References: Wikipedia; digicammuseum.com; sergent.com.au; Australian New Scientist Magazine; Chicago Tribune; Cincinnati Enquirer; Auckland Star/NZ Herald; Google Scholar; ‘Beyond 2000’ Television Documentary Series. For more information, please contact Campbell Industries NZ.
Gene Campbell
Leading ad executive by day, inventor by night: New Zealander Gene Campbell was an avid technology designer and inventor. He was creator of what became the Sony Walkman, after demonstrating a fully operational prototype to Sony’s Tokyo board in 1975. Also the inventor of the first true filmless micro camera and silicon ‘Pop-up Chip’ memory card after successfully prototyping a working portable filmless electronic camera in the 1970’s. Gene’s designs and patents led to the development of the Sony Mavica electronic camera by 1980, and subsequent electronic camera designs commonly found in modern devices to this day.
Throughout his life, Gene developed a variety of technologies and environmental systems, often pitching his ideas abroad as open initiatives for private industry, government and social development programs.
Gene Campbell’s most directly publicised invention, the Video Glasses, integrated one of the worlds smallest custom designed microchips and data processors of any computerised technology for its time.
Some of Gene’s achievements include his inventions and patents, his building designs and developments, former record label and music studio (Pink), establishing the New Zealand International Motor Show and founding Campbell Advertising, the agency responsible for branding Auckland as the ‘City of Sails’.
Gene Campbell’s legacy extends through his many extraordinary ideas, inventions and patents. Our tiki trademark was hand-carved by Gene during the late 1960’s and was used as the Campbell Advertising company logo well into the early 2000’s. Campbell Industries is established in part to continue the work of one of New Zealand’s great modern time industrial & media pioneers while also ensuring Gene’s vision of a smarter, safer and sustainable international community for future generations.