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Pentax
The Japanese camera giant whose SLRs and lenses defined photography for generations — now a Ricoh-owned brand
Transformed — Pentax began as Asahi Optical, a Japanese maker of cameras and lenses, and built a legendary name in SLR photography. After a period under Hoya it became part of Ricoh, which continues to sell Pentax-branded cameras and lenses today.
Pentax traces its roots to Asahi Optical, founded in Japan in the early 20th century. It became one of the most respected names in photography, known for compact SLR cameras, superb optics and pioneering innovations such as the first Japanese single-lens reflex camera. The Pentax name came to stand for dependability and value for decades.
Over the years Pentax built a loyal following among enthusiasts, from the classic K-series film cameras to the digital era. But the camera industry consolidated sharply, and Pentax struggled to compete at the scale of giants like Canon and Nikon.
In 2007, Pentax was acquired by the lens maker Hoya, and in 2011 its imaging business was sold to Ricoh. The Pentax brand lives on as a Ricoh business, and its DSLRs and lenses are still made and sold today, though it is a far smaller player than the photographic giants it once rivaled.
Quick facts
- Founded
- 1919, as Asahi Optical
- Signature
- SLR cameras and optics
- Innovation
- First Japanese SLR camera
- Acquired
- Hoya in 2007, then Ricoh in 2011
- Now
- A Ricoh-owned camera brand
- Known for
- Reliable, well-priced cameras
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)