Melville, NY—Nikon Corporation is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the launch of its Nikkor lenses. Moreover, in commemoration of Nikkor’s 90th anniversary, the company aims to further strengthen and increase awareness of the Nikkor brand through various promotions.
As part of these promotions, Nikon created a 90th anniversary logo to commemorate this milestone as well as the enduring legacy of Nikkor. The logo showcases silhouettes of lenses that have left their mark on the history of imaging since the inception of the Nikkor brand. It also represents symbolic lenses of the present.
Additionally, the logo features the message A Story in Every Lens. “This phrase expresses the unique characteristics and thoughtful dedication found in all Nikkor lenses, as well as their power to capture precious moments, while preserving history and telling stories that resonate with people’s hearts,” Nikon announced.
Nikon will also release a series of short videos that highlight the value and quality of Nikkor lenses, as well as the achievements they have enabled.
Nikkor’s 90th Anniversary: The Legacy
Nikkor’s history began in 1932 with the registration of the Nikkor trademark by Nikon (then Nippon Kogaku KK). A year later, the first shipment of Aero-Nikkor aerial photographic lenses dispatched. Moreover, Nikon is one of the few manufacturers that begins its manufacturing process from the production of optical glass. “This commitment to excellence is the foundation for the exceptional optical performance of Nikkor lenses,” added Nikon.
Furthermore, over the years, by developing lenses that feature the latest optical technologies, Nikkor has grown into a globally recognized brand known for its high-performance lenses.
Photographs taken with the 1948 Nikkor P・C 8.5cm F2 were featured in the globally renowned LIFE magazine. This significantly enhanced Nikkor’s reputation. Subsequently, the New York Times published an article that highlighted the high quality of Nikkor products, helping to establish the concept of “Made in Japan” quality.
Then in 1963, the Zoom-Nikkor Auto 43–86mm f/3.5 was the first standard zoom lens to offer practical performance. More recently, in 2019, the Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, the flagship lens of the Nikkor Z line, achieved the milestone of being the fastest lens in Nikon history with an aperture of f/0.95.
Another testament to the performance of Nikkor lenses is their important role in NASA’s space missions. In 1971, NASA employed the Nikon Photomic FTN (NASA specifications) and Nikkor lenses on the Apollo 15 mission. Furthermore, in 2009, the D3S and AF-S Nikkor 14–24mm f/2.8G ED lenses documented activities at the International Space Station. Today, Nikon continues to play a role in NASA’s space missions by supplying cameras and lenses. This relationship with NASA has also contributed to the advancement of Nikon’s optical technologies, thereby improving the quality of photography and research in space.
Nikkor Z
In addition, in 2018, Nikon utilized its knowledge and expertise to launch the Z-mount system. This system of mirrorless cameras features a new, largest-diameter mount. The cameras are compatible with Nikkor Z lenses and accessories.
“Nikkor Z lenses are designed to continue pursuing a new dimension in optical performance, by taking advantage of the superior design flexibility realized through the combination of the larger Z mount with its inner diameter of 55mm and a short flange focal distance of 16mm,” the company explained. “This combination allows for greater design flexibility and opens up new possibilities for image creators.”
Inspired by the rich 90-year history of Nikkor, Nikon remains committed to contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.
