Kyocera, a name deeply etched in the annals of camera history, embarked on its journey as a ceramics manufacturer in 1959, in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan. Initially known as Kyoto Ceramic Co. Ltd., the company would later rebrand as Kyocera in 1982, symbolizing a journey of innovation and diversification that would steer them into the realms of camera manufacturing. Here, we delve into the rich history of Kyocera, and its evolution in the camera industry.
The Inception and the Yashica Acquisition
The decisive step towards camera manufacturing for Kyocera came in October 1983 when they acquired the Yashica Company Ltd. This acquisition was not just a business move, but a deep integration that saw the evolution of revolutionary camera designs under the Yashica and Contax brands. Among these were the Yashica FX-3 and Contax 159MM. This period also witnessed the birth of the manual-focus FX-103 Program in 1985, characterized by its TTL flash and full programmed exposure capabilities. This strategy allowed for the coexistence of Yashica and Contax models, giving Yashica owners access to the high-quality lenses from the Contax Zeiss T* series, thanks to the uniform C/Y bayonet lens mount.
Adapting to the Autofocus Revolution
The mid-80s were a time of intense competition and innovation in the camera industry, with the introduction of Minolta’s Maxxum/Dynax 7000 autofocus camera in 1985. As camera manufacturers scrambled to compete, Kyocera astutely repositioned the Yashica line as a ‘value-priced’ option for budding photographers. This move was coupled with the introduction of Kyocera-branded cameras for the Japanese market, and an ambition to venture into the production of AF 35mm SLR cameras and lenses.
The Yashica Line in the Autofocus Era
December 1986 marked a significant milestone for Kyocera with the unveiling of its new line of autofocus 35mm SLR cameras and lenses, primarily bearing the Yashica name for international markets. Despite the quality offerings, Yashica faced an uphill battle against established players and their extensive range of compatible lenses. Even the innovative Samurai series, compact SLRs with a camcorder design optimized for one-handed operation, could not fully overturn the tide. Efforts to retain the customer base, like offering a 1.6x tele-converter adapter to mount older lenses onto the new autofocus cameras, met with limited success. By 1994, facing significant losses, the Yashica autofocus SLR line was retired.
Venture into Point-and-Shoot and Digital Cameras
Despite the challenges, Kyocera found a measure of success with their autofocus point-and-shoot film cameras. The pinnacle was the 1992 launch of the Yashica T4, a compact camera boasting a stellar 35mm/3.5 Carl Zeiss T* lens and enhanced weather sealing, earning a reputation as a reliable travel companion. Kyocera also expanded into the digital realm in 1997, offering models under the Kyocera, Yashica, and Contax brands. This expansion was complemented by the introduction of the medium-format Contax 645 AF in 1999, which offered interchangeable lenses.
The End of an Era
After nearly two decades in the camera industry, Kyocera decided to withdraw, announcing the cessation of production for all Yashica, Kyocera, and Contax cameras in 2005. This marked the end of an era, where a company ventured from ceramics to cameras, carving out a niche and leaving an indelible mark in the annals of camera history.
