Pentax Cameras: Capturing The Cosmos

Pentax, a Japanese camera and optical equipment manufacturer, has a long history of producing cameras and lenses. In 1952, Pentax (then known as Asahi Optical Co.) released the first Japanese single-lens reflex camera, the Asahiflex. Over the years, Pentax continued to innovate, releasing the world's first instant return mirror system in 1954 and the first through-the-lens metering system in 1964.

While there is no explicit mention of Pentax cameras being used in space, their cameras have been used for a variety of purposes, including by NASA for constellation observation. Additionally, Pentax has a history of collaboration with other companies, such as Samsung, and their cameras have been sold under different brands like Tower and Heiland in the USA.

Pentax was a Japanese camera and optical equipment manufacturer

Pentax, a Japanese camera and optical equipment manufacturer, was founded in 1919 as a town workshop specialising in polishing eyeglass lenses. Over the years, Pentax has gone through several name changes and ownership transfers, but its commitment to innovation in camera technology has remained consistent.

In 1952, Pentax, then known as Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co., developed Japan's first single-lens reflex camera, the Asahiflex, marking its entry into the camera manufacturing industry. This debut camera featured a non-interchangeable waist-level viewfinder and a non-returning mirror, with shutter speeds ranging from 1/25 to 1/500. The Asahiflex series played a pivotal role in establishing Pentax as a prominent camera brand, eventually leading to the company renaming itself "Pentax Corporation" in 2002.

Throughout its history, Pentax has been at the forefront of camera technology, introducing numerous innovations that have shaped the industry. In 1964, they launched the Spotmatic, the world's first SLR camera with a TTL metering system. This was followed by a string of groundbreaking developments, including the world's first autofocus SLR camera in 1981 and the first medium format DSLR in 2010.

One of Pentax's most notable achievements was its role in the resurgence of the Japanese photographic industry in the 1950s. Their cameras were well-received by occupation forces during World War II and gained international recognition due to their high quality. This period also marked the beginning of Pentax's export endeavours, with their products reaching markets beyond Japan.

In more recent times, Pentax has continued to adapt and evolve. In 2007, the company merged with Hoya Corporation, and subsequently, in 2011, the Pentax brand's digital camera business was acquired by Ricoh, leading to the establishment of Pentax Ricoh Imaging. Despite changes in ownership, Pentax has maintained its reputation for producing robust and innovative cameras, lenses, and optical equipment.

Pentax developed Japan's first single-lens reflex camera, the Asahiflex, in 1952

In 1952, Asahi Optical (later Pentax) developed Japan's first single-lens reflex camera, the Asahiflex. This was a significant milestone as Asahi Optical had no previous experience in camera making. The Asahiflex was a 35mm SLR camera, the first of its kind produced in Japan.

The design of the Asahiflex was influenced by the Leica III and the Praktiflex, a 1939 design from the German Democratic Republic. Despite resembling these earlier cameras in some ways, the Asahiflex featured a unique lens mount, a 37x1mm screw mount complemented by a line of lenses bearing the Takumar name. The Asahiflex also introduced a mirror coupled to the shutter button, a feature not seen in other SLRs at the time. This allowed the mirror to move up and down with each press of the shutter button, improving usability.

The Asahiflex was the result of a conscious decision by Asahi Optical to create a high-quality 35mm camera that was not merely a copy of existing German rangefinder designs. This decision set Asahi Optical apart from other Japanese camera manufacturers of the time. The success of the Asahiflex paved the way for the development of the Asahi Pentax, a pivotal single-lens reflex camera that would shape the design of 35mm SLRs worldwide.

The Asahiflex IIb was the first 35mm SLR to have an instant-return mirror

The Asahiflex IIb, released in 1954, was the first 35mm SLR to have an instant-return mirror. This camera was produced by the Asahi Optical Corporation, which later became Pentax.

The Asahiflex IIb was a significant advancement in camera technology. Prior to its release, no SLR camera had an instant-return mirror feature. The Asahiflex IIb's mirror would swing up and away when the shutter was released, allowing the photographic medium to be exposed, and then instantly return after the exposure.

This innovation addressed one of the major issues with previous SLR designs, the mirror black-out, which significantly reduced usability and made the rangefinder a more popular choice. The Asahiflex IIb's instant-return mirror was quickly adopted by other camera manufacturers, demonstrating its importance in the evolution of SLR cameras.

The Asahiflex series played a pivotal role in the development of modern SLR photography, with the Asahiflex IIb being a notable milestone in this journey. The success of the Asahiflex series laid the foundation for the Asahi Optical Corporation to rebrand itself as Pentax Corporation, a name that has endured in the camera industry.

Pentax was acquired by Hoya in 2007 and subsequently merged with the company

Pentax Corporation, a Japanese camera and optical equipment manufacturer, was acquired by Hoya in 2007 and subsequently merged with the company the following year. The history of Pentax dates back to 1919 when it was founded as a town workshop specialising in polishing eyeglass lenses. In 1952, Pentax, then known as Asahi Optical Co. Ltd, introduced Japan's first single-lens reflex camera, the Asahiflex. Over the years, Pentax established itself as a leading manufacturer of photographic equipment, particularly known for its 35mm cameras distributed under the name "Asahi Pentax".

The acquisition by Hoya in 2007 marked a significant change for Pentax. Hoya Corporation, a Japanese company specialising in various optical products, sought to strengthen its medical-related business by leveraging Pentax's expertise in fields such as endoscopes, intraocular lenses, and surgical loupes. While there was speculation about the future of Pentax's camera business, it was eventually sold to Ricoh in 2011, resulting in the establishment of Pentax Ricoh Imaging.

The impact of the merger with Hoya was evident in the restructuring of Pentax's operations. Hoya closed the Pentax-owned factory in Tokyo and relocated manufacturing facilities to Cebu, Philippines, and Hanoi, Vietnam. This shift reflected a strategic decision to consolidate production and take advantage of cost efficiencies in these locations.

The Pentax brand continues to hold a prominent position in the camera market, particularly in the digital camera space. Despite no longer being an independent company, the Pentax name persists as a brand under the ownership of Ricoh, with products such as compact cameras, DSLRs, and lenses still bearing the Pentax label.

In recent years, Pentax has demonstrated its ability to innovate and adapt to changing market demands. In 2024, Pentax launched the Pentax 17, a half-frame film camera that marked its return to the film camera market after a two-decade hiatus. This release generated significant interest and highlighted Pentax's ongoing commitment to the photography industry.

In 2011, Hoya spun off the Pentax brand's digital camera business, which was acquired by Ricoh

Pentax, a Japanese camera and optical equipment manufacturer, was founded in 1919 as a town workshop specialising in polishing eyeglass lenses. In 2006, Pentax's domestic market share in digital cameras had declined to 4%. The following year, Pentax was acquired by Hoya and the two companies merged in 2008. Hoya's primary goal was to strengthen its medical-related business by taking advantage of Pentax's technologies and expertise in the field of endoscopes, intraocular lenses, surgical loupes, and biocompatible ceramics.

In 2011, Hoya spun off the Pentax brand's digital camera business, which was then acquired by Ricoh, a copier and printer maker. The deal was worth about 10 billion yen ($124.2 million) according to the Nikkei business daily. On July 29, 2011, Hoya transferred its Pentax imaging systems business to a newly established subsidiary called Pentax Imaging Corporation. Subsequently, on October 1, 2011, Ricoh acquired all shares of Pentax Imaging Corp. and renamed the new subsidiary Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.

Hoya continues to use the Pentax brand name for its medical-related products such as endoscopes. On August 1, 2013, the company name was changed to Ricoh Imaging Company Ltd. Today, Pentax DSLRs are manufactured in Cebu, Philippines, while digital Pentax lenses are produced in Hanoi, Vietnam, under Pentax Ricoh Imaging Products.

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