By the end of Project Mercury, Hasselblad cameras such as this one, used in the Apollo 11 command module, became the standard for still photography on American space missions. Known for their high quality construction and ease of use, the electric Swedish-made cameras featured a motor-driven mechanism that prepared the film and shutter when the camera was activated. Hasselblad cameras could be modified for use inside the spacecraft or on the lunar surface, with easily detachable black and white or color film magazines.

NASA transferred this camera to the Museum in 1970.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Country of Origin

Sweden

Type

EQUIPMENT-Photographic

Manufacturer

Hasselblad

Dimensions

3-D: 9.4 × 16 × 14.7cm, 1.8kg (3 11/16 × 6 5/16 × 5 13/16 in., 4lb.)

Materials

Camera shell - precision cast aluminum
Lens: plastic, aluminum, glass

Inventory Number

A19980005000

Credit Line

Transferred from NASA

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.