Pentax (original)

The Asahi Pentax, to camera collectors the AP or Asahi Pentax AP, was a major progress in the 35mm SLR field of cameras when introduced in 1957. Asahi Optical created the first “modern” Japanese camera, combining a pleasing body design, a pentaprism, and easily handled controls, with the M42 lens mount. The existing Takumar lenses for the Asahiflex were adapted for the new mount.