# Hot Rod Cameras

> Hot Rod Cameras is a Burbank-based specialty dealer of motion-picture camera equipment, founded in 2009 by longtime camera-department veteran Illya Friedman. It sells and supports high-end cinema gear from brands like ARRI, RED, Sony and Canon, builds its own custom camera accessories, and serves everyone from ASC cinematographers and studios to students - with advice from people who have actually worked on set.

- **Founded:** 2009
- **Headquarters:** Burbank, California, United States
- **Founders:** Illya Friedman (Founder & President), Lisa Sotolongo (Producer / Co-Leader)
- **Team size:** Approximately 11 employees
- **Products:** Digital Cinema Cameras, Lenses & Optics, Lighting & Grip, Custom Camera Accessories, Monitors, Recorders & Wireless
- **Notable:** Operating for over 15 years as a specialty cinema-gear dealer, Became a recognized 'store of choice' for the motion picture industry, Launched and produces The Cinematography Podcast

## Products & services

- **Digital Cinema Cameras** — Sales of cinema, mirrorless, broadcast, PTZ and specialty cameras from ARRI, RED, Sony, Canon, Blackmagic, Panasonic and more.
- **Lenses & Optics** — Cinema and photo lenses, cine-size filters, and optical adapters.
- **Lighting & Grip** — Professional LED lighting, modifiers, stands, and rigging hardware.
- **Custom Camera Accessories** — In-house designed and built camera cages, support rigs and accessories.
- **Monitors, Recorders & Wireless** — On-set monitors, HD/4K recorders, and wireless video transmission systems.
- **Studio Build & Education Solutions** — Consultation on studio builds and equipment packages for schools and universities.
- **The Cinematography Podcast** — A show about the art, craft and philosophy of the moving image, produced from Hot Rod Cameras.

## Achievements

- Operating for over 15 years as a specialty cinema-gear dealer
- Became a recognized 'store of choice' for the motion picture industry
- Launched and produces The Cinematography Podcast
- Builds its own custom camera accessories in-house
- Strong customer reviews for expertise and service

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — Yelp listing shows 52 reviews and 17 photos of the Burbank showroom.
- **2026-01** — Refreshed website messaging emphasizing 'we help you make the right decisions for your production' and appointment-only Portland location.

## Links

- Website: https://hotrodcameras.com
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hotrodcameras
- Twitter/X: http://twitter.com/hotrodcameras
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/hotrodcameras
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotrodcameras/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotrodcameras/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/hot-rod-cameras
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-20