The origins of the Louma dates back to the 1970s when Jean-Marie Lavalou and Alain Masseron developed a basic idea they had whilst making a film inside a submarine during their national service in France. Subsequent research and development in Paris, alongside David Samuelson and his team of engineers in London resulted in the world's first remote controlled camera crane, recognised as such by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences  and awarded an Oscar statuette in 2005. The term Louma derives from LOU & MA from their names.

Plans for a telescopic crane came to fruition when a new partnership was formed, led by Loumasystems in France  with associate partners in the UK and US.  With vast on set shooting experience between the assembled team and their industry friends, the task was to build a crane that, while as groundbreaking as Louma 1 was in its time, pushed forward the capabilities of a telescopic camera crane on a film set.

The Louma Crane is fully demountable and can be set up in the most unaccommodating locations. It can be used on its pneumatic wheels, on track or set up on towers, tracking cars, boats etc. using its alternative lightweight pyramid base.

The Louma Crane System is rented complete with:
Remote 2/3-Axis Head : Sectional Arm : Louma System Control Desk : Monitors : Dolly : Cables for camera and accessories : Lens Scale Camera : Preston Focus Controls : Microforce Zoom Control : Audio Communications System

All these items are included in the rental package, making the Louma probably the most economical system available. Look at our pricing for a full listing of the components in the package.

The Louma Crane is controlled by the camera operator from the control desk with geared wheels and is manually operated by 2 grips who control the movement of the arm and the position of the dolly. The crane comes with a technician who is responsible for transportation, setting up and demounting the crane. Given his wide experience, he is able to offer his advice for the most effective use of the Louma.

THE 3-AXIS REMOTE CONTROL HEAD

Full 360º rotation around optical axis : Very rigid structure providing higher image stability : Smoothness of movement, due to critical balancing of the head mass : Better light access to the subject due to open structure of the head : Direct and easy access to the camera and eyepiece : Change from 2 to 3 axis mode quick and easy : Built in electronics in the camera base plate : Camera load : 80lbs / 36kg in 2 axis mode; 55lbs / 25kg in 3 axis mode : Maximum 3 axis roll speed : 360º in 1.5s : Patented SMARTPAN which automatically compensates the remote head back pan when the arm is panning.

HORNET DOLLY COMBINATION TRACK WHEELS

The hornet dolly has 2 wheel steer and 4 wheel crab facilities together with folding "wheel legs" allowing it to pass through standard 2` 6" doorways making it the most versatile crane dolly available. Combination pneumatic / track wheels allow the Louma to "roll on - roll off" track without the need to change wheels or demount the crane, saving valuable production time. Conventionally, the Hornet dolly runs on 880mm gauge track. In short crane arm configurations (up to a maximum of 12` 3" / 3.74m), standard 620mm dolly track can be used.