Chiyoda
- occupation:
- Camera manufacturer
- Nationality:
- Japanese
The Molta Gōshi-gaisha stock corporation and camera manufacturer became the Chiyoda Optics and Precision Industry Company Limited in 1937. The camera brand name 'Minolta' had already been registered in 1933. The company participated in the Japanese war effort and its factories suffered extensive damage. Camera manufacture was resumed shortly after the war, focusing on twin lens reflex, 16mm sub miniature cameras and 4.5×6 folders, 35mm viewfinder and rangefinder cameras. In 1958 Chiyoda produced its first planetarium projection apparatus, producing its first SLR in the same year. In 1959 Chiyoda started to produce photocomposing machines, copiers, and special projectors. The company was renamed Minolta Camera Co., Ltd in 1962.