It is indeed a sad day when a legacy company that has played such a big part in our industry is closing down. Miller Tripods (officially called Miller Camera Support Equipment), a family business run by Mark and Diane Clementson, is said to be ceasing operations on 30 September 2026. Mark and Diane have decided to retire and shut down the business. From what I understand, they were looking for a buyer, but with no success.
A lot of people probably aren’t aware of this, but the fluid action head was first patented by the Australian company Miller. Before Bob Miller invented the world’s first fluid head in 1946, camera operators had no option but to work with bulky and expensive gear-driven assemblies whereby panning shots were tricky and diagonal moves virtually impossible.
An Open Letter titled ‘Celebrating 72 Years of Innovation and Service‘ was released by Mark & Diane and sent out ti Miller distributors.
Our final day of trading will be 25th September 2026, and we will continue to support customers and fulfil existing commitments during the transition period.
This decision marks the conclusion of an extraordinary journey that began in Sydney in the mid 1940s and grew into a globally recognised Australian success story. While we look forward to retirement, we do so with immense pride in what Miller has contributed to the film and television industry worldwide.
In 1946, Miller introduced the world’s first patented fluid action tripod head, a breakthrough innovation that revolutionised film and television production. Prior to its invention, camera operators relied on noisy gear-driven systems that helped camera operators achieve smoother, more controlled pan tilt movements.
From those early beginnings, Miller grew into an internationally respected manufacturer, supporting broadcasters, cinematographers, filmmakers, and content creators across the world. Through changing technologies, evolving production environments, and generations of industry professionals, our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service has remained central to who we are.
As we bring this chapter to a close, we are incredibly grateful for the support, loyalty, and friendships we have built over the past seven decades. Serving our customers and working alongside our distributors, suppliers, partners, and employees has been both a privilege and a pleasure.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of the Miller journey. Your trust, support, and belief in our products have enabled us to build a business and a legacy that far exceeded anything Bob Miller could have imagined when he first developed the fluid action head nearly eighty years ago.
While the business will be closing, the impact of Miller’s innovation will continue to be seen wherever cameras capture the stories, events, and moments that shape our world.
Thank you for being part of our story. We will always be proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to the next chapter in our retirement.
With sincere gratitude,
Mark and Diane Clementson
Miller Camera Support Equipment
1954 – 2026
Miller fluid heads revolutionised the film and television industry by giving operators the freedom to shoot far more creatively, reducing production time and achieving shots that were previously unobtainable.
Sixty-plus years on, there are more than 200,000 systems in use globally, being used in electronic news gathering, electronic field production, as well as cinema and television productions.
Like a lot of shooters of my vintage, I started my career off using wooden Miller sticks and fluid heads. I fondly remember the days of having to take tripods over to their Artamon HQ for servicing and repair.
On behalf of all Australians in the Film & TV industry, I would like to salute and pay thanks to Miller for the indelible mark they have left, and I would like to wish Mark & Diane all the best in their retirement.
