Key Stats
Nikon Corp. is a leading manufacturer and seller of optical instruments with operations spanning imaging products, precision equipment, and scientific instruments. The company serves professional and consumer markets through its comprehensive portfolio of cameras, lenses, microscopes, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Established in 1917 through the merger of three leading optical manufacturers, Nikon has grown into a global technology company. The corporation operates through multiple business segments including Precision Equipment for semiconductor production, Imaging Products for cameras and lenses, Instruments for scientific equipment, and other specialty optical products.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Nikon maintains manufacturing facilities across Asia and serves customers worldwide. The company has built a reputation for optical excellence spanning over a century of innovation in imaging technology and precision manufacturing.
Nikon Founders
Founded Nikon Corporation on July 25, 1917 by orchestrating the merger of three leading optical manufacturers to create Nippon Kōgaku Tōkyō K.K., establishing a comprehensive, fully integrated optical company.
Nikon History
Nikon Corporation was established on July 25th when three leading optical manufacturers merged to form Nippon Kōgaku Tōkyō K.K., creating a comprehensive, fully integrated optical company in Japan.
The Nikkor brand was introduced, a westernized rendering of Nikkō, an abbreviation of the company’s original full name. Nikkor became the brand name for Nikon lenses.
During World War II, the company expanded to nineteen factories and 23,000 employees, supplying optical equipment including binoculars, lenses, bomb sights, and periscopes to the Japanese military.
The Nikon name was created as a merging of Nippon Kōgaku and Zeiss’ brand Ikon, establishing the foundation for the company’s camera brand identity.
After World War II, Nikon released the first Nikon-branded camera, the Nikon I, marking the company’s entry into consumer photography markets with its own branded products.
American photojournalist David Douglas Duncan popularized Nikon lenses during the Korean War by fitting Nikkor optics to his Leica cameras, producing high contrast negatives with sharp resolution.
Nikon introduced the Nikon F single-lens reflex camera, which became immensely successful and dominated professional photography for nearly 30 years, including use by the U.S. space program.
Nikon introduced the R10 and R8 SUPER ZOOM Super 8 movie cameras, representing the company’s top-of-the-line and final attempt in the amateur movie camera field.
The first Nikon step-and-repeat photolithography tool, the NSR-1010G, was produced in Japan, marking the company’s entry into semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Nikon Precision Inc. was established in the United States to provide service, training, applications support, and sales for Nikon lithography equipment in North America.
The company was renamed from Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushikigaisha to Nikon Corporation, aligning the corporate name with its successful camera brand.
Nikon created digital SLRs for NASA used in the Space Shuttle program and constructed a manufacturing factory in Ayuthaya, Thailand, beginning its shift to overseas production.
After a partnership with Kodak, Nikon released the D1 SLR under its own name, among the first digital cameras with sufficient quality for professional photojournalists and sports photographers.
Nikon announced it would stop making most film camera models and all large format lenses to focus on digital models, following the industry trend toward digital photography.
Management changes led to new camera designs including the full-frame D3 and the introduction of Expeed image processors, helping Nikon regain reputation among professional photographers.
The mid-range Nikon D90 was introduced as the first SLR camera to record video, pioneering a feature that became standard across the DSLR industry.
Nikon Acquisitions
While Nikon has primarily grown through organic development and internal innovation, the company has made strategic partnerships and acquisitions to strengthen its market position. Unlike many competitors, Nikon’s expansion strategy has focused more on technological development than major corporate acquisitions.
In the 1990s, Nikon formed a significant partnership with Kodak to produce digital SLR cameras based on existing Nikon film bodies. This collaboration allowed Nikon to enter the digital photography market while leveraging Kodak’s sensor technology expertise.
The company established Nikon Precision Inc. in the United States in 1982, creating a dedicated subsidiary for its photolithography equipment business. This strategic move allowed Nikon to better serve the North American semiconductor manufacturing market.
Nikon Research Corporation of America was created to support research and development efforts for the Precision Equipment Company in Japan. This U.S.-based R&D operation strengthened Nikon’s capabilities in semiconductor manufacturing technology.
Rather than pursuing aggressive acquisition strategies like some competitors, Nikon has focused on expanding manufacturing operations internationally. The company built facilities in Thailand, China, and Indonesia to optimize production costs while maintaining quality standards.
The company’s acquisition of NaviSite and various technology partnerships have remained relatively modest compared to industry peers. Nikon’s strategy emphasizes internal development of optical and imaging technologies rather than acquiring existing brands.
Throughout its history, Nikon has maintained focus on core optical competencies while selectively establishing subsidiaries and partnerships. This approach has allowed the company to preserve its technological independence while expanding global manufacturing and distribution capabilities.
Nikon Revenue
Nikon generates revenue across multiple business segments including imaging products, precision equipment for semiconductor manufacturing, and scientific instruments. The company’s financial performance reflects its diversified operations in both consumer and industrial markets.
Nikon Market Cap
As a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Nikon maintains market capitalization reflecting its position in optical and precision equipment industries. The company’s valuation responds to trends in digital imaging and semiconductor manufacturing markets.
Nikon Competitors
Nikon competes in multiple market segments including consumer imaging, professional photography equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing tools. The company faces competition from both specialized camera manufacturers and diversified technology companies across its business lines.
| Competitor | Country |
|---|---|
| Canon | Japan |
| Sony | Japan |
| Fujifilm | Japan |
| Olympus | Japan |
| Panasonic | Japan |
| Leica | Germany |
| Zeiss | Germany |
| ASML | Netherlands |
| Pentax | Japan |
| Hasselblad | Sweden |
FAQs
When was Nikon founded?
Nikon was founded on July 25, 1917 by Koyata Iwasaki as Nippon Kōgaku Tōkyō K.K. through the merger of three leading optical manufacturers in Tokyo, Japan.
What does Nikon manufacture?
Nikon manufactures optical instruments including digital cameras, interchangeable lenses, microscopes, measuring equipment, semiconductor lithography systems, and specialized optical components across four main business segments.
Where are Nikon cameras made?
Nikon produces consumer DX format cameras in Thailand, while professional FX format cameras are manufactured in Sendai, Japan. The company also has production facilities in China and Indonesia.
What does Nikkor mean?
Nikkor is the brand name for Nikon lenses, introduced in 1932 as a westernized rendering of Nikkō, an abbreviation of the company’s original full name Nippon Kōgaku.
When did Nikon release its first digital camera?
Nikon released the D1 digital SLR under its own name in 1999, following earlier digital cameras created for NASA in 1991 and a 1990s partnership with Kodak.