In the event you’ve ever purchased a brand new lens, you recognize the enjoyment of eradicating a lovely, pristine optic from its field and attaching it to your digicam for the primary time. However have you ever ever questioned what it takes to design and construct that lens? Throughout a current journey to Japan, we had the chance to go behind the scenes at Sigma’s lens manufacturing facility within the metropolis of Aizu to reply that query, and we’re going to stroll you thru the way it’s carried out, step-by-step.
Most photographers are accustomed to Sigma, however possibly not with its distinctive historical past. Sigma is a family-owned enterprise based in 1961 by Michihiro Yamaki. Mr. Yamaki was an engineer at a small optical firm that made binoculars, cameras and video lenses. When the corporate went bankrupt, a few of its suppliers, needing new shoppers, approached Mr. Yamaki about beginning a brand new enterprise, and Sigma was born.
At the moment, Sigma has over 1,700 workers, 9 subsidiaries in eight international locations, and annual gross sales of 42 billion yen (about $322 million).
