The Legacy of

Houston Fearless

A Rich History

A Legacy of Innovation

From its origins in film processing and aerospace engineering to becoming a trusted defense contractor, Houston Fearless has spent over five decades pushing the boundaries of innovation. Explore our journey—from supporting the SR-71 and U-2 programs to leading today’s mission-critical ISR, power, and environmental systems. This is the story of engineering excellence in service to national security.

HF GROUP, INC, dba, HOUSTON FEARLESS 76

Engineering Excellence Since 1920

HF76 is a technology design and manufacturing company with a long history in:

Film Processors
Cameras & Duplicators
Microfilm/fiche Scanners
Military and Intelligence Shelter
Power and HVAC Systems
Advanced Oxidation, Low Temperature Distillation, Zero Discharge Systems

We proudly serve the U.S. Government and private industry worldwide. With over 30 years of continuous support at Beale Air Force Base, HF’s legacy is built on outstanding customer service, top-tier personnel, and dependable performance.

Our Story

1920s: A Vision is Born

Houston Fearless traces its roots to H.W. "Hub" Houston, a brilliant engineer working with Howard Hughes. In 1921, the pair moved to Los Angeles and founded the Hughes Development Company. While Hughes shifted toward Hollywood, Hub focused on the technology behind filmmaking.

1930s–40s: Innovation in Film

In 1936, Hub formed the Houston Development Company, which soon led the way in motion picture equipment, pioneering continuous film processors and optical systems for the U.S. Government and commercial industry.

From Hollywood to the War Front

WWII & Military Support

During World War II, the company expanded to a new facility in Los Angeles and played a key role in color film development for the war effort. With Air Force backing, Houston Development built the first portable continuous film processors for 16mm and 35mm film.

A Merger that Made History

1950: Houston + Fearless

In 1950, Houston Development merged with the Fearless Camera Company to form Houston Fearless Corporation. HF became the first to offer camera dollies and film processors to the growing television and motion picture industry.

Cold War Expansion

1960s–70s: Defense Programs

In 1964, HF joined the SR-71 Blackbird and U-2 spy plane programs, supplying high-speed film processing systems to the U.S. Air Force. HF’s specialized team of engineers and technicians supported worldwide military operations with custom ground support equipment and engineering services.

A New Chapter: Houston Fearless 76, Inc.

1976: A New Name, A Bigger Mission

Houston Fearless 76, Inc. was formed when M.S. Lee and D.J. Macho acquired the Photo Systems Division. The product line expanded to include film processors for every film type and format, reinforcing our market leadership.

Environmental Leadership

Late 1980s: A Turning Point

When the EPA issued a cease-and-desist order to the U-2 lab in 1989 due to photographic waste, we helped the Air Force develop the first true zero-discharge system —a groundbreaking pollution control solution that transformed 88,000 gallons of waste into just 22 gallons of recyclable sludge.

Innovation Through Acquisition

Oscar Fisher Corp.
Graphic arts equipment Extek Microsystems – Film duplicators
Mekel Engineering
Microfilm digitizing systems
Houston International
Photo paper processors, founded by Hub Houston’s sons

In 2003, HF76 consolidated all its divisions under HF Group, Inc.

Looking Ahead

Today, we operate our own research, design, engineering, manufacturing, and service facilities—developing both standard and custom systems for clients worldwide. We are now applying our decades of experience to meet the growing global demand for: