Is the "vivitar" camera brand a side project or related to the "Pentax" camera brand??

Question

I was just wondering because my cousin (a profesional photographer) told me that Vivitar was a Sideproject of Pentax, and I was just wondering if this was correct.

Answer 1

I never heard that. Vivitar's are all made in China.But who knows?

Answer 2

Pentax has been making cameras for about 70 years. Vivitar used to be known for its lenses but has never actually manufactured cameras. They just write the specs, send them out for bid and buy from the low bidder.

Pentax did, however, merge with Hoya in March of 2008..