Topic: Nasa and Nikon

[Francois]

This is definitely a must read for all those who love space and cameras!
From the early days of the space program, NASA has been using some heavily modified Nikon cameras.
And when you look at these, you quickly realize that rocket science is definitely more complicated than we can imagine.
Who knew electronic flashes don't work in space!

https://petapixel.com/2017/10/03/nikon-cameras-used-nasa

[Bryan]

I knew they used Hasselblad cameras, especially in the early missions, but I didn't realize they used Nikon cameras.  It sounds like a lot went into them, I always figured they just bought one at the local camera shop.

https://petapixel.com/2013/08/03/want-to-own-your-own-nasa-hasselblad-moon-camera/

[jharr]

I need to brush up on my sewing skills and start making ugly camera covers.

[Pete_R]

Back in 1983 I got involved in the first Spacelab payload project launched on STS-9. The company I worked for then had some patient (astronaut) monitoring equipment on board. It was heavily modifed for the flight and I remember months of preparation going into it. I never found out if they learnt anything from it though.

NASA also insisted on having an engineer (me) present at Houston for the duration of the flight and I had to be on site at the Johnson Space Centre whenever the equipment was used which always seemed to be the middle of the night. I did get to go out to Edwards AFB for the landing and met the astronauts though. Just one of those once in a lifetime moments.

[Kai-san]

I need to brush up on my sewing skills and start making ugly camera covers.

    You'll need a lot of practice to surpass those! Maybe you can make one for my Leningrad, the first camera type to be used in any manned space flight.

[Francois]

I also didn't know the EVA covers were so expensive!
Heck, I could make a look alike using an old painter's tarp for pennies on the dollar 

[Nigel]

Back in 1983 I got involved in the first Spacelab payload project launched on STS-9. The company I worked for then had some patient (astronaut) monitoring equipment on board. It was heavily modifed for the flight and I remember months of preparation going into it. I never found out if they learnt anything from it though.

NASA also insisted on having an engineer (me) present at Houston for the duration of the flight and I had to be on site at the Johnson Space Centre whenever the equipment was used which always seemed to be the middle of the night. I did get to go out to Edwards AFB for the landing and met the astronauts though. Just one of those once in a lifetime moments.

That's very impressive Peter. If I'd have done that, that would be the second thing I'd tell people when I meet them. "Hello I'm Nigel, did you know I once ....." 

[Francois]

Yeah, I just live within a few kilometers from the Canadian Space Agency and like to say that I've visited the place once...
And I also gave an idea to one of the engineers who was working on Canada Arm and they used it...

[Pete_R]

Back in 1983 I got involved in the first Spacelab payload project launched on STS-9. The company I worked for then had some patient (astronaut) monitoring equipment on board. It was heavily modifed for the flight and I remember months of preparation going into it. I never found out if they learnt anything from it though.

Actually, thinking back (it was a long time ago), the equipment wasn't modified very much though they did make their own cases much like those for the cameras. It was for a later mission that we did some major modifications to the gear. But I didn't get to go on that one.