HEDÉN
HEDÉN is a motion picture media company from Gothenburg, Sweden. Founded in 1964, the company specializes in lens motors and control systems for focus, iris, and zoom control. The company develops, manufactures, and markets its products worldwide.
HEDÉN is part of PLC Electronic Solutions ltd as of Nov 1st 2023
HEDÉN was purchased by PLC Electronic Solutions in North America ( Vancouver, Canada )
As you may know, PLC has been a close partner of Hedén for many years, and we designed all electronics and software development for both the YMER-1 and YMER-3, as well as other projects. We have manufactured cinema-related camera control products for over 20 years.
All HEDÉN inventory is now available through PLC in North America, and we have set up production here with our factory-trained staff, who have experience with HEDÉN motors and the YMER Remote Follow Focus systems. We will continue to build and service all HEDÉN products under the HEDÉN brand, using the same suppliers for all parts and the exacting manufacturing processes that have made these motors so successful over the last 49 years. We have also complemented our Product Development with in-house CNC Machining and Electronics Design capabilities to enable rapid development and innovation of new products.
Thank you for your continued support.
The PLC / HEDÉN Team
History
Björn Hedén founded the company in 1964 while working with the Hasselblad Company on the development of the now-legendary HASSELBLAD 500C. The intention was to design and build high-quality camera equipment. Together with cinematographer Albert Rudling, Björn Hedén developed a motor and control unit that controlled zoom, focus, and iris for film cameras.
In the following years, HEDÉN products became standard in the film industry as zoom, focus, and iris control became vital parts of film cameras. In 1971, Björn was nominated for a technical Oscar for his work. Around 1973, HEDÉN introduced a new line of motors. They featured a patented planetary ball gearbox that made them incredibly strong, fast, precise, and quiet. In 1976, HEDÉN released the revolutionary ZF-2000 control handle. With a single handle, you could control both zoom and focus with an extraordinary accuracy never possible before.
In the 1980s, HEDÉN equipment became extremely popular among film photographers and common on Steadicams, Skycams, Helicoptercams, and cranes. In 1990, NASA and ESA sent specially built HEDÉN motors to space on a highly successful mission. The rest of the 90s saw strong sales of HEDÉN products. With the new millennium and over 35 years in the business, the HEDÉN Company introduced a new line of vertical-mount servomotors with several new, unique features.
In 2009, HEDÉN introduced the HEDÉN M21VE, the world's smallest and lightest vertical-mounted lens servomotor, and it proved successful. In 2014, HEDÉN introduced CARAT, the world's first Bluetooth Focus/Iris control unit.
In 2017, we presented the Versatile Lens Control system (VLC), featuring the small vertical motor VM35 and a universal zoom motorization system.
In 2018, we introduced two new products: LM30 and Ymer-1. The ultra-lightweight vertical LM30 motor resulted from a successful collaboration with Shotover; it is even smaller and lighter than the M21VE.
Ymer-1 is a new 1+1 channel wireless lens control system with several new and exciting functions, including the LenSaverTM manual calibration and operator override function.
Awards
In 2010, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded Mr. Björn Hedén an Oscar Scientific and Technical Award for 2009. The award recognized the HEDÉN M26T Motor.
