Established by Bob Lipsitz in 1952, Kalimar Inc. was a prominent U.S. distributor, first making its mark by importing Aires 35 cameras from Japan. The company significantly impacted the camera distribution sector, providing a myriad of rebadged cameras sourced from places like Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Germany, and the Soviet Union. Renowned for a broad spectrum of photography equipment, Kalimar was a name among photography aficionados, offering products from roll film cameras like the Kalimar 44 and the Kalimar TLR100, to 35mm film cameras like the Kalimar 3D.
A key part of Kalimar’s legacy was its partnership with notable brands. In 1993, for instance, it distributed the Barbie camera, ingeniously blending the spheres of photography and the renowned doll franchise, and thus tapping into a fresh demographic of emerging young photographers.
However, even with its successful trajectory, Kalimar was purchased by Tiffen in 1999 as part of Tiffen’s ambitious expansion plan. As part of a Contribution Agreement with Eastman Kodak Company, Tiffen established a new limited liability company, The Tiffen Company, LLC. Kalimar was coveted for its production and distribution of cameras and accessories, its expansive clientele which featured Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, along with its licensing agreement with the Barbie doll line.
Following the acquisition, despite an influx of $20 million capital from Centre Capital Investors II, L.P., an external investment group, Tiffen LLC found itself grappling with financial difficulties. Inability to secure long-term financing impeded its operations, causing substantial losses, which eventually led to Tiffen LLC filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2003.
The story of Kalimar Inc. provides valuable insights into the transformational journey of the camera distribution sector, shedding light on the changes, partnerships, and challenges that defined this segment of photographic history. Despite its acquisition and Tiffen LLC’s financial hurdles, Kalimar Inc. etched a lasting imprint on the industry.
