Originally posted by lesmore49 I remember reading somewhere that Pentax started around 1919 as the Asahi Optical Co.
That is correct.
A little history just for fun.
PENTAX started out as the Asahi Optical Company (AOC) In 1919.
Through the 1930’s AOC was a leading lens manufacturer for Japanese camera and optical instrument manufacturers, thanks to the company’s superb lens polishing skills.
In 1952 Asahi Optical Company introduced the world’s first 35mm single lens reflex camera – the Asahiflex I.
In 1954 the Asahiflex II camera is introduced which incorporates the world’s first instant return mirror system. This system solved the problem of viewfinder blackout and paved the way for major progress in SLR camera development.
In 1957 Asahi Optical Company introduced one of the first SLR cameras to incorporate a pentaprism viewfinder for upright eye-level and laterally correct viewing and framing. This camera was called the “Asahi PENTAX” and the name “PENTAX” was born.
The name PENTAX comes from two words:
PENTAprism and refleX mirror = PENTAX
In 2002 Asahi Optical Company, officially changes its name to PENTAX CORPORATION.