Hugyfot
Type: Housing manufacturer Founded: 1953 (Switzerland, later Belgium) Key products: CNC-machined aluminum underwater housings
Overview
Hugyfot was founded by Rene Hugenschmidt, who began building underwater housings in 1953. Among his first customers were Hans Hass, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and Leni Riefenstahl — placing Hugyfot at the very beginning of underwater photography history.
The company was later acquired by Green Force (an underwater lighting company) and moved to Erembodegem, Belgium. Production continues with CNC-machined aluminum housings. In 2019, Hugyfot BV was refounded by two former production employees.
Product timeline
- 1953: Founded by Rene Hugenschmidt
- Mid-20th century: Early customers include Hans Hass, Cousteau, Riefenstahl
- 2003: Canon 10D housings (Pro and Lite versions) announced ([1])
- 2004-11: Nikon D70 housing forthcoming; shown at Antibes Festival 2004 ([2], [3])
- 2005-03: HFN D70 Delrin housing shown at London International Dive Show (LIDS) 2005 ([4])
- 2005: D70 housing reviewed; featured Heinrichs-Weikamp iTTL chip for digital strobe compatibility; CNC machined construction ([5])
- ~2005: Greenforce (underwater lighting company) takes over Hugyfot from Rene Hugenschmidt ([6], [7])
- 2019: Refounded by former production employees
References
- Hugyfot History
- [8] — editorial
- [9] — editorial
- [10] — editorial
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Jul 6, 2003: Uk Germany 10d Housing Ships ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 29, 2004: Hugyfot Nikon D70 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 1, 2004: Antibes Festival 2004 Report1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 19, 2005: London International Dive Show Lids 2005 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 2, 2005: Hugy D70 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 2, 2005: Hugy D70 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 1, 2005: Digideeps European Open ↩
- Hugyfot D70 housing (article) ↩
- Antibes Festival 2004 report (article) ↩
- Hugy D70 review (article) ↩