Nikon, a world leader in cameras, imaging and optics, was founded on July 25th, 1917. Nikon is introducing a special 90th Anniversary logo as part of the birthday celebration. “Nikon has maintained an unwavering commitment to the study of light with the corporate philosophy, ‘Trustworthiness and Creativity’,” said Michio Kariya, President of Nikon Corporation.

Nikon Press Release

Nikon Celebrates 90 Years of Optical Excellence

New Logo Highlights Nikon Products Sold in Anniversary Year

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 25th July 2007: This summer Nikon Europe will join with Nikon worldwide in celebrating the company’s 90th birthday. Nikon, a world leader in cameras, imaging and optics, was founded on July 25th, 1917.

“Nikon has maintained an unwavering commitment to the study of light with the corporate philosophy, ‘Trustworthiness and Creativity’,” said Michio Kariya, President of Nikon Corporation. “As the awards won at the recent Technical Image Press Association show, the Nikon name continues to represent photographic excellence for European photographic professionals and consumers alike.”

Nikon is introducing a special 90th Anniversary logo as part of the birthday celebration. The logo celebrates how Nikon turns the power of imagination into infinite possibilities of technical innovation and creativity, and commemorates the company’s history of quality in cameras, lens and optics.

Nikon, originally known as Nippon Kogaku, K.K., or Japan Optical Co., was formed on July 25, 1917, by the merger of three smaller optical firms. The company has a long association with Europe, starting with eight German technicians who arrived in Japan in January of 1921.

Beginning as an optical firm, Nikon manufactured microscopes, telescopes, surveying equipment and optical measuring devices.  In the 1930’s, Nikkor was adopted as the brand name for the acclaimed line of photographic lenses. In 1946, the company began producing a 35mm rangefinder camera with an interchangeable lens. The camera was the first to be given the name Nikon.

The success of the Nikon Rangefinder was followed by the introduction of the now-classic Nikon F single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera in 1959. The durable Nikon F, built with the technology leadership and precision that characterizes Nikon products, quickly became the choice of professional and discerning amateur photographers alike. 

Nikon has followed up its success with the Rangefinder and Nikon F with many other popular and critically acclaimed products such as compact cameras, Nikonos underwater cameras and manual and autofocus SLRs. With its world-renowned optics and lenses leading the way, Nikon has seamlessly made the transition into digital photography with the popular compact COOLPIX line and acclaimed DX format digital SLR cameras like the D2Xs, D200, D80, D50 and the new D40X. 

Known for 90 years as one of the finest optical manufacturing companies in the world, Nikon has achieved a level of optical excellence unrivalled by any other glassmaker. With millions of loyal consumer and professional customers, Nikon has earned its status as a premium brand and remains a major force in the market for optical and photographic equipment, as well as precision instruments.

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