Japanese camera manufacturer Kowa began life as Kowa Optical Works in the mid-20th century. It changed its name to the Kowa Company in 1960. Throughout its history it has produced 35mm rangefinder cameras, 35mm SLRs, and medium format TLRs and SLRs.
Kowa was known for producing lower-cost models that competed with other manufacturer’s more high-end cameras. While popular, Kowa cameras were not known for their reliability, and repairs were reportedly difficult and expensive.
Regardless of the reputation, I have a love affair with the mark simply because the Kowa/SIX was the first medium-format camera I ever owned. It performed well for me and still does when I want to take it out for a spin down nostalgia lane.
The company is still around in the form of the Kowa Optical Products Company. Current items in their catalog include binoculars and spotting scopes, CCTV lenses, lenses/equipment for the medical field, and their line of Prominar lenses – a small group of focal lengths for micro-four-thirds cameras.
Kowa/SIX Manual (PDF)
Kowa cameras in my collection
Click on the camera for more detailed information on selected models.
(Click for more info + video review)
Lenses for Kowa SIX
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