Difference between revisions of "Nikon" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox_Company |
 
{{Infobox_Company |
 
  company_name = Nikon Corporation<br />株式会社ニコン |
 
  company_name = Nikon Corporation<br />株式会社ニコン |
 
  company_type = Corporation {{tyo|7731}} |
 
  company_type = Corporation {{tyo|7731}} |
 
  company_logo = [[Image: Nikon logo.png|200px]] |
 
  company_logo = [[Image: Nikon logo.png|200px]] |
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  foundation = [[Tokyo, Japan]] ([[1917]]) |
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  foundation = [[Tokyo, Japan]] (1917) |
 
  location = [[Tokyo, Japan]] |
 
  location = [[Tokyo, Japan]] |
 
  key_people =  Michio Kariya, President, CEO & COO |
 
  key_people =  Michio Kariya, President, CEO & COO |
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  industry = [[Imaging]] |
 
  industry = [[Imaging]] |
 
  products = Precision equipment for the semiconductor industry, Digital imaging equipment and [[camera]]s, [[Microscope]]s, Optical measuring and inspection instruments, Lenses for glasses  |
 
  products = Precision equipment for the semiconductor industry, Digital imaging equipment and [[camera]]s, [[Microscope]]s, Optical measuring and inspection instruments, Lenses for glasses  |
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  slogan = If the picture matters, the camera matters <br> At the Heart of the Image |
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  slogan = If the picture matters, the camera matters <br/> At the Heart of the Image |
 
  homepage = [http://www.nikon.com/ Nikon Global Gateway]|
 
  homepage = [http://www.nikon.com/ Nikon Global Gateway]|
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Nikon Corporation''' (株式会社ニコン; Kabushiki-gaisha Nikon) ({{tyo|7731}}), also known as '''Nikon''' or '''Nikon Corp.,''' is a [[Japan]]ese company specializing in [[optics]] and imaging. Its products include [[camera]]s, [[binoculars]], [[microscope]]s, and measurement instruments. Nikon is the world's largest manufacturer of the "steppers" used in the [[photolithography]] steps of semiconductor fabrication, and holds 44 percent share of the market.
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{{toc}}
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Nikon was founded in 1917, as ''Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō'' (日本光学工業株式会社 "Japan Optical Industries"). When the [[Japanese Imperial Navy|Japanese Navy]] lost its laboratory facilities in the earthquake of 1923, the Japanese government turned to Nippon Kogaku, which was then known mainly for its binoculars, for all its research and development. The first Nikon camera was released in 1948. Nikon lenses and cameras were popularized by photojournalists during the [[Korean War]]. The company was renamed Nikon Corporation, after its cameras, in 1988, and is one of the major companies of the [[Mitsubishi|Mitsubishi Group]]. Nikon's success is attributed to its flexibility and its ability to respond quickly to the rapidly evolving needs of its customers. Nikon invests generously in research and development, in order to provide innovative technology that increases its customers' efficiency and reliability.
  
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{{Nihongo|'''Nikon Corporation'''|株式会社ニコン|[[Kabushiki Kaisha|Kabushiki-gaisha]] Nikon}} ''{{Audio|Nikon.ogg|listen}}'' ({{tyo|7731}}), also known as '''Nikon''' or '''Nikon Corp.''', is a [[Japan]]ese company specializing in [[optics]] and [[imaging]]. Its products include [[camera]]s, [[binoculars]], [[microscope]]s, [[measurement instrument]]s, and the [[stepper]]s used in the [[photolithography]] steps of [[Semiconductor device fabrication|semiconductor fabrication]]. It was founded in 1917  as ''Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō'' (日本光学工業株式会社 "Japan Optical Industries"); the company was renamed Nikon Corporation, after its cameras, in 1988. Nikon is one of the major companies of the [[Mitsubishi|Mitsubishi Group]].
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==Name==
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The name ''Nikon,'' which dates from 1946, is a blending of ''Nippon Kōgaku'' (日本光学; "Japan Optical") with an emulation of the German [[Zeiss]] ''Ikon.'' Nikon is pronounced differently around the world. The Japanese pronunciation of the name is {{IPA|/nikoɴ/}}, but in the United States people also use {{IPA|/ˈnaɪkɒn/}} and {{IPA|/ˈnɪkɒn/}}.<ref>dpreview.com, [http://www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=255831 Discussion of pronunciation.] Retrieved June 16, 2008.</ref>
  
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The name ''Nikon'', which dates from 1946, is a merging of ''Nippon Kōgaku'' (日本光学: "Japan Optical") and an imitation of [[Zeiss]] ''Ikon''. Nikon is pronounced differently around the world. The Japanese pronunciation of the name is {{IPA|/nikoɴ/}}, but in the United States people also use {{IPA|/ˈnaɪkɒn/}} and {{IPA|/ˈnɪkɒn/}}.<ref>[http://www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=255831 Discussion of pronunication at dpreview.com]</ref>
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==Logo==
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Nikon’s logo, the company name in black on a yellow background, with a series of white rays rising above it, symbolizes Nikon's determination "to fulfill its corporate mission and meet customers' expectations." The yellow color represents "depth" and "passion;" black represents "high quality" and "trustworthiness." The motif of sequential rays conveys "infinite possibilities within the domain of optics."<ref> Nikon.com, [http://www.nikon.com/about/info/philosophy/brand/index.htm Brand Symbol.] Retrieved June 16, 2008.</ref>
  
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Among its famous products are [[Nikkor]] camera lenses (notably those designed for the company's own [[Nikon F-mount|F-mount]] [[Single-lens reflex camera|SLR]] cameras), [[Nikonos]] underwater cameras, the [[Nikon F]]-series of professional [[135 film]] SLR cameras, and the Nikon D-series digital SLRs. Nikon has helped lead the transition to [[digital photography]] with both the Coolpix line of [[consumer]] and [[prosumer]] cameras as well as [[Digital single-lens reflex camera|DSLR]] system cameras like the Nikon D300, D80, D60, and D40, and professional DSLRs including the D2 series and D3 cameras (see below).
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==Products==
 +
Among its famous products are Nikkor camera lenses (notably those designed for the company's own F-mount Single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras), Nikonos underwater cameras, the Nikon F-series of professional 135 film SLR cameras, and the Nikon D-series digital SLRs. Nikon has helped lead the transition to [[digital photography]] with both the Coolpix line of consumer and prosumer cameras as well as Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) system cameras like the Nikon D300, D80, D60, and D40, and professional DSLRs including the D2 series and D3 cameras.
  
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Nikon's main [[competitor]]s include [[Canon Inc.|Canon]], [[Kodak]], [[Sony]], [[Pentax]], [[Fujifilm]] and [[Olympus (company)|Olympus]].
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Nikon's main [[competitor]]s include [[Canon]], [[Kodak]], [[Sony]], [[Pentax]], [[Fujifilm]], and [[Olympus (company)|Olympus]]. In total sales, the Nikon camera brand has recently slipped behind rival Canon, who was quicker to market such innovations as [[image stabilization]] and piezo-electric (ultrasonic motor) focusing. Nikon is making active efforts in new fields, such as photomask substrates for liquid crystal displays (LCDs).
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Nikon is the world's largest manufacturer of steppers and holds 44% share of the market.
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Nikon is the world's largest manufacturer of "steppers" and holds 44 percent share of the market.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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Nikon Corporation was established in 1917 when three leading optical manufacturers merged to form a comprehensive, fully integrated optical company known as Nippon Kogaku Kokyo K.K. Over the next 60 years this growing company became a leading manufacturer of optical lenses and precision equipment used in cameras, binoculars, microscopes and inspection equipment. During [[World War II]] the company grew to 19 factories and 23,000 employees, supplying items such as binoculars, lenses, bomb sights and periscopes to the Japanese military. After the war it reverted to its civilian product range with a single factory. In 1948, the first camera with the Nikon brand was released, the Nikon I.<ref>[http://www.paralumun.com/camnikon.htm Nikon Camera History<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
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Nikon Corporation was established in 1917, when three leading optical manufacturers merged to form a comprehensive, fully integrated optical company known as “Nippon Kogaku Kokyo K.K.” When the [[Japanese Imperial Navy|Japanese Navy]], which was in charge of all optical research in Japan, lost its laboratory facilities in the earthquake of 1923, the Japanese government turned to Nippon Kogaku, which was then known mainly for its binoculars, for all its research and development.<ref name=club>''New York Times,''
 +
[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE2DF153CF93BA25753C1A964958260 CAMERA; For Nikon Aficionados, A Club of Their Own.] Retrieved June 15, 2008. </ref>
  
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Nikon lenses were popularised by the American photojournalist [[Douglas David Duncan|Douglas David Duncan's]] use at the time of the [[Korean War]].<ref>http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/online/ddd/timeline/1950.html Douglas David Duncan meets a young Japanese photographer, Jun Miki, who introduces him to Nikon lenses. Working in Tokyo when the war in Korea breaks out. From July, 1950, to January, 1951, covers the Korean War.</ref> Fitting Nikon optics to his [[Leica Camera|Leica]] rangefinder cameras produced high contrast negatives with very sharp resolution at the centre field.
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Nippon Kogaku became a leading manufacturer of optical lenses and precision equipment used in cameras, binoculars, microscopes, and inspection equipment. During [[World War II]], the company grew to 19 factories and 23,000 employees, supplying items such as binoculars, lenses, bomb sights, and periscopes to the Japanese military. After the war, it reverted to its civilian product range with a single factory. In 1945, development began on the first camera with the Nikon name, the Nikon I. The camera was released in 1948; the first shipment went to [[Hong Kong]]. The name of the high-quality 35mm Nikon camera became a well-known brand, and eventually the company’s new name. Film was very expensive in Japan after World War II, so the frame size of the Nikon 1 was originally 24 x 32 millimeters instead of the standard 24 x 36 millimeters, and 40 exposures could be produced on a single role. Nikon’s best customers at the time, the American soldiers in occupied Japan, complained that American photo labs had difficulty handling the smaller frame, and General [[Douglas MacArthur]] pressured Nikon to change the frame size.<ref name=club/>
  
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Besides cameras, Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is recognized as a world leader in development and manufacturing of advanced optical and precision [[photolithography]] equipment. In 1980, the first stepper, the NSR-1010G, was produced in Japan. Since then, Nikon has introduced over 50 models of steppers and scanners for the production of semiconductors and liquid crystal displays. Nikon currently designs and manufactures precision equipment for use in semiconductor and liquid crystal display (LCD) fabrication, inspection, and measurement. Nikon also designs and manufactures visual imaging products including cameras; instruments such as microscopes; and other products such as chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) systems, binoculars, surveying instruments, eyewear, sport optics, and optical measuring and inspection equipment.
+
Nikon lenses were popularized by the American photojournalist [[Douglas David Duncan|Douglas David Duncan]] during the [[Korean War]].<ref>Douglas David Duncan, [http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/online/ddd/timeline/1950.html Duncan's Journal.] Retrieved June 28, 2008.</ref> Duncan fitted Nikon optics to his [[Leica Camera|Leica]] rangefinder cameras, to produce high contrast negatives with very sharp resolution at the center field. In 1950, the Nikon S camera was released. Hank Walker, of ''Life'' magazine, took a Nikon S to the Korean War, and published a positive review of the camera in the ''[[New York Times]]''.  
  
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In 1982, [[Nikon Precision Inc.]] (NPI) was established in the United States. NPI is the North American sales and service arm specifically for Nikon Corporation's semiconductor photolithography equipment and is headquartered in Belmont, California. Fueled by a rapidly growing customer base, the company quickly expanded. In 1990, NPI opened its current headquarters and the facility now includes corporate offices, a fully equipped world-wide training center (WWTC), service operations, applications engineering, technology engineering, quality and reliability engineering, training, technical support, sales, and marketing for Nikon equipment serving the wafer, photomask, flat panel display, and thin-film magnetic head industries. Today, NPI is an industry leader in supplying and supporting advanced photolithography equipment used in the critical stages of semiconductor manufacturing.
+
In 1953, Joseph Ehrenreich’s Photo Optical Industries became the sole distributor of Nikon products in the United States.  
  
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Nikon Corporation also has research and development operations in the U.S. under Nikon Research Corporation of America (NRCA), which directly supports R&D efforts of the Precision Equipment Division in Kumagaya, Japan. By leveraging its strong and long-standing customer relationships, global brand recognition, and technological expertise, Nikon has positioned themselves to maintain their market leadership through its emphasis on leading-edge research and development and its ability to adapt its products to meet its customers' rapidly changing needs.  The Nikon brand has recently slipped behind rival Canon in total sales.  Nikon, once the industry leader, has found itself playing catch up to Canon, who was quicker to market with such innovations as [[image stabilization]] and piezo-electric (ultra sonic motor) focusing.  
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In 1957, the company released the Nikon SP, now regarded as a masterpiece of the same level as the Leica M3. In 1963, an underwater camera, NIKONOS, developed in collaboration with the French company La Spirotechnique, was launched.  
  
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Today, Nikon Group Companies total nearly 17,000 employees worldwide.
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In 1971, Nikon manufactured the first experimental [[autofocus]] camera. After the first commercial autofocus 35mm [[Single-lens reflex camera|SLR]] camera was released by Pentax ME-F in 1981, using focus sensors in the camera body coupled with a motorized lens, Nikon released its first autofocus camera, the Nikon F3AF, based on a similar concept, in 1983.
  
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In January [[2006]], Nikon announced it would stop making most of its film camera models and all of its large format lenses, and focus on digital models<ref> [http://www.nikon.com.au/announcementarticle.php?announcementid=32 Nikon Strengthens Digital Focus for 2006 ]</ref>.
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In January, 2006, Nikon announced it would stop making most of its film camera models and all of its large format lenses, and focus on digital models.<ref>Nikon Australia, [http://www.nikon.com.au/announcementarticle.php?announcementid=32 Nikon Strengthens Digital Focus for 2006.] Retrieved June 16, 2008</ref>.
  
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In late 2007, Nikon introduced the newest product in the Nikon Immersion Solution, the NSR-S610C, which uses a proprietary technology that eliminates bubbles, watermarks, and particles generated by immersion processing. This results in defect levels to occur at a rate similar to dry scanners.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}
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In September 2007, Nikon established a wholly owned subsidiary in [[India]], in an attempt to curb a thriving "grey market" there for illegally-imported Nikon cameras and lenses. The new subsidiary serves India as well as the [[Middle East]] markets (comprising [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Turkey]], [[Iran]], [[Bahrain]], [[Israel]], [[Oman]], [[Qatar]], and the [[UAE]]).
 +
 +
Today, Nikon Group Companies total nearly 17,000 employees worldwide. Nikon is actively committed to implementing specific measures in corporate ethics, environmental protection, risk management, and social contributions.<ref>Nikon.com,  [http://www.nikon.com/about/info/greeting/index.htm Message from the President.] Retrieved June 16, 2008.</ref>
  
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In an effort to curb a thriving "grey market" for its cameras and lenses{{fact|date=December 2007}}, Nikon established a wholly owned subsidiary in India in September 2007, to handle India as well as the Middle East markets (comprising Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Bahrain, Israel, Oman, Qatar and the UAE). However the prices of the products imported legally are still higher than "grey markets" products.
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==Steppers==
 +
Besides cameras, Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is recognized as a world leader in development and manufacturing of advanced optical and precision [[photolithography]] equipment. An essential part of the complex process of photolithography is a  ''stepper,'' a device similar in operation to a [[slide projector]] or a photographic [[enlarger]], used in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs), which creates millions of microscopic circuit elements on the surface of tiny chips of silicon. These chips form the heart of integrated circuits (ICs) such as computer processors, memory chips, and many other devices.
  
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==Shareholders==
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In 1980, the first stepper, the NSR-1010G, was produced in Japan. Since then, Nikon has introduced over 50 models of steppers and scanners for the production of semiconductors and liquid crystal displays. Nikon currently designs and manufactures precision equipment for use in semiconductor and liquid crystal display (LCD) fabrication, inspection, and measurement. Nikon also designs and manufactures visual imaging products including cameras; instruments such as microscopes; and other products such as chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) systems, binoculars, surveying instruments, eyewear, sport optics, and optical measuring and inspection equipment.
  
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Nikon is listed in the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]] under number 7731.
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In 1982, Nikon Precision Inc. (NPI), the North American sales and service arm for Nikon Corporation's semiconductor photolithography equipment, was established in the United States. Fueled by a rapidly growing customer base, the company quickly expanded. In 1990, NPI opened its current headquarters in Belmont, [[California]]; the facility now includes corporate offices, a fully equipped worldwide training center (WWTC), service operations, applications engineering, technology engineering, quality and reliability engineering, training, technical support, sales, and marketing for Nikon equipment, serving the wafer, photomask, flat panel display, and thin-film magnetic head industries. Today, NPI is an industry leader in supplying and supporting advanced photolithography equipment used in the critical stages of semiconductor manufacturing.
  
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(As of September 2004)
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Nikon Research Corporation of America (NRCA) also has research and development operations in the U.S. which directly support the Precision Equipment Division in Kumagaya, [[Japan]]. Leveraging its strong and long-standing customer relationships, global brand recognition, and technological expertise, Nikon has maintained market leadership through an emphasis on research and development, and its ability to adapt products to meet customers' rapidly changing needs.  
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*[[The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd.]] (8.5%)
 
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*[[Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company]] (5.6%)
 
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*[[The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd.]] (3.3%)
 
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*[[Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd.]](2.9%)
 
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*[[Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.]] (2.7%)
 
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*[[State Street Bank and Trust Company]] (2.7%)
 
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*[[The Mitsubishi Trust and Banking Corporation]] (2.5%)
 
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*[[Nippon Life Insurance Company]] (2.4%)
 
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*[[The Joyo Bank, Ltd.]] (1.8%)
 
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*[[JP Morgan Chase Oppenheimer Funds]] (1.7%)
 
  
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==Holdings==
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In late 2007, Nikon introduced its newest product, the NSR-S610C, an immersion lithography system using a proprietary technology that eliminates the bubbles, watermarks, and particles usually generated by immersion processing.<ref>Business Wire, Nikon Ships World's First 45 nm Production Immersion Scanner.</ref>
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The companies held by Nikon form the [http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/portfolio/affiliates.htm Nikon Group]
 
  
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==Cameras==
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==Photo gallery==
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{{commonscat|Nikon cameras}}
 
−
In January 2006 Nikon announced [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4605418.stm] it will stop production of all but two models of its film cameras, focusing its efforts on the digital camera market. It will continue to produce the low-end [[Nikon FM10|FM10]] and high-end [[Nikon F6|F6]], and announced a commitment to service all of the film cameras for a period of ten years after production ceases. [http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=130907&TICK=NIKON&STORY=/www/story/01-11-2006/0004247596&EDATE=Jan+11,+2006]
 
  
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====Film 35 mm [[Single-lens reflex camera|SLR]] cameras with manual focus====
 
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[[Image:Nikonf.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Nikon F]] (1959-1972)]]
 
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[[Image:NIKON AC-2E 1993.jpg|thumb|300px|Nikon AC-2E Data Link System (1993)]]
 
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* [[Nikon F]] series ''(labeled in [[Germany]] as Nikkor)''
 
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* [[Nikkorex]] series
 
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* [[Nikkormat FT]] series ''(known in [[Japan]] as Nikomat)''
 
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* [[Nikon F2]] series
 
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* [[Nikkormat EL]] series ''(known in [[Japan]] as Nikomat)''
 
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* [[Nikon F3]] series
 
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* [[Nikon FE2]]
 
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* [[Nikon FE10]]
 
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* [[Nikon FM10]]
 
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* [[Nikon EL2]]
 
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* [[Nikon FA]]
 
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* [[Nikon FE]]
 
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* [[Nikon FG]]
 
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* [[Nikon FG20]]
 
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* [[Nikon FM]]
 
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* [[Nikon FM2]] series
 
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* [[Nikon FM3A]]
 
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* [[Nikon EM]]
 
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* [[Nikon F301]] ''(known in [[North America]] as the N2000)''
 
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* [[Nikon F601m]] ''(known in [[North America]] as the N6000)''
 
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====Film [[Advanced Photo System|APS]] [[Single-lens reflex camera|SLR]] cameras====
 
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* [[Nikon Pronea 600i]] ''also known as the Pronea 6i'' (1996) [http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/filmcamera/slr/1995-1999/pronea_600i/index.htm]
 
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* [[Nikon Pronea S]] (1997) [http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/filmcamera/slr/1995-1999/pronea_s/index.htm]
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Nikon Pronea 600i img 0604.jpg|The [[Nikon Pronea 600i]]
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Image:Nikon Pronea 600i img 0604.jpg|The Nikon Pronea 600i
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Image:Nikon Pronea S img 1320.jpg|The [[Nikon Pronea S]]
+
Image:Nikon Pronea S img 1320.jpg|The Nikon Pronea S
 +
Image:Nikonf.jpg|Nikon F (1959-1972)
 +
Image:NIKON AC-2E 1993.jpg|Nikon AC-2E Data Link System (1993)
 +
Image:sp-s3w.jpg|Nikon SP (top) & S3 (bottom) rangefinder cameras
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Image: Nikon D200 front (aka).jpg|Nikon D200 with Nikon lens and Nikon flash
 +
Image: Nikond80sigmalens.jpg|Nikon D80 with Sigma 18-200 L
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Image:35mmPC500.jpg|The world's first PC lens in the 35&nbsp;mm format: the 1961 35&nbsp;mm f/3.5 PC-Nikkor.
 +
Image:Coolscan-V.jpg|Right: Nikon's Coolscan V ED
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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====Film 35 mm [[Single-lens reflex camera|SLR]] cameras with autofocus====
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==See also==
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* [[Nikon F100]]
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*[[Camera]]
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*[[Lens]]
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* [[Nikon F3AF]] ''(modified F3 body with DX-1 finder)''
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*[[Photography]]
−
 
 
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* [[Nikon F4]]
 
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* [[Nikon F401]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N4004)''
 
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* [[Nikon F401S]] ''(known in the[[U.S.]] as the N4004s)''
 
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* [[Nikon F401X]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N5005)''
 
−
 
 
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* [[Nikon F5]]
 
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* [[Nikon F50]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N50)''
 
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* [[Nikon F501]] ''(known in [[North America]] as the N2020)''
 
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* [[Nikon F55]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N55)''
 
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* [[Nikon F6]]
 
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* [[Nikon F60]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N60)''
 
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* [[Nikon F601]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N6006)''
 
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* [[Nikon F65]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N65)''
 
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* [[Nikon F70]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N70)''
 
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* [[Nikon F75]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N75)''
 
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* [[Nikon F80]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N80)''
 
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* [[Nikon F801]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N8008)''
 
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* [[Nikon F801S]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N8008s)''
 
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* [[Nikon F90]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N90)''
 
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* [[Nikon F90x]] ''(known in the [[U.S.]] as the N90s)''
 
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{{-}}
 
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====[[Rangefinder cameras]]====
 
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[[Image:sp-s3w.jpg|thumb|right|Nikon SP (top) & S3 (bottom) rangefinder cameras]]
 
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* Nikon I (1948) [http://www.nikonhs.org/history.html]
 
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* Nikon M (1949) [http://cameraquest.com/nrfmnosy.htm]
 
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* Nikon S (1951 [http://cameraquest.com/nrfs.htm]
 
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* Nikon S2 (1954) [http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?NikonS2.html~mainFrame]
 
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* Nikon SP (1957) [http://cameraquest.com/nikonsp.htm]
 
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* Nikon S3 (1958) [http://www.vintagephoto.tv/nikons3.shtml]
 
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* Nikon S4 (1959) [http://cameraquest.com/nrfs4.htm]
 
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* Nikon S3M (1960) [http://cameraquest.com/nrfs3m.htm]
 
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* Nikon S3 2000 (2000) [http://www.cameraquest.com/NRFS3%202000.htm]
 
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* [[Nikonos]] line of underwater cameras
 
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{{-}}
 
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====Digital compact cameras====
 
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* [[Nikon Coolpix series]]
 
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==== [[Digital single lens reflex camera]]s ====
 
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[[Image:Nikon D200 front (aka).jpg|thumb|Nikon D200 with Nikon lens and Nikon flash]]
 
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'''High-end - FX/Full Frame sensor'''
 
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*[[Nikon D3]], 23 August 2007
 
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'''High-end - DX sensor, high resolution'''
 
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*[[Nikon D1]], 15 June 1999
 
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*[[Nikon D1X#D1H and D1X|Nikon D1X]], 5 February 2001
 
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*[[Nikon D2X]], 16 September 2004
 
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*[[Nikon D2X#Nikon D2Xs|Nikon D2Xs]], 1 June 2006
 
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'''High-end - DX sensor, high speed'''
 
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*[[Nikon D1X#D1H and D1X|Nikon D1H]], 5 February 2001
 
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*[[Nikon D2H]], 22 July 2003
 
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*[[Nikon D2H#D2Hs improvements|Nikon D2Hs]], 16 February 2005
 
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'''High-end - DX sensor'''
 
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*[[Nikon D100]], 21 February 2002
 
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*[[Nikon D200]], 1 November 2005
 
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*[[Nikon D300]], 23 August 2007<ref>{{cite web | title =Nikon D300 | url =http://www.europe-nikon.com/product/en_GB/products/broad/1436/overview.html | publisher =Nikon UK | accessdate =2008-01-17 }}</ref>
 
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[[Image:Nikond80sigmalens.jpg|thumb|Nikon D80 with Sigma 18-200 Lens]]
 
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'''Midrange - DX sensor'''
 
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*[[Nikon D70]], 28 January 2004
 
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*[[Nikon D70#D70s|Nikon D70s]], 20 April 2005
 
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*[[Nikon D80]], 9 August 2006
 
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'''Entry-level - DX sensor'''
 
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*[[Nikon D50]], 20 April 2005
 
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*[[Nikon D40]], 16 November 2006
 
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*[[Nikon D40x]], 6 March 2007
 
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*[[Nikon D60]], 29 January 2008
 
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Nikon's [[raw image format]] format is [[NEF]], for Nikon Electronic File. The "DSCN" prefix for image files stands for "Digital Still Camera - Nikon."
 
−
 
 
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Nikon designs its own sensors for their professional D Series (except for the D3 and D300, which used a Sony-manufactured [[CMOS]] sensor); a majority of their DSLRs have Sony-manufactured CCD sensors.  Beginning with the D3 and D300, Nikon is commencing the use of CMOS sensors in their professional-grade cameras since it uses less power than a CCD sensor.
 
−
 
 
−
==Optics==
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:35mmPC500.jpg|thumb|The world's first PC lens in the 35&nbsp;mm format: the 1961 35&nbsp;mm {{f/|3.5|link=yes}} PC-Nikkor.]]
 
−
====Lenses for 35&nbsp;mm and digital [[single-lens reflex]] cameras====
 
−
* See [[Nikon F-mount]]
 
−
 
 
−
====Sport optics====
 
−
=====Binoculars=====
 
−
* Sprint IV
 
−
* Sportstar IV
 
−
* Travelite v
 
−
* Mikron
 
−
* Action VII
 
−
* Action VII Zoom
 
−
* Sporter I
 
−
* Venturer 8/10x32
 
−
* Venturer 8x42
 
−
* Roof Prism
 
−
* Monarch
 
−
* Action EX
 
−
* StabilEyes
 
−
* Superior E
 
−
* Marine
 
−
=====Spotting scopes=====
 
−
* Spotter XL II WP
 
−
* Spotting Scopr R/A II
 
−
* Spotting Scope 80
 
−
* Field Scope III
 
−
* Field Scope ED 82
 
−
 
 
−
====Other lenses====
 
−
* See [[Nikkor]]
 
−
 
 
−
==Electronic Flash Units==
 
−
Nikon uses the term ''[[Speedlight]]'' for their electronic flash guns.
 
−
 
 
−
*SB-R200
 
−
*SB-400
 
−
*SB-600
 
−
*[[Nikon SB-800|SB-800]]
 
−
*R1C1
 
−
 
 
−
==Film scanners==
 
−
[[Image:Coolscan-V.jpg|thumb|250px|Right: Nikon's Coolscan V ED]]
 
−
*Coolscan 2000 (35mm),
 
−
*Coolscan IV ED (35mm),
 
−
*Coolscan 4000 ED (35mm),
 
−
*Coolscan 8000 (35mm and medium format),
 
−
*Coolscan V ED (35mm),
 
−
*Super Coolscan 5000 ED (35mm),
 
−
*Super Coolscan 9000 ED (35mm and medium format)
 
−
 
 
−
==Notes and references==
 
  
 +
==Notes ==
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
−
==See also==
+
==References==
−
 
+
* Loder, Michael Wescott. ''The Nikon Camera in America, 1946-1953.'' Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., 2008. ISBN 9780786432219.
−
* [[Nikkor]]
+
* Long, Brian. ''Nikon, a Celebration.'' Ramsbury: Crowood, 2006. ISBN 9781861268310.
−
* [[Nikon F-mount]]
+
* Peterson, B.. ''Nikon System Handbook.'' Rochester, NY: Silver Pixel Press, 2000. ISBN 9781883403645.
−
* [[Nikonian]]
+
* Pont, Patrice-Hervé. ''Nikon Saga.'' Neuilly, France: Fotosaga, 1997. ISBN 9782906840133.
 +
* Rotoloni, Robert. ''The Nikon: an Illustrated History of the Nikon Rangefinder Series''. Chicago: Obol International, 1981.
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 +
All links retrieved November 14, 2022.
 
*[http://www.nikon.com Nikon Corp. website]
 
*[http://www.nikon.com Nikon Corp. website]
−
*[http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/51/51742.html Yahoo! - Nikon Corporation Company Profile]
 
 
*[http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html Nikon Lens specifications table]
 
*[http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html Nikon Lens specifications table]
  
 
{{Japanese Electronics Industry}}
 
{{Japanese Electronics Industry}}
 
{{TOPIX 100}}
 
{{TOPIX 100}}
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{{Nikkei 225}}
 
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{{Nikon Digital Camera List}}
 
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[[Category:Nikon cameras]]
 
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[[Category:Electronics companies]]
 
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[[Category:Photography companies]]
 
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[[Category:Electronics companies of Japan]]
 
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[[Category:Companies based in Tokyo]]
 
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[[Category:Mitsubishi companies]]
 
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[[Category:Nikon| ]]
 
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[[Category:Companies established in 1917]]
 
−
[[Category:Companies based on Long Island|Nikon]]
 
−
 
−
 
  
−
{{credits|Nikon|210264922|}}
+
[[Category:Physical sciences]]
 +
[[Category:Industry and business]]
 +
{{credits|Nikon|210264922|Autofocus|217423771|Stepper|203217672|}}

Latest revision as of 09:48, 11 March 2023

Nikon Corporation
株式会社ニコン
Nikon logo.png
Type Corporation TYO: 7731
Founded Tokyo, Japan (1917)
Headquarters Tokyo, Japan
Key people Michio Kariya, President, CEO & COO
Industry Imaging
Products Precision equipment for the semiconductor industry, Digital imaging equipment and cameras, Microscopes, Optical measuring and inspection instruments, Lenses for glasses
Revenue Green up.png ¥730.9 billion (Business year ending March 31, 2006)


Employees 16,758 (Consolidated, as of March 31, 2005)


Slogan If the picture matters, the camera matters
At the Heart of the Image
Website Nikon Global Gateway


Nikon Corporation (株式会社ニコン; Kabushiki-gaisha Nikon) (TYO: 7731), also known as Nikon or Nikon Corp., is a Japanese company specializing in optics and imaging. Its products include cameras, binoculars, microscopes, and measurement instruments. Nikon is the world's largest manufacturer of the "steppers" used in the photolithography steps of semiconductor fabrication, and holds 44 percent share of the market.

Nikon was founded in 1917, as Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō (日本光学工業株式会社 "Japan Optical Industries"). When the Japanese Navy lost its laboratory facilities in the earthquake of 1923, the Japanese government turned to Nippon Kogaku, which was then known mainly for its binoculars, for all its research and development. The first Nikon camera was released in 1948. Nikon lenses and cameras were popularized by photojournalists during the Korean War. The company was renamed Nikon Corporation, after its cameras, in 1988, and is one of the major companies of the Mitsubishi Group. Nikon's success is attributed to its flexibility and its ability to respond quickly to the rapidly evolving needs of its customers. Nikon invests generously in research and development, in order to provide innovative technology that increases its customers' efficiency and reliability.

Name

The name Nikon, which dates from 1946, is a blending of Nippon Kōgaku (日本光学; "Japan Optical") with an emulation of the German Zeiss Ikon. Nikon is pronounced differently around the world. The Japanese pronunciation of the name is /nikoɴ/, but in the United States people also use /ˈnaɪkɒn/ and /ˈnɪkɒn/.[1]

Nikon’s logo, the company name in black on a yellow background, with a series of white rays rising above it, symbolizes Nikon's determination "to fulfill its corporate mission and meet customers' expectations." The yellow color represents "depth" and "passion;" black represents "high quality" and "trustworthiness." The motif of sequential rays conveys "infinite possibilities within the domain of optics."[2]

Products

Among its famous products are Nikkor camera lenses (notably those designed for the company's own F-mount Single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras), Nikonos underwater cameras, the Nikon F-series of professional 135 film SLR cameras, and the Nikon D-series digital SLRs. Nikon has helped lead the transition to digital photography with both the Coolpix line of consumer and prosumer cameras as well as Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) system cameras like the Nikon D300, D80, D60, and D40, and professional DSLRs including the D2 series and D3 cameras.

Nikon's main competitors include Canon, Kodak, Sony, Pentax, Fujifilm, and Olympus. In total sales, the Nikon camera brand has recently slipped behind rival Canon, who was quicker to market such innovations as image stabilization and piezo-electric (ultrasonic motor) focusing. Nikon is making active efforts in new fields, such as photomask substrates for liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

Nikon is the world's largest manufacturer of "steppers" and holds 44 percent share of the market.

History

Nikon Corporation was established in 1917, when three leading optical manufacturers merged to form a comprehensive, fully integrated optical company known as “Nippon Kogaku Kokyo K.K.” When the Japanese Navy, which was in charge of all optical research in Japan, lost its laboratory facilities in the earthquake of 1923, the Japanese government turned to Nippon Kogaku, which was then known mainly for its binoculars, for all its research and development.[3]

Nippon Kogaku became a leading manufacturer of optical lenses and precision equipment used in cameras, binoculars, microscopes, and inspection equipment. During World War II, the company grew to 19 factories and 23,000 employees, supplying items such as binoculars, lenses, bomb sights, and periscopes to the Japanese military. After the war, it reverted to its civilian product range with a single factory. In 1945, development began on the first camera with the Nikon name, the Nikon I. The camera was released in 1948; the first shipment went to Hong Kong. The name of the high-quality 35mm Nikon camera became a well-known brand, and eventually the company’s new name. Film was very expensive in Japan after World War II, so the frame size of the Nikon 1 was originally 24 x 32 millimeters instead of the standard 24 x 36 millimeters, and 40 exposures could be produced on a single role. Nikon’s best customers at the time, the American soldiers in occupied Japan, complained that American photo labs had difficulty handling the smaller frame, and General Douglas MacArthur pressured Nikon to change the frame size.[3]

Nikon lenses were popularized by the American photojournalist Douglas David Duncan during the Korean War.[4] Duncan fitted Nikon optics to his Leica rangefinder cameras, to produce high contrast negatives with very sharp resolution at the center field. In 1950, the Nikon S camera was released. Hank Walker, of Life magazine, took a Nikon S to the Korean War, and published a positive review of the camera in the New York Times.

In 1953, Joseph Ehrenreich’s Photo Optical Industries became the sole distributor of Nikon products in the United States.

In 1957, the company released the Nikon SP, now regarded as a masterpiece of the same level as the Leica M3. In 1963, an underwater camera, NIKONOS, developed in collaboration with the French company La Spirotechnique, was launched.

In 1971, Nikon manufactured the first experimental autofocus camera. After the first commercial autofocus 35mm SLR camera was released by Pentax ME-F in 1981, using focus sensors in the camera body coupled with a motorized lens, Nikon released its first autofocus camera, the Nikon F3AF, based on a similar concept, in 1983.

In January, 2006, Nikon announced it would stop making most of its film camera models and all of its large format lenses, and focus on digital models.[5].

In September 2007, Nikon established a wholly owned subsidiary in India, in an attempt to curb a thriving "grey market" there for illegally-imported Nikon cameras and lenses. The new subsidiary serves India as well as the Middle East markets (comprising Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Bahrain, Israel, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE).

Today, Nikon Group Companies total nearly 17,000 employees worldwide. Nikon is actively committed to implementing specific measures in corporate ethics, environmental protection, risk management, and social contributions.[6]

Steppers

Besides cameras, Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is recognized as a world leader in development and manufacturing of advanced optical and precision photolithography equipment. An essential part of the complex process of photolithography is a stepper, a device similar in operation to a slide projector or a photographic enlarger, used in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs), which creates millions of microscopic circuit elements on the surface of tiny chips of silicon. These chips form the heart of integrated circuits (ICs) such as computer processors, memory chips, and many other devices.

In 1980, the first stepper, the NSR-1010G, was produced in Japan. Since then, Nikon has introduced over 50 models of steppers and scanners for the production of semiconductors and liquid crystal displays. Nikon currently designs and manufactures precision equipment for use in semiconductor and liquid crystal display (LCD) fabrication, inspection, and measurement. Nikon also designs and manufactures visual imaging products including cameras; instruments such as microscopes; and other products such as chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) systems, binoculars, surveying instruments, eyewear, sport optics, and optical measuring and inspection equipment.

In 1982, Nikon Precision Inc. (NPI), the North American sales and service arm for Nikon Corporation's semiconductor photolithography equipment, was established in the United States. Fueled by a rapidly growing customer base, the company quickly expanded. In 1990, NPI opened its current headquarters in Belmont, California; the facility now includes corporate offices, a fully equipped worldwide training center (WWTC), service operations, applications engineering, technology engineering, quality and reliability engineering, training, technical support, sales, and marketing for Nikon equipment, serving the wafer, photomask, flat panel display, and thin-film magnetic head industries. Today, NPI is an industry leader in supplying and supporting advanced photolithography equipment used in the critical stages of semiconductor manufacturing.

Nikon Research Corporation of America (NRCA) also has research and development operations in the U.S. which directly support the Precision Equipment Division in Kumagaya, Japan. Leveraging its strong and long-standing customer relationships, global brand recognition, and technological expertise, Nikon has maintained market leadership through an emphasis on research and development, and its ability to adapt products to meet customers' rapidly changing needs.

In late 2007, Nikon introduced its newest product, the NSR-S610C, an immersion lithography system using a proprietary technology that eliminates the bubbles, watermarks, and particles usually generated by immersion processing.[7]

Photo gallery

  • The Nikon Pronea 600i

  • The Nikon Pronea S

  • Nikon F (1959-1972)

  • Nikon AC-2E Data Link System (1993)

  • Nikon SP (top) & S3 (bottom) rangefinder cameras

  • Nikon D200 with Nikon lens and Nikon flash

  • Nikon D80 with Sigma 18-200 L

  • The world's first PC lens in the 35 mm format: the 1961 35 mm f/3.5 PC-Nikkor.

  • Right: Nikon's Coolscan V ED

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ dpreview.com, Discussion of pronunciation. Retrieved June 16, 2008.
  2. ↑ Nikon.com, Brand Symbol. Retrieved June 16, 2008.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 New York Times, CAMERA; For Nikon Aficionados, A Club of Their Own. Retrieved June 15, 2008.
  4. ↑ Douglas David Duncan, Duncan's Journal. Retrieved June 28, 2008.
  5. ↑ Nikon Australia, Nikon Strengthens Digital Focus for 2006. Retrieved June 16, 2008
  6. ↑ Nikon.com, Message from the President. Retrieved June 16, 2008.
  7. ↑ Business Wire, Nikon Ships World's First 45 nm Production Immersion Scanner.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Loder, Michael Wescott. The Nikon Camera in America, 1946-1953. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., 2008. ISBN 9780786432219.
  • Long, Brian. Nikon, a Celebration. Ramsbury: Crowood, 2006. ISBN 9781861268310.
  • Peterson, B.. Nikon System Handbook. Rochester, NY: Silver Pixel Press, 2000. ISBN 9781883403645.
  • Pont, Patrice-Hervé. Nikon Saga. Neuilly, France: Fotosaga, 1997. ISBN 9782906840133.
  • Rotoloni, Robert. The Nikon: an Illustrated History of the Nikon Rangefinder Series. Chicago: Obol International, 1981.

External links

All links retrieved November 14, 2022.

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