Pentax: A brief history

[creampuff]

Came across this concise write-up about the history of Pentax.
http://www.answers.com/topic/pentax-corporation

Good read for those who are new to the brand or want to know a little more about it's past achievements.

[seefei]

Didnt know Asahi is the former name adopted by Pentax. There is an Asahi TV tube maker in tuas.

Good read!

[felixcat8888]

Originally Posted by seefei Didnt know Asahi is the former name adopted by Pentax. There is an Asahi TV tube maker in tuas. Good read!

Asahi Glass

Former name of Pentax is Asahi Pentax Co

[jlpk007]

very nice read

[airconvent]

Nice read! I was aware of the asahi link though. Too bad my K1000 is a China-made "Pentax" rather than a Japanese made "Pentax-Aasahi".
But in case you do not know, Pentax is still very much in the astronomical telescope business. Their eyepieces are one of the best around, comparable to its US and Eupopean counterparts in the same class. I have used some of them and they are really value for money!

I think the article was written in 2005 and has not been updated since which is why they keep on talking about the "istD" series and no mention of the K10D and K20D, nor any mention of the Hoya merger too.

[jeffL]

Originally Posted by airconvent Nice read! I was aware of the asahi link though. Too bad my K1000 is a China-made "Pentax" rather than a Japanese made "Pentax-Aasahi". But in case you do not know, Pentax is still very much in the astronomical telescope business. Their eyepieces are one of the best around, comparable to its US and Eupopean counterparts in the same class. I have used some of them and they are really value for money! I think the article was written in 2005 and has not been updated since which is why they keep on talking about the "istD" series and no mention of the K10D and K20D, nor any mention of the Hoya merger too.

Yes Pentax eyepieces are one of the best, not to mention some of their telescopes range too. Years ago I used to have the Pentax 75 SDHF, nice refractor!

Thanks for the link..

[Ben Loke]

Originally Posted by seefei Didnt know Asahi is the former name adopted by Pentax. There is an Asahi TV tube maker in tuas. Good read!

Asahi is just a name adopted by manufactures which does not really imply they are related.

There is also Asahi beer.....

[fengwei]

Nice finding, Denis

I really like the idea of putting ASAHI PENTAX together instead of just PENTAX alone. But it's history now. Hopefully PENTAX won't become history anytime soon ...

[istDeS]

Nice write-up of history of Pentax there. Thanks for sharing.

[Baracus]

Originally Posted by airconvent But in case you do not know, Pentax is still very much in the astronomical telescope business. Their eyepieces are one of the best around, comparable to its US and Eupopean counterparts in the same class. I have used some of them and they are really value for money!

I saw an ad for Pentax glass for spectacles at some eyewear shop. I wonder how they fare.

[fengwei]

Originally Posted by Baracus I saw an ad for Pentax glass for spectacles at some eyewear shop. I wonder how they fare.

Pentax has made quite some nice eyeglasses, although they are not very well known in this area:
https://www.go-optic.com/store/Eyegl...=PENTAX&Page=1

[hjbyeo]

my spectacle lens are made by Pentax. I am currently wearing them, and still in excellent shape.. :>

[flowerpot]

not surprising since they are a lens making company... same for Nikon, Zeiss... u can find them too in spectacles shops... but i dun wear specs though

[fengwei]

Originally Posted by flowerpot but i dun wear specs though

Well, I don't mind having a pair of SMC sunglasses

[flowerpot]

Originally Posted by fengwei Well, I don't mind having a pair of SMC sunglasses

for u... they need to make a SMC FA* Limited sunglasses... black and silver verson

[fengwei]

Originally Posted by flowerpot for u... they need to make a SMC FA* Limited sunglasses... black and silver verson

Oh yeah, that'll be great

[creampuff]

Originally Posted by flowerpot for u... they need to make a SMC FA* Limited sunglasses... black and silver verson

..this is very funny.

Pentax also makes very good binoculars too. I've got a pair of roof prism binoculars that is more than 15 years that are still in excellent condition. After so many years the waterproof seals are still intact.

For those who want to shoot wildlife or birding, aside from using a long tele, one other option is to use a spotting scope mated to a K-mount adapter - Camera Adapter Eyepiece (PF-CA35) . Not cheap but it is one of the best ways to shoot animals on safari or birding. The Pentax spotting scopes (and Nikon too) are excellent.

[istDeS]

Originally Posted by flowerpot for u... they need to make a SMC FA* Limited sunglasses... black and silver verson

[airconvent]

Originally Posted by hjbyeo my spectacle lens are made by Pentax. I am currently wearing them, and still in excellent shape.. :>

whoa, Bernard! hardcore pentax fan!

Originally Posted by baracus I saw an ad for Pentax glass for spectacles at some eyewear shop. I wonder how they fare.

Pentax are well known for their optics. I would think that a pair of Pentax will continue that tradition. And while you're at it, get a pair of Pentax binos too!

Originally Posted by jeffl Yes Pentax eyepieces are one of the best, not to mention some of their telescopes range too. Years ago I used to have the Pentax 75 SDHF, nice refractor!

yup..the Pentax75 is a great portable scope and excellent for astrophotography. I know of a fellow astronomer who has the Pentax 90mm. Quite a big scope and a very compact body!

[taekimon]

wow. i'm suprised that Pentax was actually acquired by Hoya.
Hmm .. makes me wonder if the camera division would be sold off since Hoya is more interested in Pentax's technologies and expertise in the field of endoscopes and other medical optics (Remember how Konica-Minolta produced one of the best DSLRs and ended up with Sony ..)