The story
Founded in 1894 in Nagoya as Hattori Kanesaburo Wholesale Store, Kowa was originally established in the textile sector. It later diversified into pharmaceuticals, optics, and precision instruments. In the field of photography, Kowa is primarily known for manufacturing cameras and photographic lenses from the late 1950s through the 1970s, through its division Kowa Optical Works (later reorganized as Kowa Company Ltd. for the optics sector).
Its most significant contribution was the line of 35 mm single-lens reflex cameras (Kowa SE) and especially the Kowa Six series (introduced in 1968), a medium-format 6×6 cm system with interchangeable lenses and a leaf shutter (Seikosha) built into the body — a design similar to Hasselblad but considerably more affordable. The series included the Kowa Six, Kowa Six MM, and the final Super 66 model (1974).
Kowa produced a wide range of high-quality lenses (from a 19 mm wide-angle to a 500 mm telephoto) with a proprietary bayonet mount and “Kowalin” multi-coating, renowned for their sharpness and contrast. Among the most sought-after by collectors are the 55 mm f/3.5 macro and the 150 mm f/3.5.The company also manufactured 35 mm rangefinder cameras (Kowa Kallo, SW, SER) and a series of premium compact cameras (Kowa Kid, SET-R) during the 1960s and 1970s.
Camera production ceased entirely in the 1970s due to fierce competition from other Japanese manufacturers (Pentax, Nikon, Canon), and the company refocused on pharmaceuticals and optics for scientific and industrial applications. Today, Kowa remains active in the production of binoculars, spotting scopes, ophthalmic lenses, and precision optical systems, but it no longer manufactures cameras or photographic lenses for the consumer market. Its medium-format reflex cameras and vintage lenses continue to be highly prized by collectors and analog photography enthusiasts.
Predecessor company
1894: Fiber wholesaler Hattori Kensaburo Shoten (Japanese: 服部兼三郎商店) is established in Nagoya
1912: Reorganized and established as a corporation, Hattori Shoten Co., Ltd. (Japanese: 株式会社服部商店)
1919: Added a spinning operation
1920: Founder Hattori Kensaburo kills himself at age 51 after facing bankruptcy
Read the full text
Current corporation
1939: Trading division separated and established as Kaneka Hattori Shoten Company, Ltd.
1943: Name changed to Kofu Sangyo Company, Ltd.
1945: Expanded beyond textiles
1960: Name changed to Kowa Company, Ltd.
From Wikipedia’s article on Kowa (company), shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4