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Kiron Corporation

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Kiron Corporation
Company typeDistributor
IndustryPhotographic lenses and equipment
FoundedJanuary 25, 1980; 44 years ago (1980-01-25)
Defunct1988 (1988)
Headquarters
730 E Kingshill Pl, Carson, California
ProductsKiron lenses
OwnerKino Precision Industries, Ltd.

Kiron Corporation was a subsidiary of Kino Precision Industries, Ltd., a Japanese manufacturer of photographic lenses. Kiron was based in Carson, California, operating in the 1980s primarily as the United States distributor of Kiron lenses, which were offered in a variety of mounts compatible with many popular 135 film manual focus single-lens reflex camera systems. Kino Precision was founded in 1959 and by the time Kiron was organized in 1980, Kino Precision had gained experience manufacturing lenses sold by Vivitar, including several marketed under the latter company's premium "Series 1" line. After Kino Precision decided to market lenses directly, the Kiron name was adopted for the lenses and the distributor.

Kiron lenses enjoyed a fine reputation, driven by positive reviews and an award-winning advertising campaign led by Chiat/Day. After 1985, following the introduction and subsequent explosive popularity of autofocus SLRs, the market for manual focus lenses shrank, and Kiron concluded operations by 1988. Its parent, Kino, merged with Melles Griot in 1989.

History

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The company was set up as a U.S. subsidiary of Kino Precision Industries Limited, which was a Japanese company based in Nerima, Tokyo, and the first use of the Kiron name was noted in late September 1979. A trademark for Kiron was applied for on January 25, 1980, and registered on July 7, 1981.[1] Kiron Corporation was founded to market manually focused film camera optical lenses to the United States. Kino Precision was founded in 1959 by Tatsuo Kataoka to manufacture lenses for 8mm movie cameras.

Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/3.5, manufactured by Kino Precision Industries

Starting in the early 1970s, Kino Precision manufactured some of the now-famous Series 1 manual focus lenses under contract for Vivitar, a U.S. lens distributor of after-market film lenses for 35mm cameras. These may be identified by serial number, as Vivitar assigned serial numbers starting with '22' to lenses made by Kino. The third, fourth, and fifth digits were used for the year and week of manufacture.[2] Vivitar continued to purchase some Kiron/Kino lens designs, and offered them for sale under the Vivitar brand. For example, the Kiron 105mm f/2.8 macro lens was re-labeled and sold as the Vivitar 100mm f/2.8 macro and the Vivitar 105mm f/2.5 (1:1) macro lenses.

The commercial success of Vivitar Series 1 lenses prompted Kino to directly market lenses to fit existing 35mm Japanese film cameras under their own brand, Kiron,[3] especially as Vivitar was using other manufacturers to produce Vivitar brand lenses. Kiron soon became known as one of the very few after-market lens manufacturers that could supply products equal to or even exceeding the optical and mechanical quality of the original manufacturer. In particular, the Kiron 28mm f/2.0, the 105mm f/2.8 1:1 macro,[4] the 28-210mm f/4.0~5.6 and the f/3.8~5.6 varifocal zoom, and the 28-85mm f/2.8~3.8 varifocal macro zoom lenses were praised in contemporary reviews of the day for their superb optical resolution and clarity, as well as mechanical quality.[5][6]

Kiron 70–150mm f/4.0

Although reasonably priced for the level of quality offered, Kiron manual focus lenses were never economy-level products; for example, in 1981, the 28–85 mm f/2.8~3.8 varifocal lens had a list price of US$449 (equivalent to $1,500 in 2023).[7] All Kiron lenses were made and assembled in Japan. As such, Kiron lenses had retail list prices comparable with lenses offered by the camera manufacturers themselves, although in practice, retailers offered Kiron lenses at substantially discounted prices comparable to Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and Vivitar equivalents.[8] In 1983, Chiat/Day won four excellence in advertising awards presented by The Advertising Club of New York, based on their advertisements for Kiron, Pioneer, Apple, and Allstate.[9]

In addition to lenses, Kiron Corporation also distributed Billingham camera bags and B+W photographic filters in the United States.[10]

The increasing cost of quality lens manufacture in Japan led to a loss of sales for Kiron, as the company could no longer offer its lenses at a cost less than that charged by the camera manufacturers, who had begun to offer economy-level lens designs as well as contracting lens assembly operations in lower-cost factories outside Japan. Additionally, the 35mm camera market was in flux by the late 1980s, and 35mm camera manufacturers were transitioning to autofocus lens designs. By 1988, the company decided to discontinue after-market 35mm camera lens production to concentrate on industrial and other markets.

In 1989 Kino Precision Industries merged with 'Melles Griot Japan' to form 'Kino-Melles Griot'.

In 1995 the firm has changed its name to 'Melles Griot Ltd', and subsequently became a member of CVI Melles Griot Group in 2007.

In June 2011 Illinois-based IDEX Corporation completed its $400 million acquisition of the laser and optical component maker CVI Melles Griot from its previous owner, the private equity firm Norwest Equity Partners.[11]

Lenses

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Vivitar-branded lenses manufactured by Kino Precision
Focal length (mm) Name Aperture Year Construc. (Ele/Grp) Min. focus (Mag.) Filter (mm) Dia. × Len. Wgt. Notes
Wide angle lenses
24 24 mm f/2.0 Compact f/2–16 ? 8/8 0.31 m (12 in)
(0.11×) 		55 64×46 mm (2.5×1.8 in) 264 g (9.3 oz) [12]
28 28 mm f/2.0 Compact f/2–16 ? 8/8 0.30 m (12 in)
(0.13×) 		55 64×45 mm (2.5×1.8 in) 250 g (8.8 oz) [12]
Telephoto lenses
135 135 mm f/2.8 f/2.8–22 ? 4/4 1.5 m (59 in)
(0.11×) 		55 64×82 mm (2.5×3.2 in) 380 g (13 oz) [12]
200 200 mm f/3.5 f/3.5–22 ? 5/4 1.8 m (71 in)
(0.14×) 		62 68×124 mm (2.7×4.9 in) 595 g (21.0 oz) [12]
Wide to telephoto zoom lenses
35–85 Series 1 35–85 mm f/2.8 Variable-Focus f/2.8–16 ? 12/9 0.26 m (10 in)
(0.29×) 		67 81×91 mm (3.2×3.6 in) 722 g (25.5 oz) Varifocal[12][13]
Telephoto zoom lenses
70–150 70–150 mm f/3.8 Close-Focusing Zoom f/3.8–22 ? 15/10 1.5 m (59 in)
(Macro, 0.41 m (16 in), 0.25×) 		52 61×112 mm (2.4×4.4 in) 550 g (19 oz) Sold with 4e/3g 2× 'Matched Multiplier'[12]
70–150 mm f/3.8 Zoom f/3.8–22 ? 12/9 1.5 m (59 in)
(Macro, 0.41 m (16 in), 0.25×) 		52 65×96.5 mm (2.6×3.8 in) 435 g (15.3 oz) [12]
70–210 Series 1 70–210 mm f/3.5 Macro-Focusing Zoom f/3.5–22 1974 15/10 0.29 m (11 in)
(0.45×) 		67 78×158 mm (3.1×6.2 in) 940 g (33 oz) [12][13][14]
75–205 75–205 mm f/3.8 Close-Focusing Zoom f/3.8–22 ? 15/10 2 m (79 in)
(Macro, 0.43 m (17 in), 0.26×) 		58 67×153 mm (2.6×6.0 in) 787 g (27.8 oz) [12]
90–180 Series 1 90–180 mm f/4.5 Flat Field Macro Zoom f/4.5–22 ? 18/12 0.69 m (27 in)
(0.5×) 		72 75×158 mm (3.0×6.2 in) 1,090 g (38 oz) [12]
Kiron-branded lenses for 135 film cameras
Focal length (mm) Name Aperture Year Construc. (Ele/Grp) Min. focus (Mag.) Filter (mm) Dia. × Len. Wgt. Notes
Wide angle lenses
24 24 mm f/2.0 f/2–16 ? 8/8 0.3 m (12 in) 55 65×47 mm (2.6×1.9 in) 288 g (10.2 oz) [15][16]: 144 
28 28 mm f/2.0 f/2–16 ? ? 0.3 m (12 in) 55 ?×47 mm (1.9 in) 284 g (10.0 oz) [15]
Telephoto lenses
105 105 mm f/2.8 Macro f/2.8–32 ? 6/6 0.45 m (18 in)
(1.00×) 		52 73×102 mm (2+7⁄8×4 in) 645 g (22+3⁄4 oz) [17]: 156–157 
Wide to telephoto zoom lenses
28–85 28–85 mm f/2.8~3.8 Varifocal f/2.8~3.8–22 ? ? 0.26 m (10 in)
(0.25×) 		67 70×105 mm (2.8×4.1 in) 657 g (23.2 oz) Varifocal[16]: 171 
28–105 28–105 mm f/3.2~4.5 Varifocal Macro Focusing Zoom f/3.2~4.5–22 Jan 1983 15/12 0.26 m (10 in)
(0.25×) 		67 70×112.5 mm (2.8×4.4 in) 686 g (24.2 oz) Varifocal[17]: 157–158 [18][19]
28–210 28–210 mm f/4~5.6 zoom f/4~5.6 Feb 1985 14/11 1.1 m (43 in)
(Macro @ 210, 0.25×) 		72 75×128.7 mm (3.0×5.1 in) 840 g (30 oz) Varifocal[17]: 157 [20]
35–135 35–135 mm f/3.5~4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom f/3.5~4.5–16~22 Jan 1983 15/11 1.25 m (49 in)
(Macro @ 35 mm: 0.12 m (5 in), 0.25×) 		62 65.6×115 mm (2.6×4.5 in) 694 g (24.5 oz) [15][21]
Telephoto zoom lenses
70–210 70–210 mm f/4 Macro Focusing Zoom f/4–22 Jul 1982 ? 1.3 m (51 in)
(0.25×) 		62 75×153 mm (3.0×6.0 in) 820 g (29 oz) Original version with ZoomLock[22]
70–210 mm f/4 Macro Focusing Zoom f/4–22 Jul 1983 ? 1.15 m (45 in)
(0.25×) 		62 75×153 mm (3.0×6.0 in) 868 g (30.6 oz) Updated version adds Focustop[23][18][17]: 158–159 
70–210 mm f/4.5 zoom f/4.5–32 Mar 1985 ? 1.08 m (43 in)
(0.25×) 		55 ? ? [24]
80–200 80–200 mm f/4 zoom f/4–22 1981 ? 0.88 m (2.9 ft) 55 65×152 mm (2.6×6.0 in) 643 g (22.7 oz) [25][16]: 176 
80–200 mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom f/4.5–32 Jan 1983 ? 1.05 m (41 in)
(0.25×) 		55 64×139.5 mm (2.5×5.5 in) 624 g (22.0 oz) ZoomLock[18][19][17]: 159 
80–200 mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom f/4.5–32 ? ? 1.05 m (41 in)
(0.25×) 		55 64×139.5 mm (2.5×5.5 in) 588 g (20.7 oz) non-ZoomLock[15]

Additional lenses sold by Kiron for 35 mm film cameras include:

  • 28mm 1:2.8
  • 28–70mm 1:3.5–4.5 (two versions)
  • 28–70mm 1:4.0
  • 28-210mm 1:3.8-5.6 varifocal zoom (14 elements/11 groups)
  • 30–80mm 1:3.5–4.5 varifocal zoom
  • 70–150mm 1:4.0

Lenses were made in the following lens mounts:

Kiron offered a service to change lens mounts at a cost of US$41.50 (equivalent to $140 in 2023) per lens.[26]

Not part of the original range but some lenses (28-210 and 70-210mm f/4.5) were also made available in M42 lens mount in the late 1980s.

References

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  1. ^ "Trademark Status & Document Retrieval (TSDR), US Serial Number 73247563: KIRON". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  2. ^ Gandy, Stephen (November 26, 2003). "Who made that Vivitar Lens?". CameraQuest. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  3. ^ Lewis, Gordon (11 April 2009). "A Look Back At Lenses". Shutterfinger.
  4. ^ Zes Maal Rond De 100mm, FOTO (March 1985) pp. 16-20: In a review of 100mm focal length macro lenses, FOTO found the Kiron 105/2.8 macro outperformed both the Micro Nikkor 105mm/2.8 AIS and Tokina 90mm/2.5 macro lenses.
  5. ^ "Kiron 28-85mm Varifocal Macro Zoom Review". Modern Photography. March 1981. In this test of the 28-85mm varifocal, published by Modern Photography, 34 out of 36 values for center and corner sharpness at 28, 50, and 85mm were reported as 'excellent', while the other two were both 'very good'. Contrast rated as all highs at 28mm, all but one high at 50mm, and mostly high at 85mm.
  6. ^ Keppler, Herbert (June 1986). "Super Stretch Zooms, Do you Lose Picture Quality?". Modern Photography. pp. 34–35, 74.
  7. ^ Ortner, Everett H. (April 1981). "Through The Viewfinder: All-Range Zoom". Popular Science. pp. 26–28. If you're not prepared to wait, the Kiron 28–85 will set you back (list price) $449.
  8. ^ "B&H Photo 'The Professional's Source'". Popular Photography. December 1984. p. 115. Retrieved 28 August 2024. Compare, for instance, the actual prices of 70–210 mm zoom lenses sold by B&H Photo, as advertised in December 1984:
    • Kiron: $99
    • Sigma: $79.90
    • Tamron: $179.90 plus $17.95 for the appropriate mount
    • Tokina: $99
    Manufacturer 70–210 mm zoom lenses were offered contemporaneously by Canon ($149.90), Contax/Zeiss ($949), Minolta ($169), Nikon/E ($199), and Pentax ($169)
  9. ^ Dougherty, Philip H. (June 17, 1983). "Advertising; 3 Agencies Win 4 Andys Each". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  10. ^ "PMA '84 Products and Manufacturers'/Distributors' Addresses". Popular Photography. June 1984. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  11. ^ IDEX completes takeover of CVI Melles Griot http://optics.org/news/2/6/14
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Wolf, John C. (1980). "Vivitar Lenses". The Vivitar Guide. New York, New York: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. pp. 47–48. ISBN 0-87165-065-7. LCCN 80-51117.
  13. ^ a b "Vivitar Series 1 (brochure)" (PDF). Ponder & Best, Inc. 1976 – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.
  14. ^ Rainwater, Steve (March 13, 2012). "Vivitar Historical Research: Part 1 | The origin of Series 1 Lenses and the Macro Zoom". Camera-wiki blog. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  15. ^ a b c d "How to Buy a Lens with your Eyes Open (brochure)" (PDF). Kiron Corporation. 1983. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  16. ^ a b c Bayley, Stephen, ed. (1982). The Good Camera Guide. Virgin Books Ltd. ISBN 0-907080-34-0.
  17. ^ a b c d e Calhoun, Catherine, ed. (1988). Photo '89 Buying Guide. ABC Consumer Magazines, Inc. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  18. ^ a b c Rothschild, Norman (July 1984). "Three Kiron lenses". Popular Photography. p. 98. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  19. ^ a b "Kiron debuts a 28→105-mm super zoom and shows a new 80→200-mm". Popular Photography. October 1982. p. 101. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  20. ^ O'Connor, Thom (February 1985). "Wow, What a Stretch!". Popular Photography. pp. 52–54, 81. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  21. ^ Goldberg, Norman (April 1983). "Lab Report: Kiron 35→135-mm f/3.5-4.5". Popular Photography. pp. 38–42, 101. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  22. ^ Rothschild, Norman (March 1982). "70→210-mm KIRON f/4 Macro-Focusing zoom". Popular Photography. p. 112. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  23. ^ Pollock, Steve (January 1983). "Photokina 1982: Lenses". Popular Photography. pp. 60–61. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  24. ^ Fesce, Joseph P. (March 1985). "Just Out". Popular Photography. p. 170. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  25. ^ Ballai, Mike (September 1981). "80→200-mm KIRON f/4". Popular Photography. p. 114. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  26. ^ Fesce, Joseph P. (October 1981). "Just Out: Miscellaneous". Popular Photography. p. 54. Retrieved 27 August 2024.

See also

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Reviews

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  • "Modern Tests: Kiron 28-105mm f/3.2". Modern Photography. August 1984. p. 64.
  • "Modern Tests: Kiron 28-210mm f/4-5.6". Modern Photography. January 1986. p. 52.
  • "Modern Tests: Kiron 30-80mm f/3.5-4.5". Modern Photography. March 1982. p. 110.
  • "Modern Tests: Kiron 35-135mm f/3.5". Modern Photography. September 1983. p. 107.
  • "Modern Tests: Kiron Zoomlock 70-210mm f/4". Modern Photography. November 1983. p. 129.
  • "Modern Tests: Kiron Zoomlock 80-200mm f/4.5". Modern Photography. September 1983. p. 109.
  • "Modern Tests: Kiron 105mm f/2.8". Modern Photography. September 1985. p. 60.

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