Gitzo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gitzo S.A. is a manufacturer of photographic accessories, including bags, but specialising in tripods and supports.
Gitzo was founded in France by Arsène Gitzhoven in 1917,[1] initially producing wooden and metal cassette filmbacks, and later expanding to include a line of cameras, shutters, and cable releases.[2] Between 1942 and 1944 during World War II, the company produced military support systems.[2]
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During the late 1940s, tripods and tripod heads were introduced into their product range, and shortly after, Gitzhoven retired in 1960, succeeded by his daughter, Yvonne Plieger,[2] who also modeled in early Gitzo advertising photographs.[3] She and her husband became more and more dedicated to creating a range of high quality photographic tripods.[4] In 1950, Gitzo marketed its first tripod.
In 1992, Gitzo became part of the Vinten group (now Videndum), which also owns Manfrotto. Vitec are described in corporate literature as "a multinational holding company specialised in supporting professional photographers, broadcasters and filmmakers."[5] 1992 also marked the discontinuance of products outside camera support systems, including tripods, monopods, and tripod heads.[2]
Gitzo introduced the first professional carbon fiber tripod and monopod at Photokina in 1994.[2] The Gitzo factory in Paris was expanded in 1996 to 6,200 m2 (67,000 sq ft).[2]
In 2005, Gitzo completed their transfer of production from France to Italy, a process which began in 2001.[5]
