A Short History of Canon

The company we know today as Canon was first founded in 1933, as a small streetside shop called Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory.
The first camera the company developed went by the name “Kwanon.” Although Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory had developed a camera, it had failed to develop a lens.
The company decided to partner with Japan Optical Industries—the company we now know as Nikon. This company had developed a camera lens under the name “Nikkor.” In 1936, Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory released its first camera to the commercial market. In 1939, the company began producing its own lenses in-house.
In 1945, the company was disbanded briefly after the end of World War II. When Allied forces came to occupy Japan, the company’s president, Takeshi Mitarai, noticed they showed an interest in Japanese cameras. He made the decision to reopen the company to cater to these interests.
In 1947, Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory changed its name to Canon Camera Company.
Canon’s company eventually expanded into other markets. In 1982, the company introduced personal copying machines. In 1987, the company introduced color copying machines. Over the years, the company developed inkjet and laser printers and the world’s first ferroelectric liquid crystal display (FLCD).
Today, Canon is known for its line of cameras and computer printers for home use. However, the company also offers business products such as analog and digital copiers, scanners, and all-in-one machines. No matter what type of printer you’re looking for, Canon probably has one that fits your needs.