Eastman Kodak

Eastman Kodak Company {{nyse|EK}} is a large multinational public company producing photographic materials and equipment. Long known for its 35mm film products, Kodak has consistently increased its market share among digital camera manufacturers. According to IDC, Kodak shipped 4.9 million digital cameras in 2004 to surpass traditional digital camera giants Sony (4.3 million) and Canon (3.5 million). Digital camera competitors with smaller market shares included HP, Olympus, Fujifilm, and Nikon.

Related Topics:
Multinational - Public company - Photographic - 35mm film - Million - 2004 - Sony - Canon - HP - Olympus - Fujifilm - Nikon

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The basis of Eastman Kodak was the Eastman Dry Plate Company founded by inventor George Eastman and businessman Henry Strong in 1881. The developers of roll film and the first camera suitable for nonexpert use, such as the Brownie and Instamatic, the company remains the largest supplier of films in the world both for the amateur and professional markets. It has also diversified into various other imaging-related industries (such as medical imaging), and continues to work at gaining a stronger foothold in growing use of digital photography and digital imagery in general.

Related Topics:
George Eastman - Henry Strong - 1881 - Roll - Film - Camera - Brownie - Instamatic - Digital photography

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The company started as the Eastman company, but included one of the first simple roll film cameras known as the "Kodak" in its product line. Asked about the name, George Eastman replied, "Philologically, the word Kodak is "as meaningless as a child's first 'goo'—terse, abrupt to the point of rudeness, literally bitten off by firm and unyielding consonants at both ends, it snaps like a camera shutter in your face. What more would one ask!" The camera proved such an enormous success that the word Kodak was incorporated into the company name.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After losing a patent battle with Polaroid, Kodak left the instant camera business on January 9, 1986.

Related Topics:
Polaroid - January 9 - 1986

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On January 13, 2004, Kodak announced it will stop producing traditional film cameras in the United States, Canada and Western Europe. By the end of 2004, Kodak will cease manufacturing cameras that use the Advanced Photo System and 35mm films. Production of film will continue. These changes reflect Kodak's new focus on growth in digital markets.

Related Topics:
January 13 - 2004 - Advanced Photo System - 35mm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In an effort to reduce costs, Kodak accompanied its shift toward digital products with a series of layoffs and facility closures, cutting 12,000-15,000 jobs around the world, a 20-25 percent reduction in its workforce.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The company is headquartered in Rochester, New York, USA.

Related Topics:
Rochester, New York - USA

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~