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This Hasselblad 500C camera is of the type used by the Gemini astronauts. Walter Schirra inspired NASA to look at the Swedish-built Hasselblad 70mm single-reflex camera after purchasing one for himself prior to his Mercury-Atlas 8 mission in 1962. The brand became a standard for astronaut photography. During their missions, astronauts photograph the Earth and other objects in orbit, such as the Agena target vehicles, or astronauts on EVA. NASA modified the film itself so more images could be taken on a single role and removed the mirror and viewfinders to cut back on weight. It is not known if this camera flew on a particular mission.

NASA transferred the camera to the Smithsonian in 1969.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Human Spaceflight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Human Spaceflight
Object Details
Country of Origin Germany Type EQUIPMENT-Photographic Manufacturer Hasselblad
 Dimensions Overall: 3 1/2 in. long x 3 1/2 in. wide x 1 3/4 in. tall (8.89 x 8.89 x 4.45cm)
 Materials metal, glass
 Inventory Number A19790520000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.