Camera Essentials, based in Pasadena, CA. designs, manufactures and supplies sewn gear for all image-making photographers in the international and domestic markets. Camera Essentials is the original design and manufacturer of the Harrison Film Changing Tent – now the industry standard for loading film on location, specifically used by professionals to enhance and safeguard motion picture filming. The company has a highly experienced team of sewing experts who use industrial fabrics in prototyping and production sewing for the motion picture industry. Camera Essentials has well-established relationships with key companies involved in the manufacturing and renting of motion picture equipment.

Camera Essentials was started in 1987, and is owned and operated by General Partner Patti Harrison, who is still the lead designer at the company. Camera Essentials also manufactures and supplies products and provides technical services to corporations and individuals in the motion picture and still photographic industry. The company uses cutting-edge fabrics and techniques to produce the sewn product that is required for each project. Camera Essentials works closely with each client from prototype to production. We are responsive to the end user, and make changes to a product when necessary.

Camera Essentials’ mission is to provide the highest quality functional equipment to support the professional cameraperson or large format still photographer.

Camera Essentials’ products include the original Harrison Film Changing Tent, the larger Jumbo Film Changing Tent, and the smaller Harrison Film Pup Tent, Camera Essentials clear Lid Organizers for Pelican cases, waterproof Standby Camera Covers, Harrison Film Changing Bags, Harrison Dark Cloths, Equipment bags: the Harrison Doctor Bag, and the Ditty Bag, Camera Essentials Cable Wallets, and much more. We use technical fabrics that are lightweight, lightproof and waterproof when needed. Our products are all sewn locally in Los Angeles, so we have complete control over the quality of our products. We do small production runs so we can update our patterns and materials as needed. We are consistently innovating and improving our products. We listen to our customer’s needs and requirements, and we are flexible and change directions when necessary.

Camera Essentials products are shipped world-wide. We support all professional image-making crews on location and in studio. We provide crews with the highest level of service and their complete confidence by the quality of our finished products. All crew members, from camera operators, assistants, lighting technicians, sound technicians, large format still photographers, aerial photographers, and even x-ray technicians and film labs have made use of our innovative and unique products.