Expert: John Oliverio - 5/23/2006

Question
I collect cameras and have some Pentax mv and mv1 cameras that are obviously not made by Pentax.
I also have a Miranda ms2,I dont think is made by Miranda, just not made like a Miranda tank!
All these cameras look alike and have the same trafic light meter, three LEDs, red, yellow and green.
Adjust the exposure till you get the green light and shoot.
I have read that these cameras were made by Cosina and sold under the Pentax and Miranda names.
Did these companies grant Cosina a license?
Many people I know think that because it says Pentax on the front that it is made by Pentax!
Please clarify,
Casey

Answer
I don't know the particulars of all the build agreements of different cameras over the years.  But your probably half right.  They were very likely built by Cosina.  But not under any kind of licensing agreement.  They were probably simply hired to do it.  It is not uncommon at all.  Cosina has built cameras for Nikon (FE10) and Olympus (OM2000).  I remember Ricoh used to do Nikon point and shoot film cameras and I think Panasonic does some of their cheaper PS digital.  Of Cosina had a license, they would be building another camera makers machine under the Cosina name.  Of course, they may have done that as well.

John