Denny Clairmont Receives AMPAS’s
Most Prestigious Technical Award

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Clairmont Camera president Denny Clairmont with the John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation in recognition for his many technical contributions and service to the industry. The Bonner medal is not an annual award, and only presented when greatly merited.

In the special awards ceremony held by AMPAS’s Science & Technology branch at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills on February 12, many of Clairmont’s many innovations in camera and lens technology were cited, as well as the company’s long-standing commitment to helping student filmmakers through providing equipment and technical support. Academy Award-winning actress Marisa Tomei made the presentation.

As a key component of his acceptance speech, Denny thanked those who helped make it possible, including his late brother, Terry, with whom he co-founded the company and Alan Albert, who has been an integral part of the Clairmont Camera team since the ‘70s.

Perhaps the one area that sets Clairmont Camera apart from any rental house in the world is its expertise in lenses. Through the development of many innovative specialty lenses over the years, including the Blurtar, Swing-Shift, Image Shaker and Squishy lenses, plus collaboration with lens manufacturers the world over, Clairmont Camera has amassed what is likely the largest selection of lenses in the industry. This works hand-in-hand with the company’s goals to provide cinematographers with the tools they need to achieve their creative visions.

In addition to having a wide and deep inventory of lenses, it’s important to note that each and every lens is fastidiously maintained to the highest standards —often higher than originally set forth by the manufacturer. Clairmont’s in-house capabilities include state-of-the-art testing equipment from Zeiss (three of the few outside the factory in Munich) and other key devices.

Needless to say, a cadre of highly trained and conscientious technicians are the backbone of the Lens Department.

Clairmont Camera’s technical contributions to the industry extend into the digital world, where the company has been at the forefront of technology for the past decade. Clairmont’s initial foray into the HD world came with its modified Sony F-900 cameras that have become a steady workhorse because of its ability to change lenses without need to back-focus, stability in varying temperatures, and many ergonomic enhancements. Today, Clairmont has maintained its leadership role among rental houses by offering the latest in digital cameras to its customers, including the Arri Alexa and D-21, Clairmont-enhanced Sony F35HD, Red, high speed Weisscam and others.

The company’s roots are in the film world, and Clairmont Camera has always maintained a strong technological presence in that area. Most recently, standard 4-perf cameras have been augmented with models offering 3-perforation and 2-perforation transfer to dramatically cut film and processing costs while providing cinematographers the luxury of employing their favorite film stocks to obtain the “look” they desire.

Throughout the years, the driving force behind all of Clairmont’s technical achievements have has been cinematographers seeking to expand their horizons; they are the catalyst for research and development. They provide the challenges. Denny and the Clairmont Camera staff endeavor to provide the solutions.

The bottom line is a heartfelt “thanks” from Denny Clairmont to the Academy, to the staff at Clairmont Camera, and to its loyal customers for making the John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation possible, and the ongoing satisfaction from being a part of the industry.