Cosina is a camera manufacturer from Japan. The company was founded in 1959 and began producing 35mm cameras in 1966. The Cosina Co., Ltd. is responsible for the Cosina CS-2, Cosina Hi-Lite and the Cosina Cosina CX-2, among others. In addition, the Japanese produced various cameras for different brands. Under the name Voigtländer, Cosina offers various rangefinder cameras.
History of Cosina
Cosina stands as a significant entity in the world of photography, with a history marked by innovation, adaptability, and consistent quality. The company’s journey began with its foundation as Nikō, and it has evolved steadily over the years, branching into various sectors within the camera manufacturing industry. This article will take you through the meticulous journey of Cosina, illustrating its remarkable history in the camera industry.
Early Beginnings: Nikō Era (1959-1973)
In 1959, the foundations of what would later become Cosina were laid with the establishment of Nikō, a lens processing factory specializing in optical polishing and lens grinding. This move marked Japan’s foray into high-precision optical manufacturing. The company expanded its operations in 1966 by venturing into the manufacture of 35 mm compact cameras and 8 mm cine cameras. To supplement its burgeoning camera manufacturing division, it set up a glass melting factory in 1968, further strengthening its presence in the optical industry.
Rebranding to Cosina and Initial Offerings (1973-1982)
In 1973, the company underwent a significant transformation, rebranding itself as Cosina. The name drew inspiration from the Koshi area in Nakano, which is where the founder hailed from, coupled with an homage to Nakano itself with the inclusion of “Na”. This change marked a fresh chapter in the company’s journey.
During the latter part of the 1970s, Cosina rolled out an impressive range of SLR and compact cameras for 135 film. The CS-2 and CS-3 SLRs launched in 1978 were a prelude to a series of innovative products that included the CT-1, CT-7, CT-10, and CT-20 introduced in 1980. The CT-7 earned the distinction of being the world’s first all-push-button SLR. Cosina continued this trend with the introduction of CT-1G in 1982 and CT-9 in 1986. These SLR cameras predominantly utilized the M42 or the Pentax K lens mounts.
Cosina also emerged as a reputable manufacturer of camera components and entire cameras for other well-known brands. Their contributions in this period include the popular Yashica FX-3, FX-3 Super, and Super 2000 models. Their prowess in manufacturing was especially noted in the rangefinder cameras equipped with robust aluminum bodies and straightforward shutter-priority autoexposure systems.
Technological Innovations and Lens Manufacturing (1982-1997)
As the 1980s progressed, Cosina diversified its operations by venturing into lens manufacturing. From 1982, the company started creating lenses compatible with various SLR manufacturers’ mounts. This innovation period saw the production of glass molded aspheric lenses in 1991 and plastic molded aspherical lenses in 1996. Recognizing the shift towards digital technology, Cosina initiated the manufacturing of digital cameras in 1997.
Voigtländer Brand Revival and Recent Developments (1999-2016)
The late 90s marked an ambitious undertaking for Cosina as they acquired partial rights to the Voigtländer brand, a classic German-Austrian camera brand. This acquisition in 1999 facilitated the production of the Classic Collection, encompassing a range of high-quality lenses and cameras including 35mm and medium format offerings. The Voigtländer Bessa series emerged as a testament to Cosina’s dedication to quality and innovation.
