Jaakko Kurhi

I worked at JK Camera Engineering in the 80s. I worked on electronics for the optical printers, animation stands, intervalometers, the Anicam (a custom camera for animation) and the shaper for the windsurfers. Jaakko would get an idea and just start working on something like crazy without explaining anything until he was ready for us to get the electronics working. We made circuit boards by etching them in a sink. He made fiberglass boxes for the electronics because he had all the stuff for...

Thanks for making the optical printer. One of the greatest tools for true filmmakers.

Jaakko taught me more than any person possibly could, yes we banged heads more than once, we could of been alot more, i could tell stories for days, a truly great man, will always be remembered and missed, ther was so much more I wish I would of said and asked, love you very much uncle jaakko

As a student filmmaker I used to drive over to his place in Oakland at night to use his 16mm optical printer to create effects for my films. He was such a kid, knowledgeable and generous teacher to me, as I know he was to many young people. I hope he knew how much good he spread in the world. I wish I could tell him how much I owe him. - Gary Gutierrez

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.