CANON
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1933
1934
1935
1937
1944
1947
1951
1956
1968
1933
1934
1935
1937
1944
1947
1951
1956
1968
Goro Yoshida
and Saburo Uchida founded Seiki Kogaku Kenkyujo.
Seiki
Kogaku produced the Kwanon. Only one example is known to exist and this is
owned by Canon (who purchased it in the 1950's).
First
production model (Hansa) introduced.
Formation
of Seiki Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. This event is recognised, by Canon,
as marking the official founding of the company.
Up until
1944, Seiki Kogaku was a small company relying on other companies for components.
Principal amongst these was Nippon Kogaku (later to become Nikon) who supplied
lenses, mounts and rangefinder parts. In 1944 an optical company was acquired
and major bought-in components were gradually phased out.
Seiki
Kogaku name changed to Canon Camera Company Ltd. First interchangeable lenses
introduced.
Company
name changed to Canon Camera Company Inc.
Canon
V series introduced. These cameras moved away from the traditional Leica
styling of earlier models. Innovations, such as a lever in the baseplate
to facilitate rapid film advance and a self-timer, were introduced
on certain models.
Interchangeable
lens rangefinders discontinued with the Canon 7s (the first Canon SLR had
been introduced in 1959).
Detailed
information is available in the
book Canon Rangefinder Cameras 1933 - 68 by Peter Dechert - Hove Photo Books
