Japanese Lens Names

[Mike Farley]

Ever wondered what lies behind the names assigned to many Japanese lenses, such as Zuiko or Takumar? Possibly not. Without a knowledge of Japanese and, in at least one instance Japanese cultural history, it is easy to assume that they have no meaning as is the case with many western brands. Kodak, for example, had no special significance initially. George Eastman devised it as a distinctive appellation with which to sell his products. Over time, of course, that changed and the word Kodak became synonymous with photography.

The Japanese took a different approach. Although the names they chose were undoubtedly designed to sound exotic to those in the western world, they also had a meaning for their customers at home. Even the prosaic sounding "Nikkor" has more to it than might at first appear. Find out more at this article on Casual Photophile, link below:

https://www.casualphotophile.com/2020/0 ... s-meaning/