Kenko Tokina News

From Amateur Photographer:

"Filter giant Kenko Tokina has snapped up Wales-based filter maker Formatt-Hitech in a move designed to expand Hitech's production of Firecrest ND filters for cinema.

Formatt-Hitech, which is based in Aberdare, said it will continue to produce filters in the UK as an independent subsidiary of Kenko Tokina.

In a statement, Formatt-Hitech explained that its Firecrest filters have been on ‘backorder’ with most dealers throughout 2015.

‘The acquisition provides Formatt-Hitech with the financial stability to produce Firecrest in the volumes demanded by the market…

‘Kenko Tokina’s acquisition immediately rectifies the situation and it is expected that the backlog of Firecrest filters will be produced before the holiday season.’"

B&H carries Formatt-Hitech products.

From Kenko Tokina USA:

Company Name Change

APRIL 1, 2013

THK Photo Products, Inc based in Huntington Beach, CA will formally change it's corporate name to Kenko Tokina USA, Inc effective April 01, 2013.

THK Photo Products, Inc is the USA authorized importer and distributor of Tokina lenses, Hoya filters, Slik tripods and Kenko photo accessories. The company is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Kenko Tokina Co, Ltd of Tokyo Japan. THK Photo Products, Inc is executing this official name change to align itself with the parent company's global marketing strategy.

Mr. Yasumi Suga, president of THK Photo products comments, "We have seen tremendous growth in our core brands over the last 37 years. We are excited about the name change to Kenko Tokina USA because it best reflects our company's identity. As we continue to grow our brands moving forward, this name change will allow our customers to easily identify our company and the brands we distribute.”

Operating as Kenko Tokina USA, Inc, the company will continue to promote, distribute and service it's core brands of products in the USA.

Note: By all accounts, this appears to be a legitimate news story today.

B&H carries Kenko and Tokina products.

Kenko Tokina has introduced the PRO ND100000 Filter (Google translation).

No, I didn't hold the "0" key too long. These filters are made for solar observation and solar eclipse photography.

Kenko Tokina has announced a variable neutral density filter - the Variable NDX (Google translation).

Variable ND filters offer advantages over fixed ND filters including the ability to quickly reduce the amount of light filtering during focusing - and the reduced quantity of filters needing to be carried.

Singh-Ray offered the first popular variable ND filter (I carry one).

PARIS — July 5, 2011 Kenko-Tokina Company Ltd., Japan today announced that it has acquired the famous French filter manufacturer COKIN SAS.

COKIN is the creator and leader in Square filters systems, exporting 90% of its production to more than 100 countries around the world.

Mr Toru Yamanaka (President of Kenko-Tokina Co., Ltd.) said: “I have always been impressed with the creativity that COKIN filters and accessories offer. I admire and greatly respect the professionalism of this line of fine products which reflect the French ingenuity. We are very proud to add this filter manufacturer to our Team.”

Kenko-Tokina Co., Ltd. was established in 1957 and now has 10 factories and subsidiaries worldwide. They are a world-leader in round photographic filters and other fine optical products.

COKIN France S.A.S.U. (new company name) will stay independent, with its own manufacturing, marketing and worldwide distribution network.

Mr Marc Heintz (Director of Sales, COKIN France): “Kenko brings to us a strong backing of finance and supply of raw materials, which will allow us to expand and bring new innovative products to the market once again.”

With this acquisition, both companies will expand their services and bring the flourishing photographic accessory market their expertise and enthusiasm for today’s exciting imaging world.