Marumi

What Marumi does

Marumi Optical Co., Ltd. (マルミ光機株式会社) is a privately-held Japanese manufacturer of optical camera filters, founded in 1952 and headquartered in Tokyo with production concentrated at its Nagano Prefecture factory. The company designs and produces a comprehensive portfolio of photographic and video filters organized into quality tiers (PRIME, EXUS, DHG) and filter types, including lens protection, circular polarizers, neutral density, soft/diffusion, cross/star, macro, square, and specialty creative filters. Core proprietary technology centers on coating processes — the Ultra-Low Reflection (ULC) coat achieving 0.08% reflectivity on the flagship PRIME II, plasma sputtering thin-film deposition for C-P.L filters, anti-static discharge coatings, and dual-sided water-repellent coatings — supplemented by a patented 2014 integrated CPL/ND filter design and a proprietary magnetic slim filter attachment system. Manufacturing is performed in-house in Japan by skilled craftspeople, and the company holds a 2014 patent for a combined CPL/ND WR filter.

Marumi monetizes exclusively through one-time hardware sales, pricing filters on a per-unit basis with standardized retail prices that scale by filter thread diameter (37mm to 112mm). Distribution is concentrated in Japan via official stores on Yahoo Shopping and Rakuten, physical camera retail stores, and a smartphone-accessory channel partnership with ELECOM. Customer segmentation is horizontal, spanning professional photographers, enthusiast hobbyists, videographers/content creators, and cinema/TV professionals, with named photographer ambassadors (Sayaka Suzuki, Kiyoshi Tatsuno, Teruyasu Kitayama, Joe Asada) serving as co-developers and brand endorsers. Marketing is anchored on the CP+ trade show, the FILTER ABC educational platform, social channels (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube), and limited-edition photographer collaborations. Reported price increases of approximately 5% were implemented in June 2022 and April 2026 in response to material and manufacturing cost pressure.

Name

Marumi

Legal name

マルミ光機株式会社

Website

https://marumi-filter.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1952

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Marumi Optical Co., Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1952 that designs and produces optical camera filters — including lens protection, polarizing, ND, and specialty effect filters — for professional photographers, videographers, and enthusiasts, primarily serving the Japanese domestic market.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Photographic Lens Filters

SIC

Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Lenses & Optical Accessories (Lenses, Filters, Adapters, Teleconverters) (CRACAPAF)

Keywords

• Camera lens filters
• Optical photographic filters
• Lens protection filters
• Circular polarizing filters
• Neutral density filters

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Camera Filter Hardware Sales: Marumi's primary revenue stream is the sale of optical glass camera filters. Products are sold in a wide range of standardized thread sizes (37mm to 105mm, plus 112mm) as well as square/rectangular formats. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware purchases by consumers. The company also sells kits and bundled products.
2. Accessories: Sales of filter accessories including cleaning solutions (EXUS Lens Cleaning Spray), filter cases, step-up/down adapters, magnetic adapters, and other complementary photography gear.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Marumi designs, manufactures, and sells precision optical glass camera filters for photography and videography under its PRIME, EXUS, and DHG product lines. The portfolio covers lens protection filters, circular polarizers (C-P.L), neutral density filters (including variable ND), light pollution / astrophotography filters, soft/mist/cross effect filters, magnetic slim filter systems, square magnetic holder systems, and the PUNCH! creative filter series. All filters are produced at the company's Nagano factory in Japan.

Product overview

Marumi Optical Co., Ltd. (マルミ光機株式会社) is a Japanese manufacturer of precision optical filters for photography and videography. The company produces a comprehensive portfolio of lens protection, effect, and control filters across multiple product lines organized by quality tier (PRIME, EXUS, DHG) and filter type. The core offerings include: PRIME II/EXUS/PRIME Lens Protect series (protection filters with varying reflectance levels from 0.08% to 0.2%); EXUS and DHG CPL (circular polarizing) filters including the PLASMA SPUTTERING C-P.L series; ND filters (neutral density) including fixed and variable types such as the DHG Super Variable ND2.5-500; StarScape light pollution cut filters for astrophotography; DHG soft filters including Portrait, Retro, Fantasy, and Foggy types; Black Mist and White Powder Mist filters for cinematic diffusion; DHG cross (star) filters in 4/6/8-line variants; MACRO close-up filters; the M100 Magnetic Holder System for square 100x150 GND and 100x100 ND filters; the Circular Magnetic Slim Filter series with instant magnetic attachment; MOVIE and CINE & TV filters for video production; and the PUNCH! creative filter series (ALPS PUNCH! and NATSURO PUNCH!) jointly developed with photographer Sayaka Suzuki. The company also offers the FILTER ABC educational platform and a full range of accessories including cleaning products, adapters, and step-up rings. Marumi holds a 2014 patent for its integrated CPL/ND WR filter and manufactures all products in Japan.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EXUS: High-end filter series including EXUS Lens Protect, EXUS CPL, EXUS ND filters with ultra-low reflection coatings
• DHG
• PRIME
• PUNCH!
• StarScape
• CREATION
• FILTER ABC

Products and services

• PRIME II Lens Protect Flagship lens protection filter launched in May 2026 featuring an ultra-low reflectance rate of 0.08% via ULA coating, complete anti-static coating, and a newly designed high-precision filter frame that suppresses ghosting. For professional and enthusiast photographers.
• EXUS Lens Protect Mark II High-end lens protection filter with anti-static coating and 0.2% ultra-low reflection multi-coating, available in 18 sizes including the newly added 105mm and 112mm for large-diameter cinema lenses.
• EXUS Lens Protect SOLID Durable lens protection filter built on high-strength glass, designed for tough environments and professional use.
• LENS PROTECT KIYOSHI TATSUNO Limited Edition Limited edition lens protection filter fully supervised by landscape photographer Kiyoshi Tatsuno, featuring ultra-low reflection ULC coat, precision grinding, high-quality optical glass, and a unique dark red anodized aluminum frame with Tatsuno's signature.
• PRIME Lens Protect Premium lens protection filter achieving 0.1% reflectance with ultra-low reflection ULC coating and precision grinding, available in a wide range of sizes from 37mm to 86mm.
• EXUS CIRCULAR P.L Mark II High-end circular polarizing filter with anti-static coating and ultra-low reflection multi-coating for controlling reflections and enhancing color contrast in landscape photography.
• C-P.L PLASMA SPUTTERING KIYOSHI TATSUNO Limited Edition Premium CPL filter using plasma sputtering coating technology, fully supervised by landscape photographer Kiyoshi Tatsuno, achieving 0.18% reflectance with superior color balance, anti-static discharge characteristics, and scratch resistance.
• C-P.L PLASMA SPUTTERING LUKE H. OZAWA Limited Edition Limited edition CPL filter using plasma sputtering technology featuring Luke H. Ozawa's distinctive blue color expression, developed with aviation photographer Luke Ozawa.
• PRIME PLASMA SPUTTERING C-P.L Highest-spec CPL filter using plasma sputtering coating technology achieving superior ultra-low reflection and color balance, positioned as the top-tier polarizing filter in the lineup.
• DHG Super CIRCULAR P.L.D Professional-grade circular polarizing filter with super multi-coating for enhanced color contrast and reflection control in photography and videography.
• DHG CIRCULAR P.L.D Standard circular polarizing filter with multi-coating for reflection control and color contrast enhancement.
• EXUS ND Filters (ND4/8/16/32/64) High-end neutral density filters with ultra-low reflection coating and anti-static properties for reducing light intake across various densities.
• EXUS ND Filters (ND500/1000) High-concentration ND filters for achieving extremely slow shutter speeds in bright conditions, enabling motion blur effects and long-exposure photography.
• DHG ND Filters Standard line of neutral density filters available in multiple concentrations (ND8/16/32/64) for controlled light reduction.
• DHG Super Variable ND2.5-500 Variable ND filter enabling step-less and accurate light reduction from ND2.5 to ND500, designed for mirrorless video as a must-have first-choice item, featuring side levers, stop marks, X-free warning marks, and dual-sided water-repellent anti-soil coating.
• CREATION VARIABLE ND (2.5-256/V) Variable ND filter using two polarizing films for stepless light reduction between ND2.5 and ND256, with side levers and stop marks for video and photo use.
• CREATION VARIABLE ND (40-400/P) Variable ND filter with ND40 to ND400 range, designed primarily for still photography while also suitable for mirrorless video, featuring side levers and stop mechanism.
• CREATION VARIABLE ND (2.5-500/Basic) Basic variable ND filter offering wide range adjustment from ND2.5 to ND500 (usable range ND450) at an affordable price point.
• CPL/ND WR (Water-Repellent) — 2014 Patent Innovative filter combining CPL and ND in a single unit, patented by Marumi in 2014, integrating polarization and light reduction functions for simplified workflow.
• StarScape (Light Pollution Cut Filter) Light pollution cut filter that removes artificial light interference from mercury, sodium, LED, fluorescent lamps and headlights, preserving the true beauty of stars and night skies for astrophotography and night cityscapes.
• DHG Retro Soft Filter Special soft filter with irregular surface treatment that refracts light for a unique cinema-like soft effect, adding gentle light diffusion without excessive whitening, suitable for nostalgic and emotional photography and videography.
• DHG Portrait Soft Filter Soft filter that adds natural glow to subjects with exposure compensation, providing skin-smoothing portrait effect.
• DHG Soft Fantasy / Soft Fantasy II Soft filters providing a versatile soft effect suitable for any subject, easily creating a happy and warm atmosphere.
• DHG Foggy Soft Filter Soft filter that diffuses light like mist, ideal for morning mist, twilight, and waterside scenes.
• Black Mist Filter Mist filter producing unique light diffusion effect for a cinematic look, available in multiple diffusion strengths (1/2, 1/4, 1/8).
• White Powder Mist Filter White mist filter with internal white micro-particles that diffuse bright star/light points to emphasize constellations, available in multiple diffusion strengths in both screw-in and magnetic slim types.
• DHG Star Cross Filter Cross filter creating 4-line star-shaped light streaks from point light sources for enhancing highlights in night scenes and portraits.
• DHG 6x Cross Filter Cross filter generating 6-line star-shaped light streaks for more elaborate light effects in night photography.
• DHG 8x Cross Filter Cross filter generating 8-line star-shaped light streaks for maximum light streak effects in night and illumination photography.
• MACRO Filters Close-up filter attachments enabling easy macro photography without specialized macro lenses.
• ALPS PUNCH! Creative filter jointly developed with photographer Sayaka Suzuki, featuring magenta V-coating on four glass surfaces that emphasizes green and warm colors, produces intentional magenta ghosting, and creates nostalgic, resolution-reduced images reminiscent of memories.
• NATSURO PUNCH! (なついろパンチ!) Creative filter jointly developed with photographer Sayaka Suzuki featuring blue color tone emphasis, subtle ghosting and flare effects, and creates cool-toned nostalgic imagery with strong blue color expression without disturbing other colors.
• M100 Magnetic Holder System (Square Filters) Square filter system featuring magnetic frames for 100x150 GND and 100x100 ND filters, designed for field operability with quick filter exchange and positioning without touching filter glass directly. Compatible with CPL, StarScape, and various GND/ND combinations.
• Magnetic Slim Filter Series (Circular) Circular magnetic slim filter series enabling instant magnetic attachment and detachment without screw-in threading, featuring compact design with strong magnets, A6063 aluminum alloy frame, and availability in multiple sizes including 62mm and 72mm additions.
• Magnetic Slim Movie Kit Movie-oriented kit for the Magnetic Slim Filter series including 7 ND filter types (ND2/ND4/ND8/ND16/ND32/ND64/ND1000), magnetic adapter, and protective pouch for instant filter changes during video recording.
• Magnetic Slim Starry Sky Kit Kit for astrophotography featuring StarScape adapter and White Powder Mist 1/4, enabling quick magnetic attachment in low-light conditions for star and Milky Way photography.
• Magnetic Slim Focus Aid Filter Filter specifically developed to assist with manual focusing on stars at night, featuring an etched pattern on the glass surface that creates 3-prong light streaks on bright stars for accurate infinity focus.
• MOVIE Filters Filters optimized for video recording with mirrorless and DSLR cameras, including Variable ND filters and CPL designed for cinematic exposure control.
• CINE & TV Filters Professional filters for cinema and television production, designed for high-demand professional video shooting environments.
• EXUS Lens Cleaning Spray High-performance lens and filter cleaner in 30ml spray pump format with dedicated microfiber cleaning cloth, designed for delicate lens and filter surfaces.

Quantifiable outcome

• PRIME II achieves 0.08% one-sided reflectivity, the lowest in the industry for protection filters
• +4 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• 鈴木さや香 (Sayaka Suzuki) / Atelier PiccoloflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2022Photographer Suzuki Sayaka co-developed the PUNCH! filter series (Alps Punch and Natsuiro Punch), contributing artistic vision and technical direction. The collaboration spanned approximately 10 months of development starting April 2021, with Suzuki providing feedback on prototypes and participating in marketing through workshops and video content. Atelier Piccolo served as the premiere sales location for PUNCH! filters.
• 辰野 清 (Kiyoshi Tatsuno)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape photographer Kiyoshi Tatsuno served as full artistic director and quality supervisor for the LENS PROTECT KIYOSHI TATSUNO Limited Edition and C-P.L PLASMA SPUTTERING KIYOSHI TATSUNO Limited Edition. His philosophy and aesthetic preferences directly shaped filter specifications, frame color, packaging design, and coating choices.
• ELECOM (エレコマ)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorELECOM manufactures and distributes smartphone filter-holder cases compatible with Marumi 52mm filters for SHARP AQUOS R8 pro, AQUOS R8, and AQUOS sense8 smartphones. This partnership enables Marumi to serve the smartphone photography market through ELECOM's established retail distribution channels in Japan.
• 北山輝泰 (Teruyasu Kitayama)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional astroscape photographer and videographer who collaborates with Marumi on product development, content creation, and marketing. Featured in Marumi's FILTER ABC educational content demonstrating StarScape filters, and serves as a seminar speaker at CP+ events teaching star photography techniques.
• 浅田 譲 (Joe Asada)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFilmmaker, photographer, and jazz drummer who has been a Marumi brand ambassador since 2021. Created promotional films for the DHG Retro Soft and DHG Mist filter series, demonstrating their cinematic applications. Featured at CP+ seminars discussing mist filter applications in video production.
• PHOTO GARDEN (フォトガーデン)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPhotography retail store in Nara, Japan that partnered with Marumi and photographer Suzuki Sayaka to host the PUNCH! workshop event on November 23, 2022. The workshop attracted 15 participants and served as a key marketing event for the PUNCH! filter series.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Lee Filters: Lee Filters is a UK manufacturer of resin and glass photographic filters known for its Little Stopper, Big Stopper, and GND/System holder square filter system, directly comparable to Marumi's M100 square holder system and GND/ND square filters for landscape photography.
• B+W (Schneider-Kreuznach): B+W is a German premium filter brand under Schneider-Kreuznach producing XS-Pro, Master and Kaesemann polarizers and MRC nano-coated protection filters, competing head-to-head with Marumi EXUS and PRIME in the high-end protection and CPL tiers.
• The Tiffen Company: Tiffen is a US manufacturer of photographic and cinematographic filters (Circular Polarizers, UV, ND, Diffusion/FX filters), overlapping Marumi in CPL/ND/protection and competing especially in the cinema and video filter segments where both serve professional videographers.
• Formatt Hitech (Hitech / Firecrest): Formatt Hitech is a UK filter maker producing resin and glass photographic filters including the Firecrest ND range and 100mm/150mm holder systems, directly comparable to Marumi's M100 square ND/GND lineup for landscape and long-exposure work.
• Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. Kenko Tokina is a Japanese optical accessories maker selling photographic filters (PRO1D, Zeta, C-PL, ND), step-up rings and lens accessories with a comparable mid-to-premium product portfolio and similar distribution through Japanese and global camera retail channels.
• Cokin (Cokin France): Cokin is a French filter maker best known for its creative filter series and modular square/rectangular filter holder systems (P, Z, X-Pro), a direct competitor to Marumi's M100 system and creative-effect filters among enthusiast photographers.
• NiSi Filters: NiSi is a Chinese filter manufacturer specializing in square GND/ND systems and True Color polarizers with competitive pricing, directly competing with Marumi's M100 square system, CPL, and Variable ND filters among enthusiast landscape photographers.
• Hoya Corporation (HOYA Filter / HMC / PRO1 Digital): Hoya is a Japanese optical components company and one of the largest global manufacturers of photographic lens filters (UV, CPL, ND), directly competing with Marumi across CPL, ND and protection filter categories with overlapping thread sizes and tiered product lines.

Emerging players

• Haida (Haida Optical): Haida is a Chinese manufacturer of photographic filters (NanoPro, Red Diamond CPL/ND) and 100mm square filter holder systems, an emerging low-cost competitor to Marumi's M100 square system and CPL/ND product lines.
• Breakthrough Photography: Breakthrough Photography is a US premium filter brand selling X4 CPL, ND and UV filters with a focus on low-reflectance coatings and color neutrality, competing with Marumi EXUS/PRIME in the high-end protection and CPL categories among enthusiast and professional photographers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/marumi_filter
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCXFFWkP4hvqc1Vp3i42l-tg
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• Instagraminstagram.com/marumi_filter_japan_official
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/marumi-optical-co-ltd-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Marumi