BOWENS OUT…

It’s lights out at Bowens International, as the British studio lighting manufacturer is forced to discontinue operations

BOWENS has become the latest camera industry casualty, citing cheaper Chinese lighting products and more innovative solutions by its rivals as the key reasons

for its demise. Calumet Photographic will be stepping in to continue offering a level of service to existing Bowens customers, although it’s not clear how long this relationship will continue. Calumet is also currently in talks with other studio lighting equipment manufacturers in order to fill the Bowens-shaped hole left in its product range.

FLASHBACK

Only last summer, Bowens was acquired by European investment firm Aurelius as a ‘peripheral activity’ together with Calumet. Aurelius subsequently acquired camera retailer Wex Photographic, and its strategic focus is now on expanding the retail business across Europe, rather than focusing on developing a studio lighting business. The decision to close Bowens “is the result of the far-reaching changes affecting its market,” confirms Calumet in an official response, “including new, considerably less expensive products by Chinese manufacturers, product innovations by competitors, and the changed buying behaviour of professional photographers, who are now only willing to invest in new equipment if the investment guarantees additional income.”

Sad times indeed – our thoughts are with the team at Bowens. www.bowens.co.uk