Asahi Pentax
The Asahi Pentax series of cameras, by the Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. (旭光学工業株式会社, Asahi Kōgaku Kōgyō kabushiki gaisha, shortened in logos as AOCo), was a pivotal development in modern photography. They were the earliest Pentax cameras.
Background
In 1957, the Asahi Optical Company (later "Pentax") introduced the Pentax, a 35 mm Single-lens reflex camera (SLR) camera which was so well received that it influenced the design of 35 mm SLRs worldwide for years to come.
The Pentax and its later development and likewise classic 1964
Features and market impact
The Asahi Pentax of 1957 featured:
- Rapid-wind film advance lever. Earlier 35 mm SLRs, with the sole exception of Exakta's left-handed lever, had knob winders;
- Film rewind crank, likewise a first for 35 mm SLRs;
- Instant mirror return, unique to the Pentax and its immediate predecessor, the Asahiflex IIb;
- Microprism focusing aids on the focus screen, unique to the Pentax.
Moreover, the Pentax placed controls in locations that would become standard on 35 mm SLRs from all manufacturers, such as the right-handed rapid wind lever, the bottom right mounted rewind release. It also had a film speed reminder around the film rewind crank, a location that remained standard until the dial went from being merely a reminder to the photographer to actually controlling the light meter built into later SLRs.
The two photographic giants,
The Pentax became so dominant that the