Pro video blog…Produced by Philip Johnston DoP/Editor

Lino Manfrotto (right) and partner Gilberto Battocchio

Lino Manfrotto, an Italian photojournalist, began designing light stands, booms, and telescopic rods in the late 1960s. In 1972 Lino Manfrotto met Gilberto Battocchio, a technician working for a Bassano mechanical firm. In 1974, the company introduced its first tripod. The company grew, and in 1986 Manfrotto, already with 6 plants in Bassano, landed in Feltre, in the industrial zone of Villapaiera, establishing 5 plants in the space of two years. Vitec Group Plc. purchased the French company Gitzo in 1992 and the American company Bogen Photo Corp. in 1993. Vitec Group Plc. chose to maintain the separate brands as separate lines in its portfolio. Manfrotto products are distributed in Germany, France, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and United States by Manfrotto Distribution. In Canada, Manfrotto products are distributed by Gentec International.

On Sunday morning, at the age of 80 years, Lino Manfrotto the entrepreneur from Bassano del Grappa – once known as an Italian photojournalist for the local press in Vicenza – has passed away.

I have always been a huge fan of Manfrotto, their tripod plates make so much sense, they live on almost 98% of all my video equipment.

The ability to hot swap a camera from one tripod to another was Manfrottos best achievement in my opinion. Almost everyone I know in the video world has a Manfrotto tripod for video and photographic work.

I take my hat off to Lino who has produced one of the most singularly useful products for filming and photographing over my lifetime in the video and photographic world.

 

author

Having been working in the video business since 1988 I have amassed a great amount of knowledge of both the kit and production values over the last 30 years.

2 thoughts on “Lino Manfrotto has passed away…”inventor of the worlds favourite tripod”

  1. “I take my hat off to Lino”

    But you’ve got your hat on!

    HDW : There’s always one.

  2. That looks like a Vinten tripod you’re using.

    HDW : Yes Vinten and Manfrotto are all part of the Vitec group

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