WhereIsAtlas · Pentax
What Happened to Pentax?
The classic SLR and lens maker photographers loved — now a Ricoh-owned brand, still making cameras.
Pentax, born as Asahi Optical, was one of the most respected names in photography. It is now owned by Ricoh, which still makes and sells Pentax cameras and lenses, though on a far smaller scale than its former rivals.
From Asahi Optical to Pentax
Pentax began as Asahi Optical, founded in Japan in 1919. It grew into a leading maker of cameras and lenses, and in 1952 produced the first Japanese single-lens reflex camera — a landmark in photography. The Pentax name, adopted as the brand for its cameras, became a byword for quality and sensible design.
A photographing giant
For much of the 20th century Pentax was one of the world's great camera companies. Its SLRs and lenses were prized by professionals and amateurs alike, and its innovations — including pioneering through-the-lens metering — helped shape how cameras worked for everyone.
The consolidation and sale
As the digital era arrived, the camera industry consolidated around a few big makers, and Pentax found it hard to compete on scale. In 2007 it was acquired by the lens maker Hoya, and in 2011 its imaging business was sold to Ricoh, which took on the Pentax name and product line.
Where Pentax is now
Pentax survives today as a Ricoh-owned brand. It still produces cameras and lenses at a much smaller scale, with a devoted enthusiast following, but it is no longer the industry power it was — now a niche name kept alive by photographers who value its legacy.
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Sources
- Pentax (Ricoh Imaging) - Wikipedia — Wikipedia (2026-09-05)
- For 15 years, Ricoh licensed the Pentax name. Now, that's changed — Digital Camera World (2026-09-05)