Stealth3kpl Posted November 11, 2014 Share #1 Posted November 11, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I wonder what this would be worth to a collector! leicagraph — A very special camera viewed and taken by my... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 11, 2014 Posted November 11, 2014 Hi Stealth3kpl, Take a look here Leica NASA. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
250swb Posted November 11, 2014 Share #2 Posted November 11, 2014 It's very nice, but I can't help but think you'd need to wear something like some sort of space suit to use it? Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted November 11, 2014 Share #3 Posted November 11, 2014 I want those controls for an M4. I tried to make my own shutter dial extension but it did not work out well. They would really help when working with gloves, and for people with handicaps. One of the reasons I got the M7s (with motor winds) and the M9 was to take advantage of the excellent A mode - avoiding the shutter speed dial. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted November 12, 2014 Share #4 Posted November 12, 2014 The large rewind knob seems rather an odd addition because I'd have thought that changing films whilst wearing space suit gloves would be a bit of challenge and something best left to when gloves aren't being worn (making the large knurled knob somewhat superfluous). Also interesting to see that this camera, dated as 1966, has a slanted rewind knob like the M4 which arrived a little later and also shows what might be one of the earliest uses of a soft release. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted November 13, 2014 Share #5 Posted November 13, 2014 The large rewind knob seems rather an odd addition because I'd have thought that changing films whilst wearing space suit gloves Excellent point! It might have been a better idea to make film cartridges, or as they finally chose long roll medium format detachable magazines. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madNbad Posted November 13, 2014 Share #6 Posted November 13, 2014 Now we know why they decided to use Hasselblads and Nikons. Easily interchangeable backs for the Hasselblads and long roll (250) exposure backs for the Nikons. A great idea with all of the modifications. The extended rewind lever and huge rewind knob were to have the roll rewound before returning to the spacecraft. I would like to have seen the finder intended for the top plate! Thanks for this look at a smal piece of the early years of manned spaceflight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_livsey Posted November 13, 2014 Share #7 Posted November 13, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) The large rewind knob seems rather an odd addition because I'd have thought that changing films whilst wearing space suit gloves would be a bit of challenge and something best left to when gloves aren't being worn (making the large knurled knob somewhat superfluous) Obviously it was intended to be used, look at the base plate release, equally large, but not one assumes the spool !! which is where the problem would start Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted November 13, 2014 Share #8 Posted November 13, 2014 Obviously it was intended to be used, look at the base plate release, equally large, but not one assumes the spool !! which is where the problem would start I cannot see the base plate release. Oh, and there was no film take-up spool. It used the 'tulip' type of take-up. The astronauts left the cameras on the moon, didn't they? So this one may have never made the trip. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_livsey Posted November 13, 2014 Share #9 Posted November 13, 2014 I cannot see the base plate release. Oh, and there was no film take-up spool. It used the 'tulip' type of take-up. Bottom picture in the tray RHS, still loading a tulip with gloves on that need a rewind like that!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmradman Posted November 13, 2014 Share #10 Posted November 13, 2014 It seems body was based on MDa plus there is no evidence of external VF. Coupled with fast lens (Noctilux 50mm f1.2) I would imagine prototype did not impress NASA evaluators. As they say rest is history, Hasselblad and Nikon - going strong in space today despite all the inferior optics . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steed Posted December 4, 2014 Share #11 Posted December 4, 2014 Don't forget the Contarex that made the cut for Ed White's first American space walk. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted December 4, 2014 Share #12 Posted December 4, 2014 The Leica MS for Navy was much nicer, imho. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/236906-leica-nasa/?do=findComment&comment=2721119'>More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted December 5, 2014 Share #13 Posted December 5, 2014 After all special add on, I see that the advance film lever looks like just reversed on the other face and with a little stripped piece of metal soldered on its end to make a better grip for the thumb. and also a riveted finger on the diapragm ring for making the setting easy with gloves. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/236906-leica-nasa/?do=findComment&comment=2721369'>More sharing options...
wattsy Posted December 5, 2014 Share #14 Posted December 5, 2014 The serrated edge on that extended film advance lever looks perfect for ripping a hole in a space suit or snagging on part of the life support system! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted December 5, 2014 Share #15 Posted December 5, 2014 The serrated edge on that extended film advance lever looks perfect for ripping a hole in a space suit or snagging on part of the life support system! Not likely Those suits are tough! At one time, and possibly today, each suit was hand stitched by a community cottage industry. Cor bless otherwise bored house types. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steed Posted December 10, 2014 Share #16 Posted December 10, 2014 Let's not forget that John Glenn took a modified Leica I into space with him. It had a 50,, f1.5 and special accessory finder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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