Shaping How the World Sees Itself

I3A is the leading global imaging industry association, driving growth of and setting standards for the photographic and information imaging markets. As the industry focal point, I3A offers a framework and environment where members can quickly find resources to solve critical issues and develop market solutions. Members of I3A work together to find common ground for advancing the industry and to enable better products and services for their customers.

A Humble Beginning: April 1946

The history of I3A dates back to 1946. National Association of Photographic Manufacturers launched. William C. Babbit named as Managing Director. First permanent office in Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. Primary areas of concern to the association include price controls, trade relations, tariffs, raw material availability, photographic standards, manufacturing regulations, excise taxes, and labor relations. In October of that year, NAPM News Letter No. 1 published. NAPM convinces the U.S. Office of Price Administration to remove price controls on most photographic equipment and in June, the First NAPM Annual Meeting.

1950’s Throughout The 1970’s

NAPM succeeds in its drive to have the Federal Government further reduce the Photographic Excise Tax. NAPM, in cooperation with the Photographers Association of America and the Master Photo Dealers and Finishers Association, conducts the International Photographic Exposition in Washington, DC. NAPM, in cooperation with the Atomic Energy Commission, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Weather Bureau and the U.S. Air Force, provides a warning service for radioactive contamination resulting from atomic tests to protect sensitized goods, plants, products, supplies, etc. Tom Dufficy joins NAPM as a section director. John Schuyler joins NAPM as public relations director. NAPM assumes the Secretariat of the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee on Photography - ISO TC 42. NAPM-sponsored Photo Expo 71, held in Chicago, draws over 80,500 attendees

Growing Up In The 1980’s

Tom Dufficy, NAPM, testimony before U.S. Environmental Protection Agency results in removal of silver from a list of 83 contaminants in drinking water. NAPM advice to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on studies on biodegradation lead to delisting of ammonium thiosulfate as a hazardous substance. NAPM participates in the Industry Sector Advisory Committee 5, which has direct input for negotiating proposals to the ongoing GATT

1990’s Get’s a Little More Technical

Image Technology Standards Committees on Film Paper and Plates (IT1), Image Evaluation (IT2), Photographic Apparatus (IT3), Photochemicals and Processing (IT4), Instructional Audiovisual Systems (IT7), and Physical Properties and Permanence of Imaging Materials (IT9) become part of the NAPM Standards Organization. New TCs on Electronic Still Picture Imaging (IT10), Optics and Optical Instruments (IT11) and Imaging Materials Recyclability (IT12) are created. NAPM publishes a Technical Report on "Airport X-rays and Camera Films after completion of a series of tests evaluating the effects of X-ray machines used in airport security systems on film carried by airline passengers. NAPM changes its name to the Photographic and Imaging Manufacturers Association (PIMA). The name change retains the 50-year heritage, and serves as a welcome platform for new imaging technologies.

A New Century: 2000’s and Beyond

Lisa Walker appointed President of the DIG. First public version of image metadata specification announced. PIMA 15740 - Picture Transfer Protocol is approved by PIMA Standards Management Board. Tom Dufficy retires. Michael Nier elected Executive Vice President of PIMA. I3A is formed by the merger of DIG and PIMA. The first I3A Achievement Award was presented to John O’Donoghue of Eastman Kodak Company. Camera Phone Image Quality (CPIQ) Initiative releases first white paper, begins work on development of Phase 2.