CP+ 2018: Nikon's space cameras Nikon has a long history of making cameras for use in outer space. A small exhibition at this year's CP+ show in Yokohama showcases some of the company's most famous models.
First up is a Nikon Photomic FTN, adapted for use on the Apollo 15 mission to the moon. Although it looks much like a conventional FTN, this modified version features a thicker body shell, NASA-standard insulation in the battery chamber (electrical fires in space are no joke) and larger, easier to grip controls.
CP+ 2018: Nikon's space cameras
The 'horns' on the lens enable the main controls to be manipulated easily when wearing thick gloves. Notice also the lack of a leatherette covering on the camera body. The modified FTN also featured internal changes to accommodate the thinner, polyester-based films used for specialist missions.
CP+ 2018: Nikon's space cameras
This is another heavily modified F, without a viewfinder. This camera is similar to motordrive-equipped models supplied to NASA for the 1973 Skylab missions. The fatter, easier to grip controls are obvious in this view.
CP+ 2018: Nikon's space cameras
The Nikon F was a relatively old camera by the time it was used on the Skylab missions, but NASA didn't supply any modified F2 bodies - instead jumping straight to the F3 in the early 80s.
This is a 'small' F3, with a modified motordrive and high-magnification finder, supplied to astronauts on early space shuttle missions. Compared to the the earlier (and hugely costly) F/FTN conversions, the F3 cameras that Nikon supplied to NASA were much more similar to the standard models available for sale to the general public.
CP+ 2018: Nikon's space cameras
This is the 'big' F3, also used on space shuttle missions in the 1980s. The bulk film magazine could hold enough film for 250 images before it needed to be reloaded. On earth, this looks like it would be one heavy camera to carry around, but of course that's less of an issue in zero gravity.
CP+ 2018: Nikon's space cameras
Skipping forward to (almost) the present day, this is a Nikon D4, shrouded in a special EVA cover - a thermal blanket, designed to protect the camera from the extreme temperature variations experienced during spacewalks. Made from mylar, kevlar, aluminum and no doubt plenty of other advanced materials, each EVA cover reportedly costs around $20,000.
To the right of the EVA cover is a D5 - the next camera destined for use in space, by astronauts on the International Space Station.
. dpreview.com2018-3-3 06:25
