Panther

Overview

Panther GmbH is a German manufacturer of professional camera support and grip equipment, based in Aying near Munich. The company primarily develops and builds camera dollies, cranes, and jib arms, as well as accessories such as track and remote heads. Panther was founded in 1986 by Erich Fitz, who had previously worked in camera assembly at ARRI; today, the company is managed by his son Andreas Fitz. Panther manufactures for film, TV, and commercial productions worldwide.

History and Significance

Panther is considered a pioneer of the electromechanical, motor-driven camera dolly. For the development of the Super Panther, company founder Erich Fitz received an Academy Scientific and Engineering Award (Technical Oscar) from AMPAS in 1990. In the early 2010s, Panther largely withdrew from the rental business to avoid competing with its rental clients, and focused on the development and sale of its own equipment. The company holds patents, among others, on linear column guidance and steering systems (Crab and Steer steering).

Product Range

The product range includes several dolly series as well as cranes and jib arms. Well-known models include:

On-Set Usage

Panther dollies are used to move the camera smoothly and precisely across the floor – on laid track or, depending on the model, free-rolling. The steering options (e.g., Crab and Steer steering) allow for different movement patterns, from pure linear travel to diagonal and circular movements. Cranes and jib arms from the Foxy and Pixy series enable vertical movements and swings over obstacles. The equipment is typically operated by the grip or dolly grip department in coordination with the camera crew.