Nikon’s beginnings date back to 1917 in Japan. At first, the company mainly produced lenses - telescopes, binoculars, microscopes and other small, optical equipment. Soon the company expanded its portfolio, producing photographic lenses under the Nikkor brand.
In the field of cameras, particularly among professionals, Nikon quickly gained a reputation as a top manufacturer, which continues today. Its cameras were even included in the equipment of American spacecraft. Nikon designed and produced the legendary Nikon SP 1957, regarded by many as the best camera of all time.
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Nikon
Nikon is a Japanese company and one of the largest and best-known camera manufacturers in the world. Their high quality, durable and reliable products are trusted by professionals and amateur photographers alike.
The Tokyo Optical Company
Nikon's history starts in Tokyo in 1917, when three small optical firms created a company called Nippon Kogaku Kogyo (Tokyo Optical Company). Initially, the company focussed on the production of telescopes, binoculars, microscopes and related optical devices. A few years later, the company launched its first Nikkor photographic lens, which have gone on to sell more than 40 million units.
The first Nikon camera
The first Nikon camera was made in 1946. After the successful launch of the first few models in Japan, the company started selling its products in other countries. In the same year, Nikon also launched the first professional Nikon SP. Two years later, the first Nikon F single-lens reflex camera hit the shops and sold over a million units during the 60s and 70s.
Interesting facts
Nikon has cooperated with NASA since 1971, with Nikon cameras taken into space during NASA's Apollo 15 space program. Nikon still equips NASA missions today:
- 2008 – 6x D2SX models for the Space Shuttle Mission project
- 2009 – 11x D3S + 15 types of lenses for the International Space Station (ISS).
In 1917, Nikon became the first Japanese manufacturer of optical glass. In 1990, it developed the first eco-glass, free of lead, arsenic, cadmium, etc.
Nikon camera firsts
1972 – Fisheye Nikkor – a single lens with a 220° angle of view
1992 – Nikonos RS – the only underwater camera in the world
2005 – Coolpix P1 – the first camera with WiFi data transmission
2007 – P6000 – the first compact camera with GPS
2009 – Coolpix S1000pj – the first camera with a built-in mini projector
