Nikon Rangefinder in Space

[SuperUJ]

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]

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]

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/

 

[Dwig]

... 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/

Yes, Contarex, not the Contaflex is stated.

 

[Ljós]

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]

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.

 

[CameraQuest]

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

 

[Joao]

"... NASA had an affinity for Zeiss lenses, though Nikon (Nippon Kogaku at the time) telescopes were frequently used for tracking the launches..."

More recently they made other choices, interestingly also with standard lenses

http://www.instrumentation.co.za/news.aspx?pklnewsid=33428

Regards

Joao

 

[jsrockit]

Still cool...