Difference between revisions of "Pentax"

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'''Pentax''' is a Japanese lens and camera maker founded in 1919 under the name Asahi Optical Company. In 2002 it changed its name to Pentax Corporation. It is currently (2023) owned by [[Ricoh Imaging]] Corp.
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__TOC__
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== History ==
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The company that would become '''Pentax''' was founded in 1919 as '''Asahi Kogaku Kogyo G.K.''' (旭光学工業株式会社) . It was originally an optical company, beginning by making glasses under the Aoco brand (presumably the acronym of <u>A</u>sahi <u>O</u>ptical <u>Co</u>mpany), and made its first Aoco projection lens in 1923.<REF> Yazawa, p.12 of {{CCN}} no.247. </REF> It began to produce camera lenses in the early 1930s under the leadership of CEO '''Kajiwara Kumao ''' and his closest collaborator, Matsumoto Saburo.<REF> Yazawa, p.12 of {{CCN}} no.247. </REF> These lenses were not marked as made by Asahi and were produced for various camera models made by other makers. From 1933 the company produced [[Zion and Optor|Optor]] and meniscus achromat lenses designed at [[Konica|Rokuoh-sha]] for [[Konica|Konishiroku]] models. From the mid-1930s to the end of World War II the company was also the main supplier of Molta, then Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko (predecessors of [[Minolta]]), whose cameras were equipped with Coronar and Promar lenses.<REF> The Coronar and Promar lenses are attributed to Asahi in various sources, and this attribution is confirmed by the {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens items Lb5, Lb39, Lc9, and N2. </REF><ref>[https://www.aohc.it/testi.php?id_testi=50 A brief history of the Asahi Optical Corporation by Derek J. White ARPS] Spotmatic Magazine 32 -2002 - at the  Asahi Optical Historical Club. </ref>
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The company changed status in 1938, becoming '''Asahi Kogaku Kogyo K.K.''' or '''Asahi Optical Co.''' based in Tokyo.<REF> Its address in 1943 was Tokyo-to Itabashi-ku Itabashi-cho. Source: {{Inquiry1943_short}}. </REF>
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After the war, Asahi made binoculars and polished lenses for several other companies.
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The first camera produced by Asahi, made as a prototype in 1951 and released in 1952, was the [[Asahiflex]], which was also the first Japanese 35mm [[SLR]]. One of the models of the Asahiflex series, the Asahiflex IIb, was the first [[35mm]] SLR to have an [[instant-return mirror]], thus solving the problem of [[viewfinder blackout|mirror blackout]] that had plagued SLRs up to that time (early SLRs left the mirror in its "up" position until the camera was wound for the next shot, blacking out the viewfinder).
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A series of lenses bearing the name ''[[Takumar]]'' in honor of  '''Kajiwara Takuma''', brother of the founder, were developed for the Asahiflex, which used the 37mm screw mount (1952). The name Takumar was carried over to the 35mm [[42mm screw mount lenses|M42x1 mount]] and 6x7 cameras and went through a series of iterations as build quality and coatings were developed with names such as Super-Takumar, Super-Multi-Coated Takumar, and SMC Takumar until 1975, when the name was changed to SMC-Pentax (even though Takumar lenses were in the catalog until 1979). 
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/daiku_san/11078170154/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/11078170154_f26158795f_m.jpg
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|image_align= right
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|image_text= SLRs [[Pentax 67]] and [[Pentax MX]]
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|image_by= Colton Allen
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'''Pentax''' was originally the name of another 35mm [[SLR]] camera model, introduced in 1957 and successor of the Asahiflex. The name is derived from the shape of the prism used in SLR cameras ([[pentaprism|''penta''prism]]), and the ending syllable deliberately looks like that of the [[Zeiss Ikon]] [[Contax rangefinder|Con'''tax''']]. In fact, the name Pentax was a property of [[Zeiss Ikon]] (West) until they sold it to Asahi Optical Co., maybe strategically, because Zess Ikon's East-German concurrent had relabeled its [[Contax S]] SLRs to [[Pentacon]].
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Early Pentax cameras were sold in the USA stamped with the name Tower, the house brand of [[Sears]] Roebuck & Co., and many others carry the name Heiland, which was the importer and distributor in the USA. Heiland was later acquired by Honeywell until the partnership ended in 1976. These cameras were exactly the same as the ones stamped with the Asahi name.
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Pentax was at the time one of the big Japanese camera manufacturers, given their success with 35mm[[SLR]] cameras such as the Asahiflex, the Pentax, and the Spotmatic lines. In 1969 Pentax introduced a complete [[system camera|camera systems]] for [[rollfilm]], the [[Pentax 6x7]]. Later it introduced its tiny and popular [[Pentax Auto 110]] for type [[110 film]] cassettes.
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In 1957 [[Pentax|Asahi Optical Co]] adopted the M42x1 lens mount for the successful [[Pentax_(original)|Asahi Pentax (AP) camera]], which introduced the auto-diaphragm in the '''Auto-Takumar''' lenses for the K-camera and continued using it in the successful S/H line and in the [[Spotmatic]]. By 1975 Pentax tried to take the lead with a new lens bayonet, which overcame the limitations of the screw mount and maintained the same flange/film distance as that of the [[M42]] screw mount, thus making it easier for lens makers to offer lenses for both mounts. In fact, the K mount should have been an open bayonet standard, and a handful of other renowned camera makers also used it, among them [[:Category:K mount|Pentax's K-mount]]: [[Zenit]], [[Topcon]], [[Chinon]], [[Cosina]],[[Ricoh]], and [[Samsung]]. But most importantly, the mount was further developed and is still in use for Pentax's [[DSLR|digital SLRs]] and even for one of its [[CSC]]s, making all new cameras back-compatible.
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/vagn49/8253747238/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8253747238_d458cae34f_m.jpg
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|image_align= left
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|image_text= Auto 110 <br>Pentax' smallest [[SLR]]
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|image_by= Vagn Sloth-Madsen
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|image_rights= wp
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}}
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The company kept the name '''Asahi Optical Co.''' until it became '''Pentax Corporation''' in 2002.
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After successful prototyping since 2000 the company launched [[Pentax *ist D|its first DSLR]] with a film twin in 2003, with [[:Category:K mount|Pentax K mount]]. A merger with the [[Hoya|Hoya Corporation]] was completed on October 1, 2007. The new name became '''Hoya Pentax HD Corporation''' (HOYA-HD{{kabu}}).<REF> [https://web.archive.org/web/20070106203216/http://www.hoya.co.jp/data/current/newsobj-365-pdf.pdf Japanese version of the news release (archived)] found in the Hoya official website. The name "HOYA PENTAX HD Corporation" is written in capital letters. </REF> In summer 2011 [[Hoya]] announced that it was selling the imaging branch of Pentax to [[Ricoh]]<REF>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170310175440/https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/ricoh-set-to-acquire-pentax-camera-brand-and-business-get-serio/ Summer 2011: Hoya confirms sale rumours. (archived)]</REF> while it will keep the medical branch of Pentax for itself.
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In July 2011 [[Ricoh]] announced its intentions to purchase the Pentax photographic equipment business from Hoya (which, however, would retain some Pentax-branded medical product lines, etc.)<REF>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110718055246/http://www.hoya.co.jp/english/news/latest/d0h4dj0000001fv8-att/d0h4dj0000001fwi.pdf Hoya press release (archived)] (PDF) on sale of Pentax assets to Ricoh</REF>. In August of 2013 the name of the company was changed to [[Ricoh Imaging]]. It was announced that the Ricoh branding would be used on compact cameras, while Pentax-branded products would be the DSLRs, interchangeable-lens compact cameras, and binoculars.
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{{br}}
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== Digital ==
 
== Digital ==
 
=== SLR ===
 
=== SLR ===
−
* [[Pentax *ist D]]
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{|class=floatright
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* Pentax *ist DS
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| image=https://live.staticflickr.com/303/32599102611_01270bfdf5_m.jpg
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| image_align=right
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| image_text=*ist
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|image_by= Jörg Krüger
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|image_rights=  with permission
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}}
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|
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{{Flickr image
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| image_source=https://www.flickr.com/photos/ossy59/3244093363/in/pool-camerawiki
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| image=https://live.staticflickr.com/3304/3244093363_1f3ece8736_m.jpg
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| image_align=right
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| image_text=*istD black
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|image_by= Jürgen Oswald
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|image_rights=  with permission
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}}
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|-
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|
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{{Flickr image
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| image=https://live.staticflickr.com/5249/5214209927_6b1f57a4e9_m.jpg
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| image_align=right
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| image_text=K7
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|image_by= nubobo
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|image_rights=  with permission
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}}
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|
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| image_source=https://www.flickr.com/photos/95742794@N05/32099354835/in/pool-camerawiki
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| image=https://live.staticflickr.com/374/32099354835_07e98ca9b5_m.jpg
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| image_align=right
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| image_text=K-1 <br> full frame
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|image_by= Jörg Krüger
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|image_rights=  with permission
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}}
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|-
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|
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/maoby/42958786850/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/1858/42958786850_0c245abbf0_m.jpg
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|image_align= left
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|image_text= Pentax K-01 <br> Mirrorless K-mount
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|image_by= maoby
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|image_rights= wp
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}}
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|
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source=https://www.flickr.com/photos/195784286@N05/52579892443/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image=https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52579892443_4df0371a59_m.jpg
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|image_align= left
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|image_text= Pentax K-P
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|image_by= Pawel Swiatek
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|image_rights= wp
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}}
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|}
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* Pentax MZ-D (2000) prototype, never released
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* [[Pentax *ist D]] (2003)
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* [[Pentax *ist DS]] (2004)
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* [[Pentax *ist DL]] (2005) also sold by [[Samsung]] as GX-1L
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* [[Pentax *ist DS2]] (2005) also sold by [[Samsung]] as GX-1S
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* [[Pentax *ist DL2]] (2006)
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* [[Pentax K100D]] (2006)
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* [[Pentax K110D]] (2006)
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* [[Pentax K10D]] (2006) also sold by [[Samsung]] as [[Samsung GX-10]]
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* Pentax AP 50th Anniv (2007) concept, never released <ref>[http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/other/2007/06/01/6368.html Pentax Classic DSLR concept] at [http://watch.impress.co.jp/ Watch Impress]</ref>
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* [[Pentax K100D|Pentax K100D Super]] (2007)
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* [[Pentax K20D]] (2008) also sold by [[Samsung]] as Samsung GX-20
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* [[Pentax K200D]] (2008)
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* [[Pentax K-m]] (2008) also sold as Pentax K2000D in North America
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* [[Pentax K-7]] (2009)
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* [[Pentax K-x]] (2009)
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* [[Pentax K-5]] (2010)
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* [[Pentax K-r]] (2010)
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* [[Pentax K-30]] (2012)
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* [[Pentax K-5 II]] and K-5IIs (2012)
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* [[Pentax K-500]] (2013)
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* [[Pentax K-50]] (2013)
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* [[Pentax K-S1]] (2014)
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* [[Pentax K-S2]] (2015)
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* [[Pentax K-3]] (2015)
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* [[Pentax K-70]] (2016)
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* [[Pentax K-1]] (2016) - Full frame
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* [[Pentax KP|Pentax K-P]] (2017)
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* [[Pentax K-3II]] (2017)
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* [[Pentax K-1|Pentax K-1 II]] (2018) - Full frame
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* [[Pentax K-3III]] (2021)
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* Pentax K-F (2022)
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* [[Pentax K-3III | Pentax K3-III Monochrome]] (2023)
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{{br}}
  
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=== Point and Shoot ===
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=== Medium Format SLR ===
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* Pentax Optio 330
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* [[Pentax 645D]] (2010)
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* [[Pentax 645Z]] (2014)
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===Interchangeable-lens compact===
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* [[Pentax Q]] (2011)
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===Interchangeable-lens mirrorless===
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* [[Pentax K-01]] (2012) with K-mount
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{{br}}
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=== Point and Shoot Cameras ===
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{|width=100%
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||-
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|valign="top"|
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''1996''
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* [[Pentax EI-C90]]
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''2000''
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* [[Pentax EI-2000]]
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* [[Pentax EI-200]]
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''2001''
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* [[Pentax EI-100]]
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* Pentax EI-3000 - prototype
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* Pentax Optio 330
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* Pentax Optio 430
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''2002''
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* [[Pentax DB-100 Digibino]]
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* Pentax Optio 230
 
* Pentax Optio 330 RS  
 
* Pentax Optio 330 RS  
−
* Pentax Optio S
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* Pentax Optio 430 RS
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* Pentax Optio 33L
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* [[Pentax Optio 330GS]]
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''2003''
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* Pentax Optio S  
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* Pentax Optio 450
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* Pentax Optio 550
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* [[Pentax Optio 33L]]
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* [[Pentax Optio 33WR]]
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* Pentax Optio 555
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* Pentax Optio S4
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* Pentax Optio 33LF
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''2004''
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* Pentax Optio MX
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* Pentax Optio 30
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* Pentax Optio S40
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* Pentax Optio S4i
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* Pentax Optio 43WR
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* Pentax Optio S30
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* Pentax Optio S50
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* Pentax Optio S5i
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* Pentax Optio X
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* [[Pentax Optio 750z]]
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* Pentax Optio SV
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* Pentax Optio MX4
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|valign="top"|
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''2005''
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* Pentax Optio WP
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* Pentax Optio 50
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* Pentax Optio S5n
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* Pentax Optio S45
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* Pentax Optio S55
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* Pentax Optio S5z
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* Pentax Optio SVi
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* Pentax Optio 60
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* Pentax Optio S60
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* Pentax Optio S6
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* Pentax Optio WPi
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* Pentax Optio 50L
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''2006''
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* Pentax Optio A10
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* Pentax Optio E10
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* [[Pentax Optio T10]]
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* Pentax Optio M10
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* Pentax Optio W10
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* Pentax Optio S7
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* Pentax Optio A20
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* Pentax Optio W20
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* Pentax Optio M20
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* Pentax Optio T20
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* Pentax Optio E20
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''2007''
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* Pentax Optio E30
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* Pentax Optio T30
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* Pentax Optio M30
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* Pentax Optio A30
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* Pentax Optio W30
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* Pentax Optio M40
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* Pentax Optio E40
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* Pentax Optio Z10
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* [[Pentax Optio S10]]
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* Pentax Optio A40
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* Pentax Optio V10
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|valign="top"|
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''2008''
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* Pentax Optio E50
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* Pentax Optio M50
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* Pentax Optio S12
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* Pentax Optio V20
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* [[Pentax Optio W60]]
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* Pentax Optio M60
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* Pentax Optio E60
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* Pentax Optio E65
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''2009''
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* Pentax Optio P70
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* Pentax Optio E70
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* Pentax Optio E70L
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* Pentax X70
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* Pentax Optio E75
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* [[Pentax Optio W80]]
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* Pentax Optio P80
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* Pentax Optio E80
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* Pentax Optio WS80
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* Pentax Optio M85
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* Pentax Optio E85
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''2010''
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* Pentax Optio E90
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* [[Pentax Optio H90]]
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* [[Pentax Optio I-10]]
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* Pentax Optio NB1000
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* Pentax Optio M90
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* Pentax Optio RS1000
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* Pentax Optio RZ10
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* [[Pentax Optio W90]]
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* Pentax X90
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''2011''
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* Pentax Optio RZ18
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* Pentax Optio S1
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* Pentax Optio WG-1
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* Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS
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* Pentax RS1500
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|}
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{{br}}
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== 35mm film ==
  
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== 110 film  ==
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=== Asahiflex SLR ===
−
''1979-1983 interchangeable lens SLR''
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<div class="plainlinks floatright">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/bstrong/150671964/in/pool-camerawiki http://static.flickr.com/56/150671964_42eaed5f36_m.jpg]<br><small> Image by {{image author|Bill Strong}} </small><br>{{non-commercial}}</div>
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* [[Pentax Auto 110]]
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* [[Asahiflex|Asahiflex I]]
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* [[Asahiflex|Asahiflex IA]]
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* [[Asahiflex|Asahiflex IIA]]
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* [[Asahiflex|Asahiflex IIB]]
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{{br}}
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=== Screw-mount Pentax SLR ===
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<div class="plainlinks floatright">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mjlsha/4647950533/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4647950533_7e45ee4e9d.jpg]<br/><small>Spotmatics, LX and lenses, image by {{image author|Melvin Sha}} </small>{{with permission}}</div>
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* [[Pentax (original)|Pentax AP]] (Asahi Pentax camera)
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* [[Pentax (original)|Pentax K]]
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* [[Pentax (original)|Pentax S]]
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* [[Pentax (original)|Pentax S1 / H1]]
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* [[Pentax (original)|Pentax S1a / H1a]]
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* [[Pentax (original)|Pentax S2 / H2]]
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* [[Pentax (original)|Pentax S3 / H3]]
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* [[Pentax (original)|Pentax SV / H3v]]
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====The Spotmatic Series====
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These cameras were very successful, with a stop-down TTL light metering system that was simple, precise, and at affordable prices.
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Together with the [[Takumar]] lenses, it was one of the best selling cameras of the time.
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The family of cameras included:
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* Spot-Matic prototype (1960)
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* [[Pentax Spotmatic]] (1964)
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* [[Pentax Spotmatic|Pentax SL]] (1968) meterless version of the Spotmatic
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* [[Pentax Spotmatic|Pentax Spotmatic II]] (1971) and [[Pentax_Spotmatic#The_Spotmatic_SP_II|IIa]] for the American market
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* [[Pentax Spotmatic|Pentax Spotmatic F]] (1973) In combination with '''S-M-C Takumar''' lenses, allowed for fully open metering
  
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== 35mm film ==
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With the advent of electronics, Asahi developed a camera that used that new technology; the '''Electro-Spotmatic''' had "electronic shutter" that was fully automatic and without steps.
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* [[Pentax ES|Pentax Electro Spotmatic]] (1971)
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* [[Pentax ES]] (1972)
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* [[Pentax ES II]] (1973)
  
−
=== K-Mount SLR Autofocus ===
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Asahi also had budget models for entry level enthusiats:
−
* Pentax *ist
+
* [[Pentax Spotmatic|Pentax SP500]] (1971)
−
* Pentax MZ-S
+
* [[Pentax Spotmatic|Pentax SP1000]] (1974)
−
* Pentax PZ-1 (Z-1)
 
−
* Pentax PZ-1p (Z-1p)
 
−
* Pentax SF7 (SF10)
 
−
* Pentax SFX (SF1)
 
−
* Pentax SFXn (SF1n)
 
  
−
=== K-Mount SLR Manual Focus ===
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{{br}}
  
−
* Pentax KX
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=== K-mount manual focus SLR ===
−
* Pentax K2
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====Pentax K series==== 
−
* Pentax K2 DMD
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{|class=floatright
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|{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/95742794@N05/52576187054/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52576187054_32beef5e65_n.jpg
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|image_align= right
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|image_text= Pentax K models
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|image_by= Jörg Krüger
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|image_rights= with permission
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}}
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These cameras were launched in 1975, following the success of the Spotmatic, by replacing the M42 mount with K-mount while maintaining the same flange to film distance. Despite being the one with less features of this series, and due to its simplicity and robustness, the [[Pentax K1000|K1000]] became the eternal ''student camera.''
 +
* [[Pentax K2]]
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* [[Pentax K2DMD]]
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* [[Pentax KX]]
 
* [[Pentax KM]]
 
* [[Pentax KM]]
−
* Pentax K1000
+
* [[Pentax K1000]]
−
* Pentax K1000 SE
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{{br}}
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 +
====Pentax M series====
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{|class=floatright
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|{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47030002244/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47030002244_962348867b_n.jpg
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|image_align= right
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|image_text= Pentax MV-1 <br> by Brian Godbold
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|image_by= camerawiki
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|image_rights= with permission
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}}
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|-
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|{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/wolf-t/4944929144/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/4097/4944929144_26635a9a79_n.jpg
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|image_align= right
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|image_text= Classical Pentax-Motor-cameras (KX, K2DMD, MX, LX)
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|image_by= wolf4max
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|image_rights= with permission
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}}
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|}
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Innovation in the form of miniaturization and cameras that were more compact, lighter, and reliable was introduced as the M line in 1976. 
 +
This generation also brought the line of '''SMC-Pentax-M''' lenses.
 +
Aperture priority and the use of buttons instead of dials was a characteristic, together with very bright viewfinders with split image.
 +
'''Autofocus''' was introduced for the first time in a Pentax camera with the ME-F, which used a special lens with built-in focusing motor.
 +
 
 +
* [[Pentax MX]] (1976)
 +
* [[Pentax ME]] (1976)
 +
* [[Pentax ME Super]] (1979)
 +
* [[Pentax ME-F]] The 1st AutoFocus camera from Pentax (1981)
 +
* [[Pentax MV]] (1979)
 +
* [[Pentax MV1]] (1980)
 +
* [[Pentax MG]] (1981)
 +
* Pentax MF
 +
* [[Pentax MF-1]], scientific use
 +
{{br}}
 +
 
 +
====Pentax A series:====
 +
These cameras introduced electronic communication between the lens and the camera to allow for automatic exposure (Program mode). K-mount lenses with electronic contacts (SMC Pentax-A) were introduced to complement these cameras.
  
−
* [[Pentax MX]]
+
* [[Pentax Super A]], Super Program (USA) (1984)
−
* Pentax ME
+
* [[Pentax Program A]], Program Plus (USA) (1984)
−
* Pentax ME F
+
* [[Pentax A3]], A3000 (USA) (1984)
−
* [[Pentax ME Super]]
 
−
* Pentax MG
 
−
* Pentax MV
 
−
* Pentax MV1
 
  
−
* [[Pentax LX]]
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source=https://www.flickr.com/photos/95742794@N05/40941941130/in/pool-camerawiki
 +
|image=https://live.staticflickr.com/1757/40941941130_76e75591b0_n.jpg
 +
|image_align= Center
 +
|image_text= Pentax Super A
 +
|image_by= Jörg Krüger
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source=https://www.flickr.com/photos/titrisol/9030664752/in/pool-camerawiki
 +
|image=https://live.staticflickr.com/2871/9030664752_509dbc7fee_n.jpg
 +
|image_align= Center
 +
|image_text= Pentax ProgramPlus
 +
|image_by= Pablo Coronel
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source=https://www.flickr.com/photos/alf_sigaro/40473905843/in/pool-camerawiki
 +
|image=https://live.staticflickr.com/7849/40473905843_11c544ddd0_n.jpg
 +
|image_align= Center
 +
|image_text= Pentax P30T
 +
|image_by= Alf Sigaro
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source=https://www.flickr.com/photos/95742794@N05/51932284002/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image=https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932284002_327cb6f682_n.jpg
 +
|image_align= Center
 +
|image_text= Pentax A3
 +
|image_by= Jörg Krüger
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
|}
  
−
* Pentax super A (super PROGRAM)
+
====Pentax P series:====
−
* Pentax programA (programPLUS)
+
* [[Pentax P30/P3]] (1985)
−
* Pentax A3 (A3000)
+
* [[Pentax P30n/P3n/P30t]] (1988)
 +
* [[Pentax P50/P5]] (1985)
  
−
* Pentax P3 (P30)
+
===Pentax LX===
−
* Pentax P3n (P30n)
+
* [[Pentax LX]] (1980) Professional grade camera. LX refers to the 60th Anniversary of Asahi Optical Company.
−
* Pentax P5 (P50)
+
** Pentax LX 2000 - special edition for the year 2000
 +
{{br}}
  
−
* Pentax ZX-M (MZ-M)
+
=== K-mount autofocus SLR ===
 +
{|class=floatright
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr image
 +
| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/arcticcorsair/2214405647/in/pool-camerawiki
 +
| image=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2319/2214405647_ec6a0d251a_m.jpg
 +
| image_align=right
 +
| image_text=Z-1
 +
|image_by= Mick Evans
 +
|image_rights=with permission
 +
}}
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr image
 +
| image_source=https://www.flickr.com/photos/binocameracollection/45976722565/in/pool-camerawiki
 +
| image=https://live.staticflickr.com/7921/45976722565_02a1fe9495_m.jpg
 +
| image_align=right
 +
| image_text=Pentax MZ-S <br>
 +
With Battery grip BG-10
 +
|image_by= Antonio Rodríguez
 +
|image_rights=wp
 +
}}
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/gfs_photo/29705064680/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image=https://live.staticflickr.com/7696/29705064680_a57ceed0e2_m.jpg
 +
|image_align= center
 +
|image_text= Pentax MZ-M <br> manual focus
 +
|image_by= teknoec
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
|}
 +
====SF series====
 +
* [[Pentax SFX (SF1)]] (1987)
 +
* [[Pentax SF7/SF10]] (1988)
 +
* [[Pentax SFXn/SF1n]] (1989)
 +
====Z/PZ series====
 +
* '''[[Pentax Z-1/PZ-1]] (1991)'''
 +
* '''Pentax Z-1p/PZ-1p (1995)'''
 +
* [[Pentax Z-10/PZ-10]] (1991)
 +
* [[Pentax PZ-20|Pentax Z-20/PZ-20]] (1993)
 +
* Pentax Z-50p (1993)
 +
* Pentax Z-5 (1994)
 +
* Pentax Z-5p (1995)
 +
* [[Pentax Z-70/PZ-70]] (1995)
  
−
=== Screw-Mount SLR (1957-1978) ===
+
====MZ/ZX series====
−
* Pentax K
+
A series of cameras that were popular in the late 1990s, the single-digit cameras were aimed at advanced amateurs, while the double digits were aimed to amateurs.  All had plastic bodies and several program modes.
−
* Pentax H1a
+
The cameras used the MZ designation in the European and Asian markets and ZX in the Americas.
−
* Pentax H2
+
* [[Pentax MZ-5/ZX-5]] (1996)
−
* Pentax H3/H3v
+
* [[Pentax MZ-3]]/ZX-3 (1997)
−
* [[Pentax (Honeywell) SP1000]]
+
* [[Pentax MZ-5N/ZX-5N]] (1997)
−
* [[Pentax Spotmatic]]
+
* [[Pentax MZ-7|Pentax MZ-7/ZX-7]] (1999)
−
* Pentax Spotmatic II
+
* [[Pentax MZ-6/ZX-L]] (2001)
−
* [[Pentax Spotmatic F]]
+
* '''[[Pentax MZ-S]]''' (2001) - A prosumer grade camera and the last film flagship of Pentax
−
* Pentax ES/ESII (Electro-Spotmatic)
+
* [[Pentax MZ-10/ZX-10]] (1996)
 +
* [[Pentax MZ-50/ZX-50]] (1997)
 +
* [[Pentax MZ-30/ZX-30]] (2000)
 +
* Pentax MZ-60/ZX-60 (2002)
 +
* [[Pentax *ist]] (2003) - Launched at the same time in film and digital
 +
* [[Pentax MZ-M/ZX-M]] (1997) - The oddball in these generation, a consumer camera that had all manual controls.
 +
{{br}}
  
 +
=== Compact ===
 +
* [[Pentax Espio IQZoom]] series (e.g. Espio, Espio 928, Espio 115, Mini, IQZoom 135M Date, Zoom60-X, Zoom95-WR)
 +
* [[Pentax PC]] series (e.g. PC-33, PC35 AF-M, PC-300 Date, PC-606W)
 +
* Pentax Mini Sport 35AF (35mm, f/3.8)
 +
* [[Pentax Pino]] series (e.g. Pino 35M)
 +
* [[Pentax Sport]] (DX)
 +
{{br}}
 
== 645 Medium Format ==
 
== 645 Medium Format ==
−
''1984-1997''
+
''1969-2010''<br>
−
* Pentax 645
+
''Manual Focus''
−
''Autofocus 1997-present''
+
* [[Pentax 645]]
 +
''Autofocus''
 
* [[Pentax 645N]]
 
* [[Pentax 645N]]
−
* Pentax 645N II
+
* [[Pentax 645NII]]
 +
 
 +
== 6×7 Medium Format ==
 +
''1969-2010''
 +
* [[Pentax 67|Pentax 6x7]]
 +
* [[Pentax 67]]
 +
* [[Pentax 67|Pentax 67 II]]
 +
{{br}}
 +
== 110 film ==
 +
<div class="plainlinks floatright">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/martintaylor/22827035/in/pool-camerawiki http://static.flickr.com/18/22827035_780ebea7e1_t.jpg]<br><small> Image by {{image author|Martin Taylor}} </small><br>{{non-commercial}}</div>
 +
''1979-1983 interchangeable lens SLR''
 +
* [[Pentax Auto 110]]
 +
 
 +
== [[APS film]] ==
 +
* [[Pentax efina]]
 +
* Pentax efina AF50 (24mm, f/4.5)
 +
* Pentax efina J
 +
* [[Pentax efina T]]
 +
 
 +
{{br}}
 +
==Lenses==
 +
Asahi Optical began as a lens fabricator. After World War II they also entered the camera business, and with the introduction of the '''Asahiflex''' they also introduced their own line of lenses, giving them the name '''[[Takumar]]'''.  Takumar lenses were used in 35mm and the Pentax 6x7 until 1975, when the badge was replaced with '''smc-Pentax'''.  Takumar lenses became legendary in the 1960s, with millions produced, and many are still used today on digital cameras.
 +
<br>
 +
===Asahiflex (37mm) Mount===
 +
*Standard lenses:
 +
** Takumar 50mm f/3.5 (three different versions)
 +
** Takumar 58mm f/2.4
 +
*Telephotos:
 +
** Takumar  83mm f/1.9 (both in Asahiflex and M42 with adapter mount)
 +
** Takumar 100mm f/3.5
 +
** Tele-Takumar 135mm f/3.5
 +
** Takumar 135mm f/3.5 (M42 with adapter)
 +
** Takumar 500mm f/5.0
 +
{{br}}
 +
 
 +
===M42-Mount===
 +
* type 0 (1957): Takumar-preset: Replaced the older 37mm version of the Takumar line for the original AP cameras
 +
* type I (1959): Auto-Takumar: A lever is added to allow for full aperture focusing before shooting, for the Pentax K camera
 +
* type II (1962): Super-Takumar: Fully-automatic diaphragm that does not needs to be cocked manually, with an Auto/Manual switch on the lens. Single layer of coating; however, some later versions are multicoated as Asahi's coating technology improved. These lenses were made popular with the success of the [[Spotmatic]] cameras. The famous 50mm f/1.4 was introduced at that time.
 +
* type III (1971): Super-Multi-Coated Takumar: A seven-layer coating was applied for these lenses, the best available at the time, with improvements in contrast and color rendition. A mechanism for open-aperture metering with the Spotmatic-F/ES/ES-II was added to the lens.
 +
* type IV: SMC Takumar (1974): Identical optically to type III but uses a rubberized instead of the metal focusing ring and a different diaphragm ring as a prelude to the change of mount to K bayonet.
 +
 
 +
{| style="border-spacing:0";style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
|-
 +
| align=center style="background-color:#bfbfbf;border-top:0.05pt solid #000000;border-bottom:0.05pt solid #000000;border-left:0.05pt solid #000000;border-right:none" | '''Wide Angles'''
 +
| align=center style="background-color:#bfbfbf;border-top:0.05pt solid #000000;border-bottom:0.05pt solid #000000;border-left:0.05pt solid #000000;border-right:none" | '''Normal'''
 +
| align=center style="background-color:#bfbfbf;border-top:0.05pt solid #000000;border-bottom:0.05pt solid #000000;border-left:0.05pt solid #000000;border-right:none" | '''Short - Teleobjectives'''
 +
| align=center style="background-color:#bfbfbf;border-top:0.05pt solid #000000;border-bottom:0.05pt solid #000000;border-left:0.05pt solid #000000;border-right:none" | '''Teleobjectives'''
 +
| align=center style="background-color:#bfbfbf;border:0.05pt solid #000000" | '''Zoom and Special lenses'''
 +
|-style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| style="border-top:0.05pt solid #000000;border-bottom:0.05pt solid #000000;border-left:0.05pt solid #000000;border-right:nonevertical-align: top;" |
 +
* 15/3.5 (III, IV)
 +
* 17/4 Fisheye (II, III, IV)
 +
* 18/11 Fisheye (II)
 +
* 20/4.5 (II, III)
 +
* 24/3.5 (II, III)
 +
* 28/3.5 (II, III)
 +
* 35/2.0 (II, III)
 +
* 35/2.3 (I)
 +
* 35/3.5 (I, II, III)
 +
* 35/4.0 (0)
 +
 
 +
 
 +
| style="border-top:0.05pt solid #000000;border-bottom:0.05pt solid #000000;border-left:0.05pt solid #000000;border-right:none;vertical-align: top;" |
 +
* 50/1.4 (II, III, IV)
 +
* 50/1.8 (I, II, III)
 +
* 50/3.5 (0)
 +
* 50/4 Macro (II, III, IV)
 +
* 55/1.8 (0, I, II, III, IV)
 +
* 55/2 (0, I, II, III)
 +
* 55/2.2 (0, I)
 +
* 58/2 (0)
 +
* 58/2.4 (0)
 +
 
 +
| style="border-top:0.05pt solid #000000;border-bottom:0.05pt solid #000000;border-left:0.05pt solid #000000;border-right:none;vertical-align: top;" |
 +
* 83/1.9 (0)
 +
* 85/1.8 (I, III)
 +
* 85/1.9 (II, III)
 +
* 100/2 (0)
 +
* 100/3.5 (0)
 +
* 100/4 Bellows (0, III)
 +
* 100/4 Macro (III)
 +
* 105/2.8 (0, I, II, III)
 +
* 108/2.8 Index (III)
 +
* 120/2.8 (III)
 +
* 135/2.5 5 elements/5 groups (II, III)
 +
* 135/2.5 6 elements/6groups (III)
 +
* 135/3.5 (0, I, II, III)
 +
* 150/4 (II, III)
 +
 
 +
| style="border-top:0.05pt solid #000000;border-bottom:0.05pt solid #000000;border-left:0.05pt solid #000000;border-right:none;vertical-align: top;" |
 +
* 200/3.5 (0)
 +
* 200/4 (II, III)
 +
* 200/5.6 Tele (II)
 +
* 300/4 (0, II, III)
 +
* 300/6.3 Tele (II)
 +
* 400/5.6 (II, III)
 +
* 500/4.5 (0, II, III)
 +
* 500/5 (0)
 +
* 1000/8 (0, III)
 +
 
 +
| style="border:0.05pt solid #000000;vertical-align: top;" |
 +
* 70-150/4.5 (II)
 +
* 85-210/4.5 (II, III)
 +
* 45-125/4.0 (III)
 +
* 135-600/6.7 (III)
 +
 
 +
 
 +
* 85/3.5 Quartz Takumar (II)
 +
* 85/4.5 Ultra Achromatic (II)
 +
* 300/5.6 Ultra Achromatic (II)
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
== 6x7 Medium Format ==
+
===K-Mount===
−
''1969-present''
+
K-mount was introduced in 1975, and is still in use as of 2021.  During this time Pentax have produced many different types of lens for the K-mount. They are summarized in the table below. <ref>[http://kmp.pentaxians.eu/technology/summary/ Evolution of the K-Mount] at [http://kmp.pentaxians.eu/ the Pentax K page]</ref>
−
* Pentax 6x7
+
 
−
* Pentax 67
+
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"
−
* Pentax 67 II
+
! scope="col" width="70px" | Type
 +
! scope="col" width="120px" | Focus
 +
! scope="col" width="140px" | Focal Lengths Produced
 +
! scope="col" width="60px" | Zooms/Primes
 +
! scope="col" width="140px" | Lens Coverage
 +
! scope="col" width="80px" | Auto Aperture?
 +
! scope="col" width="80px" | Aperture Ring?
 +
|-
 +
| K Lenses || Manual || 15mm-2000mm  || Primes || 36x24mm (35mm film) || No || Yes
 +
|-
 +
| M Lenses || Manual || 20mm-2000mm  || Both || 36x24mm (35mm film) || No || Yes
 +
|-
 +
| A Lenses || Manual || 15mm-1200mm  || Both || 36x24mm (35mm film) || Yes || Yes
 +
|-
 +
| F Lenses || Screw-drive Autofocus || 17mm-600mm  || Both || 36x24mm (35mm film) || Yes || Yes
 +
|-
 +
| FA J Lenses || Screw-drive Autofocus || 18mm-300mm  || Zooms || 36x24mm (35mm film) || Yes || No
 +
|-
 +
| FA Lenses || Screw-drive Autofocus || 20mm-600mm  || Both || 36x24mm (35mm film) || Yes || Yes
 +
|-
 +
| D-FA Lenses || Screw-drive Autofocus || 50mm, 100mm (macros)  || Primes || 36x24mm (35mm film) || Yes || Depends on lens
 +
|-
 +
| DA Lenses || Screw-drive / SDM Autofocus || 10mm-560mm  || Both || APS-C || Yes || No
 +
|-
 +
| HD-DFA Lenses <br> for the K1 DSLR || Screw-drive / SDM Autofocus || 10mm-560mm  || Both || 26x24mm || Yes || No
 +
|}
 +
{{br}}
 +
===6x7 Mount===
 +
{{br}}
 +
 
 +
===645 Mount===
 +
{{br}}
 +
 
 +
== Meters ==
 +
=== Hand held ===
 +
* Pentax 1/21 Spotmeter
 +
* Pentax 3/21 Spotmeter
 +
* Pentax Spotmeter II
 +
* Pentax Spotmeter III
 +
* [[Pentax Spotmeter V]]
 +
* Pentax Digital Spotmeter
 +
* Pentax Digital Spot V
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Asahi lenses on cameras from other makers ==
 +
Not all examples of the cameras listed below have Asahi lenses.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== Lenses not labeled as by Asahi ===
 +
For [[Konica|Konishiroku]]:
 +
* no-name meniscus achromat, on the [[Pearlette]]
 +
* [[Zion and Optor|Optor]], on the [[Idea (metal)|Idea]], [[Ohca]], [[Pearlette]], [[Baby Pearl]] and [[Semi Pearl]]
 +
For the predecessors of [[Minolta]]:
 +
* [[Actiplan]] (origin unconfirmed), on the [[Minolta and Auto Minolta]]
 +
* Coronar, on the [[Nifca and Molta plate folders|Happy]], [[Minolta Vest]], [[Minolta Six]], [[Semi Minolta (I) and II]]
 +
* Promar, on the [[Minoltaflex (I)]], [[Minoltaflex Automat]], [[Auto Semi Minolta]] and [[Auto Press Minolta]]
 +
* Promar SII 75mm f/3.5 on the [[Semi Minolta P]]
 +
The [[Heliostar]] lenses were perhaps assembled by Asahi (see the discussion there).
 +
 
 +
=== Lenses labeled as by Asahi ===
 +
* Takumar 75mm f/3.5 on the [[Press Van]]
 +
* T-Takumar 75mm f/3.5 on the [[Mine Six]]
 +
 
 +
== Notes ==
 +
<references />
 +
 
 +
== Bibliography ==
 +
* {{Inquiry1943}}
 +
* Yazawa Seiichiro (?????). "Renzu no hanashi (157) Happi" (?????[157]????, Lens story [157] The Happy). In {{CCN}} no.247 (January 1998). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.11–4. (On the beginning of the company.)
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
−
* [http://www.robertstech.com/pentax.htm Pentax Manual SLRs]
+
====Official websites====
−
* [http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/ Boz's K-Mount Page]
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120204090553/http://www.pentaximaging.com/ Pentax Imaging Company] Official website (including the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130617030934/http://www.pentaximaging.com/camera-lenses/ lens product list]) (archived)
−
* [http://stans-photography.info/ Stan Halpin's Pentax Lens Page]
+
* [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/download_manual.html Official Pentax documentation]. Download manuals for cameras and lenses
−
* [http://www.pdml.net/ Pentax Discussion Mailing List]
+
* [http://www.pentax.com/en/pentaxhistory/ Pentax history] at www.pentax.com
 +
 
 +
====User groups and community websites====
 +
* [http://www.aohc.it/index.php Asahi Optical Historical Club] - International community of Pentax enthusiasts
 +
* [http://www.aohc.it/pentaxday/pdaye.htm Pentax Day] - annual gathering of Pentax enthusiasts
 +
<!--Commented out link, page no longer present/available, please remove if not returned by 10/2022 * [http://www.pdml.net/ Pentax Discussion Mailing List] - view the [http://pdml.net/pipermail/pdml_pdml.net/ list archive] online or subscribe to the list -->
 +
* [https://www.pentaxuser.com/ Pentax User Magazine] - UK-based magazine website, includes Pentax [https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum forum] and [https://www.pentaxuser.com/articles articles]
 +
 
 +
====Technical information====
 +
* [http://antiquecameras.net/pentax6x7lenses.html AntiqueCameras.org Pentax 6x7 Lens Guide] - comprehensive list plus eBay listings and lens test reports
 +
* [http://www.robertstech.com/pentax.htm Robertstech Pentax Resources] - Lens/camera compatibility, lens filter sizes and service manuals
 +
* [http://kmp.pentaxians.eu/ Boz's K-Mount Page] - technical data about Pentax K-Mount gear
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20191002010153/http://stans-photography.info/ Stan Halpin's Pentax Lens Page] (archived)
 
* [http://web.mit.edu/dennis/www/pentax67/lens-info.html Pentax 67 Lens Info]
 
* [http://web.mit.edu/dennis/www/pentax67/lens-info.html Pentax 67 Lens Info]
 +
* [http://www.klassik-cameras.de/Pentax_Main.html Frank Mechelhoff's Pentax Page]
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160727210945/http://www.geocities.jp/tsuga_non/index_1.htm Tsuga_Non Pentax pages] (in Japanese) (archived)
 +
* [http://whitemetal.com/pentax/index_pentax_cameras.htm Pentax pages] at [http://whitemetal.com/ whitemetal.com]
 +
* [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/pentax.htm  Listing of most Pentax film camera manuals in color - English] PDF format from [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ OrphanCameras.com]
 +
* [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/pentax_point_and_shoot/pentax_point_and_shoot.htm Pentax Point and Shoot] film camera instruction manuals at [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Butkus.org]
 +
* [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/flashes_meters.htm Pentax Flashes and Light Meter instruction manuals in color (alphabetical)] at Orphancameras.com
 +
* [http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Asahi/ Asahi/Pentax Cameras Price Guide] ~ Compiled prices from recent completed auctions.
 +
*[http://camarasclassicas.blogspot.com/2010/12/asahi-pentax-spotmatic.html Asahi Pentax Spotmatic] at [http://camarasclassicas.blogspot.com/ Classic Cameras] by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/raulm/ RaúlM.]
 +
*[https://www.lucan.org.uk/ Collection of Pentax brochures] by LordLucan
 +
In French :
 +
* [https://www.pentaxiste.org/ Pentaxiste French site]
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110610145713/http://www.photopentax.com/compatibilite-en.html Database of Pentax-K compatible and M42 lenses (archived)] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20110602004000/http://www.photopentax.com:80/ Photopentax.com] (archived)
 +
* [http://www.collectiongeven.com/piwigo/index.php?/category/760 Asahi page] at [http://www.collectiongeven.com/piwigo/ Collection G. Even's site]
 +
 +
In Spanish :
 +
* [http://www.pentaxeros.com/forum/index.php?topic=29172.0# Historia de Pentax Digital] at www.pentaxeros.com
 +
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[[Category: Japanese camera makers]]
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[[Category: Japanese lens makers]]
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[[Category: Japanese lenses]]
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[[Category:Japanese digital SLR]]
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[[Category: Meter makers]]
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[[Category: Pentax|*]]

Latest revision as of 15:07, 2 September 2023

Pentax is a Japanese lens and camera maker founded in 1919 under the name Asahi Optical Company. In 2002 it changed its name to Pentax Corporation. It is currently (2023) owned by Ricoh Imaging Corp.

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image by wolf4max (Image rights)

History

The company that would become Pentax was founded in 1919 as Asahi Kogaku Kogyo G.K. (旭光学工業株式会社) . It was originally an optical company, beginning by making glasses under the Aoco brand (presumably the acronym of Asahi Optical Company), and made its first Aoco projection lens in 1923.[1] It began to produce camera lenses in the early 1930s under the leadership of CEO Kajiwara Kumao and his closest collaborator, Matsumoto Saburo.[2] These lenses were not marked as made by Asahi and were produced for various camera models made by other makers. From 1933 the company produced Optor and meniscus achromat lenses designed at Rokuoh-sha for Konishiroku models. From the mid-1930s to the end of World War II the company was also the main supplier of Molta, then Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko (predecessors of Minolta), whose cameras were equipped with Coronar and Promar lenses.[3][4]

The company changed status in 1938, becoming Asahi Kogaku Kogyo K.K. or Asahi Optical Co. based in Tokyo.[5]

After the war, Asahi made binoculars and polished lenses for several other companies. The first camera produced by Asahi, made as a prototype in 1951 and released in 1952, was the Asahiflex, which was also the first Japanese 35mm SLR. One of the models of the Asahiflex series, the Asahiflex IIb, was the first 35mm SLR to have an instant-return mirror, thus solving the problem of mirror blackout that had plagued SLRs up to that time (early SLRs left the mirror in its "up" position until the camera was wound for the next shot, blacking out the viewfinder).

A series of lenses bearing the name Takumar in honor of Kajiwara Takuma, brother of the founder, were developed for the Asahiflex, which used the 37mm screw mount (1952). The name Takumar was carried over to the 35mm M42x1 mount and 6x7 cameras and went through a series of iterations as build quality and coatings were developed with names such as Super-Takumar, Super-Multi-Coated Takumar, and SMC Takumar until 1975, when the name was changed to SMC-Pentax (even though Takumar lenses were in the catalog until 1979).

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SLRs Pentax 67 and Pentax MX
image by Colton Allen (Image rights)

Pentax was originally the name of another 35mm SLR camera model, introduced in 1957 and successor of the Asahiflex. The name is derived from the shape of the prism used in SLR cameras (pentaprism), and the ending syllable deliberately looks like that of the Zeiss Ikon Contax. In fact, the name Pentax was a property of Zeiss Ikon (West) until they sold it to Asahi Optical Co., maybe strategically, because Zess Ikon's East-German concurrent had relabeled its Contax S SLRs to Pentacon.

Early Pentax cameras were sold in the USA stamped with the name Tower, the house brand of Sears Roebuck & Co., and many others carry the name Heiland, which was the importer and distributor in the USA. Heiland was later acquired by Honeywell until the partnership ended in 1976. These cameras were exactly the same as the ones stamped with the Asahi name.

Pentax was at the time one of the big Japanese camera manufacturers, given their success with 35mmSLR cameras such as the Asahiflex, the Pentax, and the Spotmatic lines. In 1969 Pentax introduced a complete camera systems for rollfilm, the Pentax 6x7. Later it introduced its tiny and popular Pentax Auto 110 for type 110 film cassettes.

In 1957 Asahi Optical Co adopted the M42x1 lens mount for the successful Asahi Pentax (AP) camera, which introduced the auto-diaphragm in the Auto-Takumar lenses for the K-camera and continued using it in the successful S/H line and in the Spotmatic. By 1975 Pentax tried to take the lead with a new lens bayonet, which overcame the limitations of the screw mount and maintained the same flange/film distance as that of the M42 screw mount, thus making it easier for lens makers to offer lenses for both mounts. In fact, the K mount should have been an open bayonet standard, and a handful of other renowned camera makers also used it, among them Pentax's K-mount: Zenit, Topcon, Chinon, Cosina,Ricoh, and Samsung. But most importantly, the mount was further developed and is still in use for Pentax's digital SLRs and even for one of its CSCs, making all new cameras back-compatible.

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Auto 110
Pentax' smallest SLR
image by Vagn Sloth-Madsen (Image rights)

The company kept the name Asahi Optical Co. until it became Pentax Corporation in 2002. After successful prototyping since 2000 the company launched its first DSLR with a film twin in 2003, with Pentax K mount. A merger with the Hoya Corporation was completed on October 1, 2007. The new name became Hoya Pentax HD Corporation (HOYA-HD㈱).[6] In summer 2011 Hoya announced that it was selling the imaging branch of Pentax to Ricoh[7] while it will keep the medical branch of Pentax for itself.


In July 2011 Ricoh announced its intentions to purchase the Pentax photographic equipment business from Hoya (which, however, would retain some Pentax-branded medical product lines, etc.)[8]. In August of 2013 the name of the company was changed to Ricoh Imaging. It was announced that the Ricoh branding would be used on compact cameras, while Pentax-branded products would be the DSLRs, interchangeable-lens compact cameras, and binoculars.

Digital

SLR

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*ist
image by Jörg Krüger (Image rights)
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*istD black
image by Jürgen Oswald (Image rights)
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K7
image by nubobo (Image rights)
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K-1
full frame
image by Jörg Krüger (Image rights)
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Pentax K-01
Mirrorless K-mount
image by maoby (Image rights)
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Pentax K-P
image by Pawel Swiatek (Image rights)


Medium Format SLR

Interchangeable-lens compact

Interchangeable-lens mirrorless


Point and Shoot Cameras

-

1996

2000

2001

  • Pentax EI-100
  • Pentax EI-3000 - prototype
  • Pentax Optio 330
  • Pentax Optio 430

2002

2003

2004

  • Pentax Optio MX
  • Pentax Optio 30
  • Pentax Optio S40
  • Pentax Optio S4i
  • Pentax Optio 43WR
  • Pentax Optio S30
  • Pentax Optio S50
  • Pentax Optio S5i
  • Pentax Optio X
  • Pentax Optio 750z
  • Pentax Optio SV
  • Pentax Optio MX4

2005

  • Pentax Optio WP
  • Pentax Optio 50
  • Pentax Optio S5n
  • Pentax Optio S45
  • Pentax Optio S55
  • Pentax Optio S5z
  • Pentax Optio SVi
  • Pentax Optio 60
  • Pentax Optio S60
  • Pentax Optio S6
  • Pentax Optio WPi
  • Pentax Optio 50L

2006

  • Pentax Optio A10
  • Pentax Optio E10
  • Pentax Optio T10
  • Pentax Optio M10
  • Pentax Optio W10
  • Pentax Optio S7
  • Pentax Optio A20
  • Pentax Optio W20
  • Pentax Optio M20
  • Pentax Optio T20
  • Pentax Optio E20

2007

  • Pentax Optio E30
  • Pentax Optio T30
  • Pentax Optio M30
  • Pentax Optio A30
  • Pentax Optio W30
  • Pentax Optio M40
  • Pentax Optio E40
  • Pentax Optio Z10
  • Pentax Optio S10
  • Pentax Optio A40
  • Pentax Optio V10

2008

  • Pentax Optio E50
  • Pentax Optio M50
  • Pentax Optio S12
  • Pentax Optio V20
  • Pentax Optio W60
  • Pentax Optio M60
  • Pentax Optio E60
  • Pentax Optio E65

2009

  • Pentax Optio P70
  • Pentax Optio E70
  • Pentax Optio E70L
  • Pentax X70
  • Pentax Optio E75
  • Pentax Optio W80
  • Pentax Optio P80
  • Pentax Optio E80
  • Pentax Optio WS80
  • Pentax Optio M85
  • Pentax Optio E85

2010

2011

  • Pentax Optio RZ18
  • Pentax Optio S1
  • Pentax Optio WG-1
  • Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS
  • Pentax RS1500


35mm film

Asahiflex SLR

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Image by Bill Strong
(Image rights)


Screw-mount Pentax SLR

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Spotmatics, LX and lenses, image by Melvin Sha (Image rights)

The Spotmatic Series

These cameras were very successful, with a stop-down TTL light metering system that was simple, precise, and at affordable prices. Together with the Takumar lenses, it was one of the best selling cameras of the time. The family of cameras included:

With the advent of electronics, Asahi developed a camera that used that new technology; the Electro-Spotmatic had "electronic shutter" that was fully automatic and without steps.

Asahi also had budget models for entry level enthusiats:


K-mount manual focus SLR

Pentax K series

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Pentax K models
image by Jörg Krüger (Image rights)

These cameras were launched in 1975, following the success of the Spotmatic, by replacing the M42 mount with K-mount while maintaining the same flange to film distance. Despite being the one with less features of this series, and due to its simplicity and robustness, the K1000 became the eternal student camera.


Pentax M series

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Pentax MV-1
by Brian Godbold
image by camerawiki (Image rights)
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Classical Pentax-Motor-cameras (KX, K2DMD, MX, LX)
image by wolf4max (Image rights)

Innovation in the form of miniaturization and cameras that were more compact, lighter, and reliable was introduced as the M line in 1976. This generation also brought the line of SMC-Pentax-M lenses. Aperture priority and the use of buttons instead of dials was a characteristic, together with very bright viewfinders with split image. Autofocus was introduced for the first time in a Pentax camera with the ME-F, which used a special lens with built-in focusing motor.


Pentax A series:

These cameras introduced electronic communication between the lens and the camera to allow for automatic exposure (Program mode). K-mount lenses with electronic contacts (SMC Pentax-A) were introduced to complement these cameras.

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Pentax Super A
image by Jörg Krüger (Image rights)
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Pentax ProgramPlus
image by Pablo Coronel (Image rights)
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Pentax P30T
image by Alf Sigaro (Image rights)
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Pentax A3
image by Jörg Krüger (Image rights)

Pentax P series:

Pentax LX

  • Pentax LX (1980) Professional grade camera. LX refers to the 60th Anniversary of Asahi Optical Company.
    • Pentax LX 2000 - special edition for the year 2000


K-mount autofocus SLR

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Z-1
image by Mick Evans (Image rights)
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Pentax MZ-S

With Battery grip BG-10
image by Antonio Rodríguez (Image rights)

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Pentax MZ-M
manual focus
image by teknoec (Image rights)

SF series

Z/PZ series

MZ/ZX series

A series of cameras that were popular in the late 1990s, the single-digit cameras were aimed at advanced amateurs, while the double digits were aimed to amateurs. All had plastic bodies and several program modes. The cameras used the MZ designation in the European and Asian markets and ZX in the Americas.


Compact

  • Pentax Espio IQZoom series (e.g. Espio, Espio 928, Espio 115, Mini, IQZoom 135M Date, Zoom60-X, Zoom95-WR)
  • Pentax PC series (e.g. PC-33, PC35 AF-M, PC-300 Date, PC-606W)
  • Pentax Mini Sport 35AF (35mm, f/3.8)
  • Pentax Pino series (e.g. Pino 35M)
  • Pentax Sport (DX)


645 Medium Format

1969-2010
Manual Focus

Autofocus

6×7 Medium Format

1969-2010


110 film

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Image by Martin Taylor
(Image rights)

1979-1983 interchangeable lens SLR

APS film


Lenses

Asahi Optical began as a lens fabricator. After World War II they also entered the camera business, and with the introduction of the Asahiflex they also introduced their own line of lenses, giving them the name Takumar. Takumar lenses were used in 35mm and the Pentax 6x7 until 1975, when the badge was replaced with smc-Pentax. Takumar lenses became legendary in the 1960s, with millions produced, and many are still used today on digital cameras.

Asahiflex (37mm) Mount

  • Standard lenses:
    • Takumar 50mm f/3.5 (three different versions)
    • Takumar 58mm f/2.4
  • Telephotos:
    • Takumar 83mm f/1.9 (both in Asahiflex and M42 with adapter mount)
    • Takumar 100mm f/3.5
    • Tele-Takumar 135mm f/3.5
    • Takumar 135mm f/3.5 (M42 with adapter)
    • Takumar 500mm f/5.0


M42-Mount

  • type 0 (1957): Takumar-preset: Replaced the older 37mm version of the Takumar line for the original AP cameras
  • type I (1959): Auto-Takumar: A lever is added to allow for full aperture focusing before shooting, for the Pentax K camera
  • type II (1962): Super-Takumar: Fully-automatic diaphragm that does not needs to be cocked manually, with an Auto/Manual switch on the lens. Single layer of coating; however, some later versions are multicoated as Asahi's coating technology improved. These lenses were made popular with the success of the Spotmatic cameras. The famous 50mm f/1.4 was introduced at that time.
  • type III (1971): Super-Multi-Coated Takumar: A seven-layer coating was applied for these lenses, the best available at the time, with improvements in contrast and color rendition. A mechanism for open-aperture metering with the Spotmatic-F/ES/ES-II was added to the lens.
  • type IV: SMC Takumar (1974): Identical optically to type III but uses a rubberized instead of the metal focusing ring and a different diaphragm ring as a prelude to the change of mount to K bayonet.
Wide Angles Normal Short - Teleobjectives Teleobjectives Zoom and Special lenses
  • 15/3.5 (III, IV)
  • 17/4 Fisheye (II, III, IV)
  • 18/11 Fisheye (II)
  • 20/4.5 (II, III)
  • 24/3.5 (II, III)
  • 28/3.5 (II, III)
  • 35/2.0 (II, III)
  • 35/2.3 (I)
  • 35/3.5 (I, II, III)
  • 35/4.0 (0)
  • 50/1.4 (II, III, IV)
  • 50/1.8 (I, II, III)
  • 50/3.5 (0)
  • 50/4 Macro (II, III, IV)
  • 55/1.8 (0, I, II, III, IV)
  • 55/2 (0, I, II, III)
  • 55/2.2 (0, I)
  • 58/2 (0)
  • 58/2.4 (0)
  • 83/1.9 (0)
  • 85/1.8 (I, III)
  • 85/1.9 (II, III)
  • 100/2 (0)
  • 100/3.5 (0)
  • 100/4 Bellows (0, III)
  • 100/4 Macro (III)
  • 105/2.8 (0, I, II, III)
  • 108/2.8 Index (III)
  • 120/2.8 (III)
  • 135/2.5 5 elements/5 groups (II, III)
  • 135/2.5 6 elements/6groups (III)
  • 135/3.5 (0, I, II, III)
  • 150/4 (II, III)
  • 200/3.5 (0)
  • 200/4 (II, III)
  • 200/5.6 Tele (II)
  • 300/4 (0, II, III)
  • 300/6.3 Tele (II)
  • 400/5.6 (II, III)
  • 500/4.5 (0, II, III)
  • 500/5 (0)
  • 1000/8 (0, III)
  • 70-150/4.5 (II)
  • 85-210/4.5 (II, III)
  • 45-125/4.0 (III)
  • 135-600/6.7 (III)


  • 85/3.5 Quartz Takumar (II)
  • 85/4.5 Ultra Achromatic (II)
  • 300/5.6 Ultra Achromatic (II)

K-Mount

K-mount was introduced in 1975, and is still in use as of 2021. During this time Pentax have produced many different types of lens for the K-mount. They are summarized in the table below. [10]

Type Focus Focal Lengths Produced Zooms/Primes Lens Coverage Auto Aperture? Aperture Ring?
K Lenses Manual 15mm-2000mm Primes 36x24mm (35mm film) No Yes
M Lenses Manual 20mm-2000mm Both 36x24mm (35mm film) No Yes
A Lenses Manual 15mm-1200mm Both 36x24mm (35mm film) Yes Yes
F Lenses Screw-drive Autofocus 17mm-600mm Both 36x24mm (35mm film) Yes Yes
FA J Lenses Screw-drive Autofocus 18mm-300mm Zooms 36x24mm (35mm film) Yes No
FA Lenses Screw-drive Autofocus 20mm-600mm Both 36x24mm (35mm film) Yes Yes
D-FA Lenses Screw-drive Autofocus 50mm, 100mm (macros) Primes 36x24mm (35mm film) Yes Depends on lens
DA Lenses Screw-drive / SDM Autofocus 10mm-560mm Both APS-C Yes No
HD-DFA Lenses
for the K1 DSLR		 Screw-drive / SDM Autofocus 10mm-560mm Both 26x24mm Yes No


6x7 Mount


645 Mount


Meters

Hand held

  • Pentax 1/21 Spotmeter
  • Pentax 3/21 Spotmeter
  • Pentax Spotmeter II
  • Pentax Spotmeter III
  • Pentax Spotmeter V
  • Pentax Digital Spotmeter
  • Pentax Digital Spot V


Asahi lenses on cameras from other makers

Not all examples of the cameras listed below have Asahi lenses.


Lenses not labeled as by Asahi

For Konishiroku:

For the predecessors of Minolta:

The Heliostar lenses were perhaps assembled by Asahi (see the discussion there).

Lenses labeled as by Asahi

Notes

  1. ↑ Yazawa, p.12 of Camera Collectors' News no.247.
  2. ↑ Yazawa, p.12 of Camera Collectors' News no.247.
  3. ↑ The Coronar and Promar lenses are attributed to Asahi in various sources, and this attribution is confirmed by the "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens items Lb5, Lb39, Lc9, and N2.
  4. ↑ A brief history of the Asahi Optical Corporation by Derek J. White ARPS Spotmatic Magazine 32 -2002 - at the Asahi Optical Historical Club.
  5. ↑ Its address in 1943 was Tokyo-to Itabashi-ku Itabashi-cho. Source: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras").
  6. ↑ Japanese version of the news release (archived) found in the Hoya official website. The name "HOYA PENTAX HD Corporation" is written in capital letters.
  7. ↑ Summer 2011: Hoya confirms sale rumours. (archived)
  8. ↑ Hoya press release (archived) (PDF) on sale of Pentax assets to Ricoh
  9. ↑ Pentax Classic DSLR concept at Watch Impress
  10. ↑ Evolution of the K-Mount at the Pentax K page

Bibliography

  • "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" (国産写真機ノ現状調査, Inquiry into Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943. Reproduced in Supuringu kamera de ikou: Zen 69 kishu no shōkai to tsukaikata (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の紹介と使い方, Let's try spring cameras: Presentation and use of 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4-87956-072-3. Pp.180–7.
  • Yazawa Seiichiro (?????). "Renzu no hanashi (157) Happi" (?????[157]????, Lens story [157] The Happy). In Camera Collectors' News no.247 (January 1998). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.11–4. (On the beginning of the company.)

Links

Official websites

User groups and community websites

Technical information

In French :

In Spanish :

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