Chinon Industries

Chinon Industries Inc.
チノン株式会社

File:Chinon logo.svg
Company type	Kabushiki gaisha
Industry	electronics
Founded	1948
Defunct	2004
Headquarters	Nagano, Japan
Key people	Joel Proegler, final president of Chinon
Products	Cameras, computer peripherals
Website	www.chinon.co.jp

was a Japanese manufacturer specializing in camera equipment. In 1997, Kodak purchased a controlling interest and subsequently merged Chinon fully into Kodak Japan by 2004, renaming it Kodak Digital Product Center, Japan Ltd.. The company continues to operate as a subsidiary focusing on the development of digital camera products.

Among Chinon's significant camera models was the CG-5, recognized as one of the first to incorporate an Auto Focus lens system sold separately. These lenses utilized a bayonet mount resembling the Pentax K mount but incorporated electrical contacts to power the focusing motor upon shutter activation.

The CM-1 was an entry-level, fully manual 35 mm SLR favored by student photographers due to its cost-effectiveness compared with competitors like the Pentax K-1000. It maintained compatibility with Pentax lenses and accessories. The camera offered battery-powered through-the-lens metering with an exposure indicator and included a split-image prism to aid precise focusing. During the 1980s, the CM-1 was distributed through discount chains such as K-Mart and gained a reputation for robustness and dependability. Chinon's products were also retailed in the United Kingdom through Dixons.

The majority of Chinon's SLR cameras, including models like the Chinon CE-5, employed the Pentax K-mount, which Pentax promoted as a universal standard and encouraged other manufacturers to adopt, thereby broadening compatible lens options for both brands. Certain models such as the Chinon CS and Memotron featured the Pentax 42mm screw mount; notably, the Memotron offered auto exposure with a meter reading hold capability.

In addition to cameras, Chinon produced various computer peripherals including CD-ROM drives, scanners, electronic pocket calculators, and floppy disk drives. The company also ventured into virtual reality technology with its Cybershades product for PC, released in the US market in 1995 at a price of $199.

Chinon manufactured an assortment of prime and zoom lenses designed for 35mm film cameras, mainly utilizing M42 or Pentax K mounts. Available focal lengths included 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 135mm, and 200mm.

External links

• Details on Chinon Model 357, 502, 506 & 506-L floppy disk drives in both 5.25 and 3.5 inch formats