Citing Digital Sensor Woes, Camera-Maker Says It Ran Out of Cash
French film camera manufacturer Aaton has entered financial receivership, according to a statement from company founder Jean-Pierre Beauviala posted to the French Society of Cinematographers (AFC) website.
Known for the Super 16 Xterà, the tiny Super 16 A-Minima, and most recently the 2-perf and 3-perf 35mm Penelope, the company was most recently developing the Penelope Delta, a digital camera that sought to replicate the ergonomics of the 35mm original.
"Unfortunately, final production has been hit by defects in the controller for the Dalsa sensor, and then by non-uniform performances of the sensors themselves, whose quality did not match that of the prototypes," Beauviala wrote in the statement. "Unable to deliver the numerous cameras ordered and already manufactured, Aaton found itself short of capital, and we have had to resort to a financial receivership procedure so as to allow the company to be bought by an outsider."
It sounds like the Penelope Delta may still be alive as a product, but only if Aaton can find a buyer with the resources to get the camera to market with quality sensors.
Beauviala said a new Cantar-style audio recorder is in development, as well as an A-Minima-style digital camera aimed at documentary filmmakers.
Learn more about Aaton and the Penelope at the company's website: www.aaton.com
