SuperUJ
Well-known
Can someone on this forum confirm if that is a Nikon rangefinder in this photograph of astronaut Ed White, on June 3, 1965, for America's first spacewalk?
Dwig
Well-known
it is a Zeiss Ikon Contaflex with the finder removed and the opening caped as no VF could be used in the situation. NASA had an affinity for Zeiss lenses, though Nikon (Nippon Kogaku at the time) telescopes were frequently used for tracking the launches.
photomoof
Fischli & Weiss Sculpture
Not a Nikon, but does rather look like one in the photo. But it is a cousin, a Zeiss Contarex 35mm.
Here is a good photo from the Smithsonian I believe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mwichary/3422212691/in/photostream/
Here is a good photo from the Smithsonian I believe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mwichary/3422212691/in/photostream/
Dwig
Well-known
Yes, Contarex, not the Contaflex is stated.
Ljós
Well-known
I read in a German article that the Contarex and lens were bought from a "normal" dealer in Houston, and that Zeiss was surprised and then subsequently pleased when they learned of the fact.
furcafe
Mentor
Zeiss Ikon Contarex Special to be precise.
https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/outside-the-spacecraft/online/image-detail.cfm?id=9786
https://web.archive.org/web/20131220155100/http:/eol.jsc.nasa.gov/sseop/metadata/Apollo-Saturn_4-6_tables.htm
Ironically, w/the Contarex SLRs, Zeiss Ikon finally gave in to the Leitz focus direction on their lenses, whereas Nikon perpetuated the Contax focus direction into the digital age.
https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/outside-the-spacecraft/online/image-detail.cfm?id=9786
https://web.archive.org/web/20131220155100/http:/eol.jsc.nasa.gov/sseop/metadata/Apollo-Saturn_4-6_tables.htm
Ironically, w/the Contarex SLRs, Zeiss Ikon finally gave in to the Leitz focus direction on their lenses, whereas Nikon perpetuated the Contax focus direction into the digital age.
My tech was working in the Zeiss factory during those early space efforts.
He suggested to management that Zeiss advertise its involvement in the US Space Program.
Management literally laughed at him. "We are Zeiss, we do not have to advertise."
About five years after that Zeiss ceased camera production due to lack of sales.
Stephen
He suggested to management that Zeiss advertise its involvement in the US Space Program.
Management literally laughed at him. "We are Zeiss, we do not have to advertise."
About five years after that Zeiss ceased camera production due to lack of sales.
Stephen
Joao
Negativistic forever
More recently they made other choices, interestingly also with standard lenses
http://www.instrumentation.co.za/news.aspx?pklnewsid=33428
Regards
Joao
Still cool...