Nettmann Systems International Company Overview

World leader in the design and manufacturing of specialized camera support equipment and gyro-stablized systems


Bob Nettmann
(founder)

 

MISSON STATEMENT: Nettmann Systems International, its employees and agents worldwide, provide products and services that meet or exceed the expectations of our customers in terms of quality, responsiveness, and innovation.

Bob Nettmann is President of E.F. Nettmann & Associates Inc. - a high tech development company, and inventor of the Nettmann Cam-Remote System and all its derivatives for Nettmann Systems International.

His 39 years of developing electro-optical and mechanical systems started with extensive training at Marconi Wireless Telegraph of England. In addition to his studies in electronics at the University of Essex, Bob received a degree in electro/mechanics from the Institute of Engineering Designers in London.

After founding Continental Camera Systems in 1972, Bob designed the "Astrovision" periscopic camera for Learjets and the "Pitching Lens" optical system for commercial and feature film cinematography, as well as a series of helicopter camera mounts and body mounted camera stabilizers.

In 1982, Bob Nettmann joined forces with the principals of Matthews Studio Equipment and created Matthews Studio Electronics, Inc., home of the Nettmann Cam-Remote, located in North Hollywood California.

In 1992, Bob found new associates and formed the Gyron Development Group and created 'Gyron', the most advanced camera stabilizers and line of sight camera positioners available today. The product is now being used for sports event coverage on fixed wing aircraft and on helicopters for TV news coverage. Goodyear, Budweiser, and Sanyo Airship Operations have adopted the Gyron as their preferred aerial photography system. The Gyron line includes specialized film camera stabilization equipment as well as dual sensor surveillance systems used for homeland security.

Bob's other innovative designs include:

  • Vectorvision: a much improved version of Astrovision; employed by NASA and Airbus Industries France - used extensively in domestic and international motion picture production.
  • Jet Stills 88: a 6 x 6 cm still camera design for Learjets
  • Special format projectors for the Walt Disney EPCOT Center in Florida and Disneyland in Tokyo
  • Continental helicopter camera mounts
  • Body Mount: a patented stabilization system for handheld cameras - known as Body Cams
  • Nose Cone camera systems for Learjets
  • Gyro stabilization platforms for NASA's Apollo 14 recovery mission
  • Kenworthy/Nettmann Snorkel: the patented original Snorkel, a remote controlled optical relay camera system
  • Cam-Remote: a 3 axis remote controlled camera positioner
  • Mk II Cam-Remote: a direct drive 3 axis remote controlled camera positioner
  • Stab-C: a 5 axis open architecture stabilizing camera cradle for the Mk II Cam-Remote
  • Gyron 935: in conjunction with the Gyron Group, a 5 axis high tech camera stabilization system for powerful video zooms
  • Mini-C: small 5 axis open architecture stabilizing camera system.

Citations and Awards:


Academy of Motion Picture Arts Sciences:  Technical Achievement Award:
  • 1977:Astrovision
  • 1982: the Pitching Lens
  • 1986: Cam-Remote
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences:  
  • Prime-time Emmy Award: 1988/1989: Cam-Remote - Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development
Society of Operating Cameramen: 
  • Lifetime Technical Achievement Award: 1996: Cam-Remote
NASA:  
  • Group Achievement Award: 1981 Space Shuttle Launch and Landing Operations Team

Memberships:

  • Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences A.M.P.A.S.
  • American Society of Cinematographers A.S.C.
  • Society of Camera Operators S.O.C.
  • British Academy of Film and Television Arts B.A.F.T.A.
  • Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers S.M.P.T.E.
dean cundy bob nettmann
Bob Nettmann being presented, by D.P.Dean Cundey, with the "Lifetime
Technical Achievement Award" from the Society of Camera Operators(S.O.C.)

30 years of successful designs:

In 2001 Nettmann Systems International celebrated 30 years of successful designs.

Bob Nettmann, started Continental Camera Systems in 1972 and developed the following products:

  • Continental Helicopter Mount Astrovision - Learjet based periscope
  • Pitching Lens System - Swinging lens optical system
  • Body Cam - Body mounted camera stabilizer
  • Kenworthy Type B Snorkel - A periscopic lens relay
- In 1982 Nettmann left Continental Camera and formed Matthews Studio Electronics and released the award winning Cam-Remote systems:
  • Cam-Remote - The first stand alone remote control head
  • MC 88 Crane - Portable camera crane
  • Mini-Mote - A smaller version of the Cam-Remote
While designing the ground-based products for Matthews, Bob developed another line of airborne and snorkel systems under the banner E.F. Nettmann & Associates.
nettmann lear jet
  • Vectorvision - Improved Learjet Aerial Cinematography System
  • Jet Stills 88 - 2 ¼ square format for Learjet still photography
  • Kenworthy / Nettmann Snorkel - A periscopic lens relay for close quarter shooting and dynamic cinematography

In 2000, Bob bought out Matthews Studio Electronics Inc. and formed "Nettmann Systems International", where he has gained status as a world leader in gyro-stabilization technology.
nettmann helicopter
  • Gyron FS (Stab-C) - Fully stabilized 5 Axis remote control camera head
  • Cam-Remote SAS Head - Stabilized remote control head
  • Mini-Mote SAS Head - Smaller stabilized remote control head
  • Gyron 935 - Fully stabilized TV airborne system
  • DSG - Fully stabilized dual sensor gimbal for airborne surveillance
  • Mini-C- The world's smallest and lightest open architecture stabilized camera system
  • Super-Gyron (Super-G) World's most advanced aerial cinematography system
In December 2005 Nettmann buys out the principles of the Gyron Group and begins a new manufacturing protocol that will shorten the time from concept to finalized product.