Silly question about Nikon

[Canis Vulpes]

I have wondered this for years and never found a sensible answer to this silly question.

Nikon produce camera bodies and Nikon produce Nikkor lenses, why the name Nikkor - what does it mean and what is its significance?

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by Stephen Fox

I have wondered this for years and never found a sensible answer to this silly question.

Nikon produce camera bodies and Nikon produce Nikkor lenses, why the name Nikkor - what does it mean and what is its significance?

Stephen,

I will have an answer somewhere and will check it out. In the mean time if you want a little bit of history here is a quick link. Articles on the right hand side.
http://www.nikonhs.org/

Don

[Ian]

Nikko is a city in Japan, if thats any help
Ian

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by Stephen Fox

I have wondered this for years and never found a sensible answer to this silly question.

Nikon produce camera bodies and Nikon produce Nikkor lenses, why the name Nikkor - what does it mean and what is its significance?

Nikon are not alone in this of course, Oly and Minolta spring to mind as being similar cases Zuiko and Rokkor being their marques

[Don Hoey]

Stephen,

I knew I could sooner or later find a web reference. l attatch a link with pictures of Nikkor F CAMERA'S. Now there's something different.
http://www.cameraquest.com/nikkorcs.htm

Don

[Canis Vulpes]

Don,

Thanks for the web digging. I understand where the word Nikon came from and how it was derived but Nikkor I still do not understand. Naming cameras Nikkor is even more strange, although explained but does not answer why is the word Nikkor stamped on every lens and its significance.

The can only think Nikkor is a name given to an optical branch of Nikon, hence the stamp 'Nikon AF-S VR-NIKKOR 70-200mm f2.8G' on my latest toy. shown exactly how its stamped using capitals for Nikkor.

Interesting how the spell checker wants to change Nikkor to Nikko as the city in Japan Ian made reference to.

The plot thickens!

[Don Hoey]

Stephen,

You do need to go back in Nikons history and I will dig out more info, but it is linked to the Zeiss-Ikon thing.

I need to help Nogbad then I'll get on the case.

Don

[Snowyowl]

At a guess, I'll bet that they bought out another company that made lenses - something like Soligor.

[Don Hoey]

Next link in the chain. Check the 20's & 30's . http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/port...history_01.htm Afraid its a bit slow loading.

Don

[Don Hoey]

Another reference to Zeiss Ikon. http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/nikon/nikkorf.htm

Don