Over the past 90 yers, PENTAX has introduced numerous technological advances, making our cameras, lenses, scopes, and binoculars the most sought-after in the world. Browse our timeline to see our most significant product releases and company milestones.
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION ha anunciado hoy la RICOH GR, una mezcla ideal de calidad de imagen, tamaño de la cámara y el precio, estableciendo un nuevo punto de referencia para la categoría de cámara compacta avanzada.
Aprovechando su larga experiencia y amplia en la categoría impermeable, PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION (PENTAX) ha presentado la 15 ª generación en su adventureproof line-up de cámaras de apuntar y disparar, el GT-3.
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION announces the HD PENTAX DA 560mm F5.6 ED AW designed specifically for use with all K-mount camera bodies.
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION announces the introduction of its PENTAX K-5 II and K-5 IIs flagship digital SLR cameras.
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION today announces the introduction of its new weather and dust resistant digital SLR camera – the PENTAX K-30.
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION just pushed the PENTAX WG adventure camera series to the edge for the 13th time with the introduction of the PENTAX Optio WG-2 and PENTAX Optio WG-2 GPS digital compact cameras.
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION introduces the Marc Newson designed PENTAX K-01 interchangeable lens camera (ILC). The new PENTAX K-01 is another bold effort from the manufacturer that is known for pushing camera size, color, durability, and now, design, to the limit.
Ricoh Company, Ltd. announces the establishment of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. on October 1, 2011.
PENTAX 645D Medium-format Digital SLR Camera Wins "Camera of the Year" at Camera GP Japan 2011 Awards and is deemed Best DSLR Professional by TIPA 2011.
PENTAX Imaging Company announces plans to relocate its US headquarter from Golden, CO to Downtown Denver.
Hoya Corporation announces an agreement to transfer PENTAX Imaging Systems to RICOH
PENTAX introduces the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera (ILC), the PENTAX Q. The Q offers the versatility and precision of an advanced DSLR in a body that is significantly smaller than every other digital ILC body available on the market today.
PENTAX unveils the 12th generation Optio adventure cameras. The Optio WG-1 and the Optio WG-1 GPS take adventure photography to new heights (and depths) with a 14 megapixel sensor, waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof to 5 feet and crushproof construction. The Digital Microscope mode offers five LEDs for excellent macro lighting and a detachable macro stand for steadier capture. Now available with GPS functionality, the WG-1 GPS proves you really were there.
Long anticipated yet ahead of its time, PENTAX finishes out the year by delivering our first 645D digital medium format with 40 megapixels and all of the features pros could hope for at a price that was well worth the wait.
The Optio W90 wins OUTSIDE Magazine GEAR OF THE YEAR award.
PENTAX speaks to advanced photo enthusiasts like never before with the compact, rugged K-5. This DSLR features an amazing 16.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, ISO from 80-51200, 7 FPS framerate and 1080p HD video at 25 FPS, all housed in a compact, weather-resistant body with shake reduction.
This powerful DSLR with advanced features like 12.4 Megapixels, HD video, a 3-inch LCD display and a 6FPS framerate carries on the new tradition of DSLR color choices of basic black, classy white and PENTAX and competes with higher-end DSLRs but looks great doing it.
PENTAX Sport Optics enters the electronic age with the introduction of the world’s first electronic rifle scope – the PENTAX ULTIMATE ZOOM ™ Rifle Scope. This new member of the extensive line of PENTAX precision rifle scopes features a built-in battery-powered, low-noise zooming motor that is activated by the touch of a button.
PENTAX shakes up the waterproof digital category with the adventure proof Optio W90. Shockproof, coldproof, and dustproof to new extremes, this award winning compact features inventive LED lens lighting for macro photography and an eye-catching design and carabiner strap.
PENTAX redefines the entry-level digital SLR category with the all-new K-x. The K-x offers high-end features like Live View, HD video and lightning-fast speed, and comes in black, white, and limited-edition red or navy.
PENTAX introduces two new waterproof compacts, the Optio W80 and Optio WS80. Palm-sized and built for adventure, both cameras can withstand rain, snow, sand and spills, and take extraordinary underwater photos and video.
PENTAX releases the amazing K-7, our first DSLR with HD Movie Capture. Fast, durable and lightweight, the 14.6 megapixel K-7 is one of the smallest DSLRs in its class, and the most powerful PENTAX ever built.
PENTAX releases the X70 Megazoom digital camera, featuring a high magnification 24X optical zoom lens with wide-angle to super-telephoto coverage in a portable, compact and lightweight body. With 12 megapixels, SLR-like styling and flexible exposure modes, the X70 is a true bridge between compact digital cameras and digital SLRs.
PENTAX rolls out the latest K series digital SLR—the PENTAX K2000. The ideal entry-level SLR, the K2000 features numerous technological advancements and ships in a special kit with lens and flash that will grow with the expanding ranks of budding digital SLR users. The limited-edition, white PENTAX K2000 DSLR system with a double zoom kit is also announced. The new camera body and both lenses* feature a brilliant white color with black trim.
The Optio W60, an adventure-friendly, 10 megapixel, waterproof compact, is released just in time for summer.
PENTAX unveils the K200D. With a dustproof and weather-resistant body, the K200D is an easy-to-operate, 10 megapixel DSLR with advanced features. PENTAX also introduces the K20D, a dustproof, weather-resistant, 14 megapixel DSLR with Shake Reduction.
On March 31, 2008, PENTAX Corporation is officially renamed HOYA Corporation. In a letter to customers, tucked in every shipped product, the following message is provided: "We will continue to market a fine line of products under the familiar PENTAX brand to satisfy your demands and requirements. We thank you for your continued support and patronage to HOYA CORPORATION and our PENTAX-brand products."
With a substantive digital SLR line of bodies, lenses, and flash units, PENTAX introduces the PENTAX Pro Program with benefits including equipment loans and expedited repairs and the PENTAX Student Program with rebates on select products.
PENTAXPhotoGallery.com wins a PEOPLE'S VOICE WEBBY AWARD for Best Use of Photography in a Web site.
OUTDOOR LIFE magazine awards the amazing PENTAX DCF LV 9x28 binoculars with both the 2008 EDITOR'S CHOICE and a 2008 GREAT BUY award.
Innovative technology from the K10D, such as Shake Reduction, dust removal, and lens compatibility, is incorporated into the affordable PENTAX K100D Super.
The entry-level K100D digital SLR is introduced, followed by the K10D with 10 megapixels, body-based Shake Reduction image stabilization, a PRIME engine processor, and a weather-resistant body.
The PENTAX K10D wins several prestigious international awards, including TIPA, American Photo Magazine Editor's Choice, Camera Grand Prix, Consumer Electronics Association Innovations, MacLife Editors' Choice and EISA Best Product (camera).
The OptioWP receives a DIGITAL MAN award from Esquire Magazine, while the *ist DS is acknowledged by PC Magazine as a LAST GADGET STANDING finalist.
PENTAX receives a HOT1 Award from Professional Photographer Magazine for two DA digital lenses—the DA 16-45mm and the DA 14mm.
PENTAX upgrades the popular Class 7 water-resistant digital camera with a 4 megapixel version, the PENTAX Optio43WR.
PENTAX introduces the Optio S, one of the world's smallest 3.2 megapixel digital cameras at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The camera is recognized as a BEST OF CES finalist for innovation and design. The Optio S goes on to win a host of prestigious awards, including a DigIt Magazine DigIt Award, an American Photo Magazine Editor's Choice, Shutterbug Best of Show, Stuff Magazine Top Ten Greatest, Presentation Magazine’s 2003 Standing Ovation, and LAPTOP Magazine 2003 Award.
The *ist 35mm Auto Focus camera, one of the world's smallest in the Auto Focus SLR category, is introduced, and promptly wins a Professional Photographer Magazine Hot1 Award.
PENTAX introduces the long-anticipated, lens interchangeable, digital SLR—the *ist D digital SLR camera. With the clarity of 6.1 effective megapixels, a pentaprism viewfinder, and a 1.8 inch LCD monitor, the *ist D features one of the world's smallest, lightest camera bodies in the digital SLR category.
The Optio33WR, a Class 7 water-resistant digital camera, is the first dunkable digital from PENTAX.
PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. located in Englewood, Colorado and PENTAX Technologies located in Broomfield, Colorado merge and relocate to Golden, Colorado. The company is renamed PENTAX Imaging Company, a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
PENTAX introduces the world's first digital camera binocular, the DigiBino DB. Ideal for birdwatchers, outdoorsman and sports fans, the DigiBino DB is equipped with an LCD monitor, allowing users to view distant /images/about-us/timeline clearly with 7X magnification and high-level digital precision.
PENTAX introduces the long-awaited MZ-S professional 35mm autofocus SLR camera. Heralded as the new flagship model of the popular ZX/MZ SLR series lineup, the MZ-S features a wide range of innovative features for advanced photography, including a user-friendly "Hyper Operation" system, a six-point AF system and a top shutter speed of 1/6000 second.
PENTAX introduces the Optio 430 digital camera which, at the time, is the world's smallest, lightest compact digital camera in its class. The innovative and stylish Optio 330 also makes its debut, as the smallest and lightest digital camera on the market in the 3 megapixel CCD, 3X optical zoom lens category.
Seven PENTAX products receive the "2001 Good Design Award" sponsored by Japan Industrial Design Foundation: Optio330 (Digital Still Camera), MZ-S (35mm SLR Camera), IQZoom 120SW (35mm Zoom Compact Camera), IQZoom 170SL (35mm Zoom Compact Camera), SMCP-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited (35mm SLR Lens), FB-7 Lite and FB-9 Lite (Binocular).
The IQZoom 170SL is named the "Australian Compact Camera of the Year 2001-2002" by Australian Camera.
The IQZoom 120SW is selected as the "Best 35mm Compact Camera in Europe 2001-2002" by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).
The IQZoom 928M compact zoom is introduced as one of the few compact zoom cameras on the market offering a 28mm wide angle.
The PENTAX IQZoom 120Mi is named the "Compact Camera of the Year 00-01" by Australian Camera, Australia's most prestigious photographic magazine. The IQZoom 120Mi is the seventh PENTAX camera to receive the magazine's Camera of the Year award, and the fourth to win it in the compact camera category.
Asahi Optical Co., Ltd., PENTAX Corporation's parent company, celebrates its 80th Anniversary.
PENTAX Corporation introduces the fashionable efina T for the new millennium. The efina T is one of the smallest APS cameras equipped with a 3x zoom lens on the market.
Steve Irwin, host of the Animal Planet series “The Crocodile Hunter,” becomes the spokesperson for PENTAX's IQZoom line of point-and-shoot cameras.
The PENTAX 645N wins German Magazine's Marketing and Innovation Award, one of the oldest and best-known awards in Germany’s photo industry.
The PENTAX IQZoom 200 is named by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) as "Best 35mm Compact Camera in Europe 1998-99."
The PENTAX 67II, the proud successor of the legendary PENTAX 67 medium format SLR debuts. The design changes facilitate speed of operation and ease of handling and offer greatly improved performance, maneuverability, reliability and exposure automation, while retaining maximum compatibility with the current 67 system lenses and accessories.
The ZX-5N is selected as "1998 SLR Camera of the Year" and "1998 Camera of the Year" at the Amateur Photographer Awards for Amateur Photographer, a leading British photography magazine.
The PENTAX 645N is named "Best Professional Product in Europe 1998-99" by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) and "European Professional Camera of the Year 1998-99" by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). It also wins the Camera Press Club of Japan's "Camera Grand Prix 1998," the first time a medium format camera has won this award.
The PENTAX IQZoom 200 is named by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) as "Best 35mm Compact Camera in Europe 1998-99."
PENTAX launches its first Advanced Photo System (APS) zoom compact camera, the PENTAX efina.
PENTAX introduces the world's first autofocus medium format SLR camera, the PENTAX 645N. This camera (with interchangeable lenses) combines the proud tradition and technological excellence of the 645 with a host of new features, including a high-precision autofocus system, to make it even more maneuverable and responsive in the field.
The IQZoom 115M is named the "Best Compact Camera of the Year 1996-97" by Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).
The ZX-5 becomes a quadruple award winner: "European Camera of the Year 1996-97" from European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA); "Best SLR Camera of the Year 1996-97" from Technical Image Press Association (TIPA); "Australian SLR Camera of the Year 1996-97" from Australian Camera, one of Australia's most prestigious photographic and video magazines; and "South African Photo Camera of the Year 1996".
With an amazing 38mm-160mm zoom lens, the IQZoom 160 camera is introduced, offering an unparalleled 4.2x zoom ratio, making it the world's longest zoom lens on a compact camera.
PENTAX debuts the PENTAX EI-C90—a compact, lightweight digital still camera for the multimedia age. Designed primarily as an image input device for personal computers, it offers high-quality /images/about-us/timeline, a highly portable body and compatibility with standard PC cards.
PENTAX announces that it will release the PENTAX IQZoom 115M Gold to celebrate the original IQZoom 115M's winning "The Best Compact Camera of the Year 1996-97" from the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The attractive champagne-colored version of the popular IQZoom 115M retains all the attractive features and outstanding optical performance of the original IQZoom 115M, while offering a new, distinctive look.
The PENTAX PZ-1P is selected "SLR Camera of the Year 1995-96" by Camera Weekly, a leading photographic magazine in the United Kingdom.
The small and stylish PENTAX IQZoom EZY is released, featuring a 38mm-70mm power zoom lens that produces clear, sharp photographs.
PENTAX ships its 10 millionth compact zoom camera.
PENTAX celebrates the 75th anniversary of its parent company, Asahi Optical Co., Ltd., by introducing two special edition cameras, the IQZoom 115SE and the PZ-1SE.
The IQZoom 115 is named the "European Compact Camera of the Year 1993-94" by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), and "Best Compact Camera in Europe 1993-94" by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).
PENTAX releases its smallest camera ever produced, the PENTAX UC-1. Featuring an extremely sharp lens with high precision autofocus, this palm-sized compact delivers true high-precision performance.
The PZ-20 is awarded the "Australian Camera of the Year 1993-94" by Australian Camera Magazine.
PENTAX introduces the world's smallest and lightest 3x zoom compact camera, the IQZoom 115. It features a 38mm-115mm telephoto lens in a compact design.
The IQZoom 90WR is named the "European Compact Camera of the Year 1992-93" by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA).
The IQZoom 115 is the sole photographic product to win the prestigious Camera Press Club of Japan's "Camera Grand Prix 1993." It is also named one of the five Nikkei Industrial Newspaper Award Winners.
PENTAX introduces the world's smallest and lightest camera, the PENTAX Espio, with a 35mm-70mm 2x zoom lens.
The user-friendly PENTAX PZ-20 is released, featuring five picture modes and unique "learning functions."
The PENTAX PZ-1 is selected the winner of the Camera Press Club of Japan's prestigious "Camera Grand Prix 1992" award.
The IQZoom 90WR is the world’s first weather-resistant (JIS Class 5) zoom compact camera.
The smaller and lighter PZ-10 with Intelligent Power Zoom is introduced.
In addition to its Intelligent Power Zoom, the PZ-1 employs epoch-making Hyper-Program and Hyper-Manual exposure controls. This is the top-of-the-line AF SLR in the PZ series with the most advanced mechanism: 1/8000 and 1/250 flash synch shutter speeds.
The PENTAX PZ-10 becomes a favorite of newcomers to SLR photography and is named a "1991 Good Design Product" by the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
The IQZoom 105 Super is named the "European Compact Camera of the Year 1990-91" by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) and "Best Compact Camera in Europe 1990-91" by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).
Experienced amateurs rave about the new IQZoom 105 Super, a multi-functional camera with an LCD guide panel and high magnification zoom lens which provides about three times the magnification with a 38mm-105mm lens.
The PENTAX P3N, an AE model for general consumers, hits the shelves with a manual exposure control function, lever winding mechanism, and aperture-priority.
PENTAX markets its second Autofocus 35mm SLR, the PENTAX SF-1. It not only offers top-class AF accuracy and speed, but also it is the world's first AF SLR with built-in auto flash.
The PENTAX SF-10, an easy to use Autofocus 35mm SLR with retractable TTL auto, is introduced.
The IQZoom is named "Best Compact Camera in Europe 1987-88" by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) and "European Compact Camera of the Year 1987-88" by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA).
The SF-10 wins the "Design Selection 1989" award in West Germany.
PENTAX introduces the A3000, a fully automatic SLR, the world's first 35mm SLR camera to utilize the DX film sensing system.
The Super Sport 35 is named "Compact Camera of the Year 1985" by Camera Weekly, a leading photographic magazine in the United Kingdom.
The PENTAX 67 wins "Special Prize in '85 Long-life Design Selection" in Japan.
PENTAX introduces the Program Plus, the second camera in the PENTAX Program series. The Program Plus uses the same system of lenses and accessories as the Super Program. Four exposure modes are available: programmed automatic, aperture priority automatic, coupled metered manual and programmed automatic flash.
PENTAX introduces its second leaf-shutter sport model, the Super Sport 35 (PC35AF-M). It’s the world's first non–SLR camera to incorporate the DX film sensing system. The Super Sport 35 receives the "1984 'G' Mark Award for Good Design" from the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
PENTAX produces the world's first multi-mode medium format camera, the PENTAX 645. Incorporating the most up-to-date SLR technology and with a compact design, the PENTAX 645 with its 6x4.5cm of image area offers seven exposure modes.
The innovative PENTAX Super Program wins the "European Compact Camera of the Year 1983-84" by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) for its technological perfection.
The 645 receives the "1984 'G' Mark Award for Good Design" from the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry and is named "Professional Camera of the Year 1985" by Camera Weekly, a leading photographic magazine in the United Kingdom.
PENTAX introduces the Auto 110 Super, which makes focusing quick and easy with any of six accessory lenses.
PENTAX introduces the PENTAX Super Program, the first in a series of programmed cameras with six modes or six ways to shoot: programmed, aperture priority, shutter priority, metered manual, programmed auto flash and TTL auto flash. The Super Program serves as a bridge between conventional mechanical cameras and today's high-tech models. Later in the year, PENTAX designs a new motor drive system for the Super Program called Motor Drive A. It features dual shutter releases for horizontal and vertical camera positions and single frame or continuous operation.
The PENTAX MG is released. Its lightweight design makes it particularly attractive for photographers who demand fast handling, easy carrying and high quality results without a costly price tag.
PENTAX introduces its first 35mm non-SLR camera, the Sport 35 (PC35AF). Featuring Autofocus, automatic exposure, and a stylish design, the Sport 35 quickly becomes a top-selling model in this fast-growing category.
PENTAX is the first camera manufacturer to produce 10 million SLR cameras.
PENTAX releases the LX (the Roman numeral for 60) in commemoration of Asahi Optical's 60th anniversary. The 35mm professional camera attracts a great deal of attention for its interchangeable viewfinder, weather-resistance, direct metering automatic exposure control, and titanium horizontal-run shutter.
PENTAX introduces the ME-F, the world's first TTL SLR Autofocus camera. It will be a full decade before Autofocus becomes a widely accepted feature in the marketplace.
PENTAX releases the ME Super, the world's first camera to feature push-button shutter speed control.
PENTAX Corporation moves to a 90,000-square-foot facility in Englewood, Colorado.
PENTAX introduces the System 10 camera, the world's first and only 110 pocket SLR with interchangeable lenses and a complete choice of accessories.
PENTAX Corporation begins distributing its own cameras, surveying instruments and specialized optics in the U.S. (Previously, PENTAX products had been distributed through Honeywell Corporation.)
Asahi Optical, PENTAX’s parent manufacturing firm in Japan, produces its five millionth single-lens reflex (SLR) camera.
PENTAX introduces the MX SLR camera, the world's smallest and lightest SLR camera.
PENTAX releases the K1000 overseas. The camera features a horizontal-run cloth shutter and "center-the-needle" exposure control and goes on to become one of the most popular cameras for student photographers.
PENTAX unveils the ME, the first camera to eliminate manual shutter speed control which, at the time, is a revolutionary concept.
The PENTAX K series is introduced, featuring bayonet-lens mounts. The series includes the K2 with fully automatic exposure, the KX with a needle-matching indicator for the TTL light measuring system, and the KM, with a TTL light measuring system.
PENTAX releases the Spotmatic II, featuring the Spotmatic body with a hot shoe on top of the pentaprism.
PENTAX debuts an economy version of the Spotmatic, the PENTAX SP1000.
PENTAX introduces the Spotmatic F SLR camera, featuring a new open aperture TTL light measuring system developed from the Spotmatic.
The PENTAX ES II, an advanced model of the ES, is released. The ES II sports improved performance by using integrated circuits, extending the slowest shutter speed range to eight seconds, and adding an eyepiece shutter and exposure compensation.
Asahi Optical produces its three millionth SLR camera.
PENTAX introduces the ES single-lens reflex camera (SLR), the world's first SLR camera with a through-the-lens (TTL) aperture-priority (AE) control. Using aperture priority, the stepless electronically controlled shutter responds to the amount of light and chooses the appropriate shutter speed.
PENTAX unveils its Super-Multi Coating (SMC) system for the Asahi Optical Takumar lens series, an important breakthrough in 35mm SLR camera optics. Other manufacturers follow suit, but Asahi Optical's unique SMC system plays an innovative role in reducing lens flare and ghost /images/about-us/timeline and producing bright, crisp photographs.
PENTAX releases the Spotmatic SP500.
Asahi's two millionth SLR camera rolls off the line.
The PENTAX 6x7 medium-format professional camera is introduced. A medium format camera offering high quality results, it incorporates many of the conveniences and handling qualities of a 35mm SLR. It can take ten or twenty 6 x 7 cm format pictures.
PENTAX's parent company, Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. celebrates its 50th anniversary.
PENTAX releases the Spotmatic SL. It improves on the original Spotmatic design by featuring a clip-on SL meter in place of the TTL exposure meter.
After only 14 years of manufacturing, PENTAX produces its one millionth 35mm SLR camera.
PENTAX releases the Nocta, which features an innovative infrared SLR system enabling focusing, identification and photography in total darkness.
The PENTAX Spotmatic Motor Drive wins the "German Good Design of the Year Award," the first such award ever given to a Japanese product. The mechanism enables 250 continuous frames with automatic timer and wireless remote control operation and has greater body durability.
The PENTAX Spotmatic is awarded the "1966 Good Design Product" from the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
PENTAX introduces its PENTAX Spot Eye (Spotmatic) camera, featuring the first through-the-lens (TTL) metering system in a PENTAX camera. A version of the PENTAX TTL system is now found in virtually all 35mm SLR cameras.
The PENTAX H3V camera, featuring a clip-on exposure meter (the first on a Japanese camera) and a self-timer, is released. PENTAX also unveils its sister camera, the H1A, which includes an auto diaphragm and automatic resetting film counter.
Asahi launches the PENTAX H3, featuring a fully automatic aperture mechanism and shutter speeds between 1/1000 and 1 second.
The PENTAX III is released. It sports a non-rotating shutter dial, micro-prism focusing, and a fully automatic diaphragm.
PENTAX introduces its first mass-produced, assembly line camera—the PENTAX H2.
Products sold under the PENTAX trade name become available in the United States. The trade name PENTAX is derived from the words "Pentaprism" and "Reflex."
The PENTAX K, with semi-automatic diaphragm and micro-prism viewfinder is introduced. The model name uses the letter "K" for "King" as in "King of the SLRs."
The Asahi PENTAX model stuns the world with its incredible advances in design. This camera marks the first time a pentaprism has been utilized in the viewfinder of a PENTAX single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, which in effect introduces the concept of eye-level viewing. It’s the first camera to be marketed under the name PENTAX, and is enthusiastically received for its upright and laterally correct viewfinder image.
Asahi participates in the European Photokina trade show for the first time.
PENTAX introduces the Asahiflex II, featuring the world's first instant return mirror system. This exclusive PENTAX innovation solves the problem of mirror blackout—at the time, the principal drawback of SLR cameras, and thus paving the way for major progress in SLR development.
Asahi pioneers single-lens reflex (SLR) camera development with the Asahiflex I camera, the first Japanese 35mm SLR camera. This camera features a cloth curtain focal plane shutter, shutter speeds of 1/20 to 1/500 sec. and bulb setting.
The Japanese photography industry begins its return to the vigorous level of the early 1940s and emerges as a major exporter.
Asahi introduces Jupiter, micron-type binoculars, featuring an impressive lens coating technique.
Asahi begins research on the SLR camera.
Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. (previously known as Asahi Optical Trading Co.) is established by Mr. Saburo Matsumoto. From this point until the end of World War II, the company produces aerial cameras.
Asahi Optical Trading Co. begins making various wartime optical instruments, such as binoculars and range finders for the continuing Manchuria campaign.
1931 marks the start of Japan's first camera boom, encouraged by government-sponsored programs. Asahi concentrates its efforts on manufacturing camera lenses.
Asahi begins to manufacture AOCO lenses—the first lenses of their kind in Japan—for the movie industry.
Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. is founded at a shop in the Toshima suburb of Tokyo, Japan. It quickly becomes one of the leading lens suppliers to Japanese camera and optical instrument manufacturers, thanks to its superb lens- polishing skills.