Is there anybode that know what hapens to Ampibico?

The 29. april I made a Paypal Transaction on 6080 USD to pay for my new Panasonic POV house, but I have still not recieved any message from Amphibico.
I have writen mails and tried to phone them several times the last 2 weeks - but I cant get through to them and they dont answer my mails - whats happening?

From the facebook site "amphibico 360" I have had message, that other have the same experince with them - so be award - dont send any money before they answer the phone or mail

regards

Bent Yde Jørgensen
Chilbal Film
Møllevej 12, Reersø
4281 Gørlev
Tlf. 5121 3057, 5920 9264
www.chilbal.dk Mail: chilbal@os.dk

I am wondering what happened to them as well. They were supposed to have a first run of the Endeavor for the XF100 around April 17. I have called and e-mailed several times since then, and there have been no replies. JC had a phone mail message a few weeks ago that said that they would be on Easter vacation until May. Last week I think his message said he was taking an opportunity for some time off in early May. Still, it seems strange that they are essentially offline for all this time.

Pat

I recently ordered a housing with one of their dealers in the States and was told everything is backed up due to the vacation time, I guess it was plant wide???? I sure hope they start shipping soon, I am putting a trip on hold until the housing arrives.

Does anyone have any definite information about Amphibico?
I'm hearing rumors that they have ceased operation.
Does anyone know if that's true?

I just got a housing from them about 60 days ago and I had some phone numbers for staff there so I gave them a try. The phones are working but everyone has a full voice mailbox. This would be very sad but it doesn't look good.

Would be a real shame but I would be surprised, they just announced a couple of new housings. Maybe they are just really busy

One person on Amphibico's Facebook page says that Amphibico is bankrupt. I'm not sure how he knows. It would explain the fact that they have been missing in action so long:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amphibico-360/141084208980

Pat

Merged the 2 threads together.

I have sad but confirmed news, Amphibico has ceased operations at this time and is for sale or looking for an investor.

That's really crappy news.

I ordered a housing from Submerge Camera in Mid April, Submerge has been keeping in touch with me through out this ordeal. The latest news from yesterday was that the sales person was in contact with the owner and their order was shipping out this Friday. They indicated that there is a new owner in the works. Also Submerge indicated that they will be an official repair and service center for Amphibico.

Hopefully since I did purchase my housing with a company here in the states if for some reason the housing is not available, I will have options.

Becky

Yes confirmed SAD NEWS. I received this email from Amphibico today "....since April 21st Bank recall our loans that forced the owners to closed-shut down the Amphibico division...If you placed an order after that date and we can complete it, you will be contacted soon as we plan to honored parts and warranty service still.

thanks you for your friendships and understandings regards"

Hey all,

After talks and evaluation of the situation, Submerge Camera will not be a repair facility for Amphibico. We just would not feel comfortable being a reresentative of the line with so much instability at this time.

We hope to see a recovery for Amphibico as they have been a well respected mfg. over the years.

If they do come back maybe thier first new housing can be called the Phoenix.....

Good Diving!

Oh dear that's really shitty news

Very sad... Amphibico made some cool, reliable housings

Lets hope they get back on track

Dive safe

DeanB

yes, it is very sad indeed for such a nice hard working video housing manufacturer to close down their business. Hope this is only temporary and they can recover soon and continue their production line !!!
Take care, Amphibico !!! We will still support you in the future !!

Edmond

Amphibico was very prompt with their reply and helped me quite a bit when I had troubles with my local customs. I would hate to see them gone. Keep the same team, I will still support them should they come back.

They were the only company, aside from Gates, who made housings for the higher end cams. That leaves Gates on the top of the Apex.
Steve

Sssshhhh don't tell John that he will put the prices up!!!

Dive safe

DeanB

What a bummer, just gone and dinged by 94 degree port in the Red Sea and the UK supplier cannot even get spares for their own rental Phenoms. Still have the flat port but will have to hope nothing goes wrong with the rest of my housing!!!

Here is hoping someone takes over the company.

Roger

Hi Roger,

I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but Amphibico's owner has shut the housing manufacture operation down, and is not seeking to sell it.

I quote from an email from him:



There is still a ready second hand market though-I would suggest posting ads here on Wetpixel and on other underwater videography oriented sites.

Sorry again.

Adam

That really is crappy news,

I feel for you Roger.

Very sad for the brand. I bought my first housing DiveBuddy II in 1995. After that in 2006 I bought the Evo for my HDR-HC1. Specs on their website said 'manual focus'. Housing arrives, no manual focus, just 'Focus lock'. A long discussion, but they were not willing to take back the housing of do some sort of compensation. A few days later they changed the txt in to 'focus lock'. I guess they thought I had a point!

April 19 I mailed JC and told about my lensport problem. Without any hesitation he said, "just send it in and I'll send you a new one for free". Wow... that's great I thought. But 'if an offer looks to good to be true, it ...is!! I send in my lens and from that moment, no more contact with Amphibico. Old lens gone, no new one.
JC just send a mail that he was no longer employed by Amphibico since April 21... Wait a minute, April 19 - April 21? Mmmm...

I think it's very sad they are out of business, but things like this don't happen just like that. Also the generosity about the new lens? They guy who ordered for 6K and didn't receive his order? I've got a bad taste in my mouth.
Light & Motion / Gates... see you soon.

To all who lost their gear and money. That's life, shit happens. Let's all just buy gear and dive!

It's much better down there... It's a better place! (Enzo, Le Grand Blue.)

I am at five hours drive from Montreal and I have the same probleme.
I am diving four time a week for a live interpretation activity.
I am just hoping that my housing will be OK for the end of the season.

Stéphane

Just have to tell, that Paypall did a great job and I got my 6 K back, because I made a made a claim to Paypal.
After a few weeks, I got my money back, and today I have a Gates house for my Panasonic POV – great house

Glad you were able to get your money back and that Pay Pal came through. Too bad that others who lost money with H20 Photo weren't as successful. You made the right choice on your new housing as well. Congrats
Steve

Good news for Amphibico owners: Aquatica has finalized the last detail in the acquisition of Amphibico, for more info you can contact usat info@aquatica.ca
Click to view attachment

Congratulations to Aquatica on the acquisition. It looks like the perfect fit for the two companies involved.

Deja Vu all over again. About 10-12 years ago if I recall, there was this camera housing company.....

I figured there was value there for someone already in the business.

A loooong time ago, Aquatica people founded Amphibico....

Who said that the earth was round..?

Congrats guys....

Michel

PS: My spy in Orlando tells me Jean is coming to DEMA in an Amphibico/Aquatica coloured private jet...

It will be a jet, but economy class (the cargo flight was full already).

Congrats to your team Jean, I'm thinking this is a big win for the Amphibico owners.

Cheers,
Steve

Great to hear, hope it all goes well.
More years left in the Phenom yet then..

Just emailed the URL to some Amphibico enthusiasts who will be overjoyed with this news.
Steve

Val Rannikin had a vision for the Company but Ron Hand was only on a fat cat ego trip....you only had to read between the lines on his self awarded S.O.L.O. project.

Harry, your first post on shouldn't be about insulting someone. That's bordering on a personal attack, which is not allowed on Wetpixel.

Sorry Drew please pull it as I don't seem able to edit it

And the good news is... Aquatica does a very good job! I send a mail to Joe about the problems I had in the last few days Amphibico was 'on air'. Joe replyed that he would see if he could solve it for me. To be honest..., after what happened, I didn't expect much of it. Last week though Joe mailed me that he had a lens for me.
Today I received my Fedex parcel with the lens so I'm very very happy! 2morrow dive dive dive ...!
Thnx Joe!

I am not someone who was Amphibico (Been Gates on video and Aquatica on stills) and bought my equipment from both companies all along. All I can I say is that when I have spent my money on UW items, both companies have treated me very well and I would not think twice about buying the products of either of them. And I was buying before I was a mod here or did anything else. Actually come to think of it, maybe I should hit them up for some things

Kidding aside, as a shooter, they really work hard to make customers happy.