Camera, Hasselblad, 70mm, Apollo, Lunar Surface

By the end of Project Mercury, Hasselblad cameras such as this one used during lunar mission training, 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. This version looks like those used on the Moon with a silver coating to reflect heat from the sun with a handle for the astronaut to hold and point the camera while working on the Moon.

NASA transferred this camera to the Museum in 1978.