Kaiser Fototechnik - History

We are a manufacturing company with a long tradition. Our production location in Germany guarantees for quality and continuity. Find here a small insight into the history of our company.

  • 1945

    Foundation of the company as "EKA Werkstätte" by Erich Kaiser. At first agricultural products and handicraft articles are produced.

    1945

  • 1948

    Kaiser starts production of photographic accessories (production of lens hoods, enlarging easels and reflector lamps).

    1948

  • 1950

    First photokina in Cologne. Export business starts.

    1950

  • 1954

    Due to lack of space the company is relocated to a new production plant at Buchen (Odenwald), its todays’ homebase.

    1954

  • 1970

    Kaiser introduces the first Copy Stand.

    1970

  • 1971

    The first self-developed enlarger goes to serial production.

    1971

  • 1972

    Company gets its name "Kaiser Fototechnik".

    1972

  • 1986

    Kaiser develops the first electronic auto focus enlarger for non-professionals.

    1986

  • 1987

    Serial production of the "prolite 5000" light boxes begins.

    1987

  • 1989

    Vera and Alfred Kaiser are appointed to joint managing directors.

  • 1990

    The copy stand product range is gradually expanded for professional use.

    1990

  • 2003

    In cooperation with the Herzog August Library in Wolfenbüttel and Image Engenieering, Kaiser develops the Wolfenbüttler Buchspiegel for carefull reproduction of old books.

    2003

  • 2009

    Kaiser introduces the motorized RSP 2motion Copy Stand with two-level motor-driven adjustment for professional use.

    2009

  • 2010

    Kaiser exhibits at photokina for the 60th-time without interruption.

    2010

  • 2013

    The first LED Copy Lighting Unit "RB 5070 DX" is introduced.

    2013

  • 2015

    Kaiser starts a cooperation with Phase One and develops in collaboration the FilmScanning Kit for digitizing film strips, slides and glass plates which is exclusively distributed via the Phase One Cultural Heritage division.

    2015

  • 2016

    Kaiser starts the distribution of high quality NanGuang/NANLITE LED lights.

    2016

  • 2016

    The exclusive distribution of the Japanese noble brand Arstian&Artist, manufacturer of camera straps and camera bags begins.

    2016

  • 2016

    Kaiser introduces the very slim "slimlite plano" LED light boxes.

    2016

  • 2019

    Kaiser Fototechnik introduces with the FilmCopy Vario a stable holding device for the exact positioning of slides and negatives of various formats during digitization with a camera mounted to a copy stand or tripod.

    2019

  • 2022

    With the two models of the prolite LED series Kaiser starts the production of professional LED light panels with high luminance and T-slot running all around.

    2022

  • 2022

    Kaiser presents the RSP autoDrive 1.5 motorized column with computer-controlled height adjustment and brightness control of the RB 570 AX LED lighting unit

    2022

  • 2023

    After 77 years of ownership by the Kaiser family, the majority of Kaiser Fototechnik is taken over by the Schneider family's OKW group of companies, also based in Buchen. Jonas Vogt leads the company as managing partner and is supported by Nadja Schneider as a company executive.

    2023

  • 2023

    Kaiser Fototechnik takes over the distribution of FIDLOCK products in the photo and film/video trade: Innovative magnetic-mechanical accessories with must-have character for photographers and filmmakers for mounting cameras, smartphones, action cams, accessories and drinking bottles.

    2023

  • 2023

    Under the brand name NANLUX, Kaiser Fototechnik  distributes the professional lighting systems of the manufacturer NANGUANG, whose high-quality NANLITE lights have already been successfully marketed by Kaiser in Germany since 2016.

    2023