T h e H a s s e l b l a d R e s o u r c e P a g e
T h e P i c t o r i a l H i s t o r y
Hasselblad models are still used for
space missions.
This article is a summary based on the press release by Hasselblad dated October, 1997.
Hasselblad, the Swedish camera manufacturer,
has a long and fruitful relationship with NASA, so much of advertisement and I assume
everybody knew that. Well, nevertheless, it does resulted in a continual placement
of orders during almost last four decades, and in May this year Hasselblad has received
another large order worth nearly 3 Million Swedish Crowns. The delivery was made
during September 1997.
The order consisted of thirty 203FE cameras, which were equipped with the Distagon
FE 2.8/50 mm, the Planar FE 2/110 mm or the Tele-Tessar FE 4/250 or 350 mm lens,
reflex viewfinder and winder. The cameras were built around the standard design although
certain modifications were made to meet the special demands that apply in the harsh
environments that the astronauts have to deal with in the "vacuum of the universe".
As with all Hasselblad products, the cameras and accessories had to pass rigorous
quality controls, but on this occasion all products being used in the vacuum conditions
outside the spacecraft were also constructed according to EVA standard (Extra Vehicular
Activity). Due to extreme differences in temperature the camera required special
materials; e.g. no plastic components, the leatherette trim was replaced by metal
plating and the lubricant was replaced by Molycote, a special material that does
not evaporate in vacuum.
The relationship between NASA and Hasselblad started purely by chance. On one of
the first space missions, NASA used a camera of another make, that did not work to
their satisfaction. One of the astronauts, also a skilled photographer, suggested
Hasselblad cameras be used to their extremely high standards and requirements. A
standard Hasselblad camera was purchased in a camera store in Dallas and in 1962
it was taken up into space for the very first time. Ever since, Hasselblad is to
have had cameras onboard all manned American space missions and lunar landings.
The latest NASA order is proof that after 35 years Hasselblad is still providing
heavenly pictures in space !
Hasselblad holds the unbeatable record in connection with recent space research.
The first Hasselblad camera was taken up in space in 1962 by the astronaut Walter
M. Shirra.
I hate to use unknown pix for these purpose, but this is what Shriro Malaysia provided me, together with the press release from Goteborg, Sweden. Was it the model ? Don't ask me (to be fair, I don't think they knew either), anyway, just to satisfy the curiosity of some - here it is...
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[Camera] [Flexbody][501][503cxi][201F][203FE][205FCC][903SWC]
[Lenses] | 30mm-60mm | 80mm-135mm | 150mm-500mm | - CF lenses
| 50mm-350mm |
- FE Lenses
The world renown Carl Zeiss T* Lenses which Hasselblad adopts, please click here to view the optical history & development of Carl Zeiss.
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