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Japan designed brandsRicoh / PentaxBrand guide
Designed in Japan · global production

Ricoh / Pentax

Cameras and imaging tools developed by two long-running Japanese optical lineages.

Designed inTokyo, Japan
Made inJapan, Vietnam and other locations, depending on model
Known forPentax K-3 Mark III
01 / Story

Japanese design, global production.

Ricoh and Pentax bring together compact-camera, SLR and office-imaging expertise. Their current cameras deliberately serve photographers who value direct controls and optical viewfinders.

  1. Pentax optics begin

    Asahi Optical starts producing lenses in Tokyo.

  2. Ricoh is established

    Riken’s imaging business becomes an independent company.

  3. The camera histories join

    Ricoh acquires the Pentax imaging business.

02 / Flagships

Start with these.

Three products that define Ricoh / Pentax.

03 / Origin

What the design claim covers.

The claim follows the product line, not just the logo.

Covered design work
  • Pentax K-3 Mark III
  • Ricoh GR IIIx
  • Pentax 17
Sources & further reading1 official source

Brand statements and product ranges change. Verify the current country-of-origin marking on the exact model before purchase.

04 / Compare

More Japan-designed brands.

Check before you buy

Take the origin note with you.

Some models have Japanese production steps, but country of assembly varies across the range.

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