Screening from October 11, 2022 (Tue)

Nikon Museum is screening three movies introducing optical and synthetic silica glass production from October 11, 2022 (Tue), as special movies to accompany “The History of Optical Glass” special exhibition, which is currently being shown.

“Optical glass production using continuous melting”

This movie introduces optical glass production using the continuous melting method, which is currently the main production method, along with processes from material blending to melting, processing and pre-shipment inspection.

“Synthetic silica glass production”

This is a movie that introduces the production of synthetic silica glass. It explains the composition of silica glass, the grinding of an ingot, processes and inspections for shipment, etc. There are few examples of movies that show the composition process for producing silica glass, making this a very rare movie.

“Optical glass production using crucible melting”

Optical glass production using crucible melting supported the production of optical glass for over 60 years. This movie introduces the production processes of crucible melting, based on documentary videos of that era.

• *Recorded using Nikon Z 9
  “Optical glass production using continuous melting” and “Synthetic silica glass production” were recorded using Nikon Z 9 full-size mirrorless cameras in 8K UHD/30p. These movies can be viewed on a 100-inch screen in 4K in the special exhibition area.

Date: From June 14, 2022 (Tue)

From June 14 (Tue) 2022, Nikon Museum is exhibiting replicas of a sample grain taken from the asteroid Ryugu, brought back to Earth by the asteroid explorer Hayabusa2.

These replicas have been delivered to approximately 200 facilities throughout Japan, in collaboration with the JAXA (the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Habyabusa2 Project, “Dream Creation Association with ISAS/JAXA”, and Sagamihara City. They are being exhibited nationwide from June 13 (Mon), which is “Hayabusa Day”, the day commemorating the return of the first asteroid explorer Hayabusa to Earth.

Nikon Museum is closed on June 13, but is exhibiting two replicas of a Ryugu sample grain (one actual size, and one ten times larger) from June 14 (Tue). In addition, an integrated microscope system for observation and analysis of the asteroid samples, designed and developed by Nikon Solutions and Nikon Engineering, both Nikon group companies, is also being shown in a special video.

Related information

• Sagamihara City website, asteroid explorer Hayabusa2 page (Japanese only)

Screening from November 2, 2021 (Tue)

Nikon Museum is screening a new movie called “The F2, the World's Greatest Mechanical Camera: Conversation Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Nikon F2” in the Private Viewing Room from November 2, 2021 (Tue).

In this movie, Mr. Akihiko Sato (former vice-director of the Camera Department), who developed the F2, introduces the developmental concepts of the F2, how it improved on the F, its wide range of accessories, including motor drives and viewfinders, and their features, and its relationship with newspaper publishers and photo enthusiasts at the time. In addition, he introduces the birth of the F2, how it exceeded the highly valued and long-running F, how it came to be known as the greatest mechanical camera, and the reason for the F2's existence among Nikon SLRs.

Recorded using Nikon Z 6

With the exception of some reference material, this video was recorded using Nikon Z 6 cameras. Please enjoy this 4K ultra-high definition movie.