Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Power source supply by Nikon

Item 95 is a power source supply from Nikon, with the serial number 71632, that should be dated to the 1970s. Nikon was established in 1917 when three Japanese optical manufacturers merged to form a company known as Nippon Kogaku KK ('Japan Optics'), producing precision optical glass. Nikon headquarters at the time was within Tokyo Keiki at 120 Haramachi, Koishikawa-ku, Tokyo (Hakusan 4 chome, Bunkyo-ku today). In 1925, Nikon expanded to produce the first microscope with a revolving nosepiece and interchangeable objectives (the Joico microscope). The trademark JOICO was from the initials of Japan Optical Industry Co., a translation of Nippon Kogaku K. K., the company's name at the time. In 1945, with the end of World War II, production shifts to cameras, microscopes, binoculars, surveying instruments, measuring instruments and ophthalmic lenses. In 1946, the Nikon brand name was adopted for small-sized cameras.

Note: this item was kindly donated by Dave Levell (Pembrokeshire, Wales) in May 2023.