History of Pentax (1919 - 2022)

Here we present a History of Pentax. While we aim to be as accurate as possible, Pentax has had an extremely long and impressive history. This video is not a definitive guide as there is undoubtedly content we have missed along the way. If we made any errors or omissions, please let us know in the comments below!

Video too long? Try watching by decade:
00:00:00 - 1919
00:02:44 - 1950s
00:11:36 - 1960s
00:19:52 - 1970s
00:34:31 - 1980s
00:49:23 - 1990s
01:02:03 - 2000s
01:16:57 - 2010s
01:33:05 - 2020s

Are you ready to take a hands-on journey through the entire history of Pentax cameras, from the company's early roots in 1919 to the latest and greatest technology available in 2022?

In this comprehensive video, we showcase all Pentax interchangeable lens cameras as well as important lenses and innovations throughout the years. We cover key features along with the historical significance of each camera.

This crowdsourced power-montage incorporates over 40 unique video contributors displaying over 185 pieces of equipment: a sincerely impressive catalogue of Pentax cameras.

Please see the credits at the end of the video for a list of all contributors and reviewers.

Another special thank you Adam and the entire PentaxForums (PF) community, and to all my contributors who made this video possible:

Contributors (alphabetical):
Adam (PF)
arnold (PF)
Baard-Einar Moe
Bernard (PF: bdery)
BigMackCam (PF)
Bob Roberts (PF: roberrl)
Brad Shea (PF: UncleVanya)
Brian Stirling
Bruce Raynor
ChristianRock (PF)
Don Voigt (PF: DonV)
Edwin Gossert (PF: grog85361)
Fred Schröter from the Netherlands
Gary Wakeling
GGascay
Ismael Gonzalez - Puerto Rico
Jan (Reijnaart) from ‘s-Heer Abtskerke, the Netherlands
Karl Stevens
Kris K. (YouTube: Quest Studios)
kypfer (PF)
Lars Holte (PF: Laho)
Luis Salazar (Insta: spaceman_lou)
Martyn (PF: microlight)
Michelle Foster
MightyMike (PF)
Mitch (Insta: @mkellertravels)
Morgan Harwell (PF: Moe49)
Ole (PF)
Peter Schluter (Flickr: peter_schluter2002)
Rene Gruenwald (Insta: @th3_pentaxian)
Rob Allen
Sandy Hancock (PF)
Sherri Foster
Stephen (PF: FozzFoster)
Steven Kovick
Tim Morgan (PF: blackcloudbrew)
Tom Ramsey
Tyler Satchwill (Insta: @tsatch)

Corrections:
1) It's Luis Salazar @spaceman_lou, not @spacemanlou, as the video might suggest
2) The Pentax ME F uses 4x AAA batteries, not AA as the video suggests
3) EI-200 is not the same as the EI-2000 as the video suggests
4) The Schneider-Kreuznach on display is a 50-200mm, not 55-200mm as the video suggests

References:
The Definitive Asahi Pentax Collector's Guide 1952 - 1977 - Gerjan van Oosten

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[nkgeorge]

I can't believe I just sat through 1:40 minutes of Pentax on parade without getting bored. It's that well done. Thank you!

[aeomaster]

As I posted on Pentax Forum, this is a substantial documentary on a hundred year history of Pentax. Well done.

[garycrazyexhoarder]

What a wonderful resource for the Pentax community, thank you so much for all the work and networking you have put in to this project

[kenmeadows]

I've had several Pentax SLRs (film and digital) over the years and always wanted to see a chronology of them. Excellent work.

[paulvanekeren]

Thank you for this overview.
What a nice history!
I hope they can continue for many years.

[MrDastardly]

A super well done for producing a fantastic film. So interesting & exceptionally well presented.

[brianmorrison]

@39:53 I had the Super A camera, which was brilliant .. shutter priority as well as aperture priority meant having the best of both worlds. i had pondered about the Canon A1 at the time, another popular camera in the mid 80s but decided on the Pentax.

[carlosencarnacion]

As soon as it was posted in Pentax Forums I went straight to the video, and loved it!

[kaviator]

This was quite mind-blowing! Amazing work putting this together!

[bme]

I bought the Pentax Spotmatic II and SMC Takumar lenses in 1972. It served me well for many years.

[l.nauwelaerts]

Incredible work. Thank you very much for all your efforts.

[yfkm]

Great historic compilation and narrative.

[georgesmith]

A great presentation and resource thanks. My first SLR was a Pentax S in the late 1950s, It's long gone. Now I'm using k20d's. Pentax cameras, everything you need nothing you don't "long may they reign"

[davidtodd]

Marvellous viewing for any Pentax fan! Very interesting, thank you for your detailed work on this.

[KimHojbergJensen]

Very nice. The K1000 was my first SLR. I bought it on my 20 year birthday in January 1978

[SokolHazizi]

Thank you so much for this! a very comprehensive and easy to watch video.

[dbkfrogkaty]

Now that was one hell of an excellent video! Well done indeed. I watched it all the way up to My K10D then had to break for dinner. After finishing the dinner dishes I continued on. I love the brand. I have also have a K-5II and two film cameras; a Spotmatic SP and an ME Super. Pentax has a rich history and with that a depth of photographic knowledge unmatched in the field.

[samsen]

What a great video clip.
Thanks for the content this magnificent.

[Wazio]

Just bought a superprogram. I'm so excited to shoot my first roll on it. Love my Tak lenses on digital. Stoked to try them on film.

[MarcosBH]

Excellent video. Very informative and interesting. Appreciate all the time and work invested in this project. Thank you!