to find consumer-grade cameras that are entirely made in the USA, with most high-quality cameras being manufactured in Germany, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. However, there are still some companies that produce camera equipment and accessories in the USA, such as FLIR Systems, MK Controls, Delkin Devices, Chimera Lighting, and Domke.

Camera cases by Tamrac

Tamrac is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of camera cases, bags, and covers to protect your valuable photography equipment. The company was founded in 1977 by California nature photographers who wanted to create protective and quick-access camera bags that could withstand the rigours of outdoor adventures. Today, Tamrac continues to innovate in the field of camera bag design and offers a variety of products to suit different needs.

One of the most popular Tamrac camera bags is the Stratus series, which serves as the professional standard. The Stratus bags feature a large main compartment designed to hold multiple camera bodies with attached lenses, as well as a full range of lenses, flashes, and other accessories. The Lens-Bridge® with LensGate® dividers efficiently utilise space, while multiple pockets and included accessory pouches keep gear organised. The Stratus collection offers five different sizes to ensure a perfect match for your equipment.

Another notable Tamrac camera bag is the Anvil series, which includes the Anvil 27 and the Anvil Super 25. These backpacks are designed for photographers who need to carry their gear over long distances. The Anvil 27, for example, has a laptop compartment and can hold multiple camera bodies with lenses attached, as well as additional lenses, flashes, and accessories. The Anvil series also comes with tripod holder straps, making it a versatile option for photographers who require stability when shooting outdoors.

For those seeking a more compact option, Tamrac offers the Pro Compact 2 camera bag. This small camera case is perfect for photographers who want to travel light, as it can accommodate Canon, Nikon, and Fuji compact cameras, along with essential accessories. The Pro Compact 2 is designed as a crossbody bag, making it easy to carry and access your equipment while on the move.

Tamrac also caters to mirrorless camera users with the Tradewind series. The Tradewind Zoom 2.4, for instance, is a compact camera shoulder bag that can accommodate DSLR and mirrorless camera bodies along with lenses and accessories. The Tradewind series is designed with both functionality and style in mind, making it a popular choice for photographers who want a balance of fashion and performance.

In addition to these options, Tamrac offers a diverse range of camera bags, including the Jazz, Velocity, Apache, and Rally series. Each series has its own unique features and benefits, ensuring that photographers of all levels can find a suitable case to protect their valuable equipment. Whether you're a professional or an enthusiast, Tamrac has a camera case to meet your needs.

Infrared cameras by FLIR Systems

FLIR Systems, founded in 1978 and based in Oregon, is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of infrared cameras for professional and recreational use. The company's infrared cameras are made in the USA from globally sourced materials.

FLIR Systems offers a wide range of infrared cameras to suit various needs, from personal night vision cameras to point-and-shoot inspection tools and surveillance systems. Their products include the FLIR Scout Thermal Monocular, the FLIR ONE Pro mobile accessory, and the FLIR Ex series of inspection devices.

The company's infrared cameras are designed to improve the way people interact with their environment by enhancing perception and awareness, improving public safety, increasing energy efficiency, and enabling healthy and entertained communities.

In addition to their infrared cameras, FLIR Systems also offers a range of thermal imaging cameras, such as the FLIR E96 and FLIR E86, which are used for electrical, mechanical, and building inspections. These cameras offer features such as thermal resolution, interchangeable lenses, and automatic uploading of images to the cloud.

FLIR Systems' infrared cameras are known for their high performance, low cost, and innovative design, making them a trusted choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Shutter triggers by MK Controls

MK Controls is an Ohio-based company that manufactures the Lightning Bug, a weather-resistant shutter trigger with adjustable sensitivity and timing. The product is designed to help photographers capture lightning strikes by detecting the infrared light that precedes them. The Lightning Bug can be attached to the camera's hot shoe or a cold shoe on a stand. It features an LED indicator that displays the sensitivity level, which can be adjusted to trigger the camera only when lightning occurs within a certain range. The device is made in the USA using domestic and foreign components.

The Lightning Bug shutter trigger is easy to use and can be controlled using three soft-touch buttons on the top of the unit, which are water-resistant. It requires a shutter-release cable specific to the user's camera and a 9V battery, which must be purchased separately. The product has received positive reviews from customers who found it affordable, easy to set up, and effective in capturing lightning strikes, even during daylight.

MK Controls offers different versions of the Lightning Bug that are compatible with specific camera models, including Canon N3, Nikon 10-pin, and Sony cameras. The company was founded by photographer Todd Moore and electrical engineer Dave Koerner to create a solution for capturing lightning strikes more effectively.

In addition to lightning photography, the Lightning Bug shutter trigger can also be useful for photographing fireworks or other subjects that produce sparks. The adjustable sensitivity and timing settings allow users to capture these fast-moving subjects with precision. The product's compact design ensures that it does not obstruct the viewfinder when mounted on the camera.

Overall, the MK Controls Lightning Bug shutter trigger is a valuable tool for photographers who want to capture lightning strikes, fireworks, or spark effects. Its adjustable sensitivity, ease of use, and compatibility with various camera models make it a versatile and effective tool for infrared light photography.

Memory cards by Delkin Devices

Delkin Devices, founded by photographer Martin Wood in 1986, is a San Diego-based company that offers a range of memory cards for photographers and videographers. Wood started the business with the aim of becoming an American memory card manufacturer in a market dominated by imported products.

Delkin Devices offers memory cards in various sizes and formats, including SDXC, microSD, CF, XQD, 2.5-inch SSD, USB 3.0 SSD, CFast, and CFexpress. Their memory cards are categorised into five groups: Select, Advantage, Prime, Power, and Black, with the latter being their premium line.

The Select category, marked with a red stripe, is their budget-friendly line, offering high data transfer rates of up to 660X and supporting Full HD 1080p video. The Advantage line, identified by white markings, is recommended for faster camera and video recording speeds.

The Prime and Power series are where Delkin's unique features come into play. These cards are UHS-II rated at 2000X, ensuring faster read and write speeds. Additionally, these series come with the "World's Best Warranty" and a 48-hour replacement guarantee.

The Black line is designed for durability and harsh conditions. These memory cards are waterproof, dustproof, and incredibly strong, withstanding up to 45 pounds of force for SD cards and 80 pounds for CF cards. They also come with the 48-hour replacement plan and are serialised to prevent counterfeiting.

Delkin Devices prioritises reliability and performance in their memory cards, using specific controlled components and extensive bench testing to ensure their products meet the demands of broadcast, cinema, and photography industries.

Camera bags by Domke

Domke bags are available in a range of styles, including shoulder bags, messenger bags, and belt bags. They come in different sizes, from small to large, to accommodate different amounts of equipment. The bags feature multiple compartments and pockets for organising camera gear, as well as removable, non-slip shoulder straps for added convenience.

The bags are constructed using high-quality, rugged cotton canvas that can withstand constant travel and use. Some of the cotton canvas bags are treated with wax and oil to make them waterproof, while others are made with lightweight ripstop nylon, which is tear-resistant and water-resistant. The bags also feature reinforced handles and straps, as well as durable plastic attachments and hardware.

In addition to bags, Domke offers a range of bag accessories, such as straps, belts, and inserts, that provide added functionality and protection for camera equipment. The brand also offers protective wraps and camera inserts to keep equipment secure and organised.

Overall, Domke camera bags are a trusted choice for photographers and professionals who need a durable, functional, and versatile bag to carry their camera gear. The bags are designed to withstand the rigours of constant use and travel while providing easy access to equipment. With their range of styles and sizes, Domke bags offer a customised solution for any photographer's needs.

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