posted 07-09-2009 10:40 PM               

From our first space journey on Oct. 3,1962, Hasselblad cameras have played an integral part in the Space program, capturing the images that help us to understand our world and its surroundings. There are a range of special modifications and improvements required to meet the stringent demands of space travel. We then apply the knowledge and expertise we gain in space and bring it back to earth, further improving the Hasselblad line. All to ensure that we continue to provide the finest photographic equipment on – or off - the planet.

posted 07-09-2009 10:40 PM               

Hasselblad celebrates 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Hasselblad commemorates first lunar landing by inviting selected photographers to join Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Hasselblad designers for special photography weekend.

Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first man - and first Hasselblad - on the moon by inviting a limited number of H3DII photographers to join astronaut Buzz Aldrin and the Hasselblad design team at the Kennedy Space Center for a weekend of seminars, professional photography training, and photography. Aldrin, who shot with a Hasselblad while on the moon, will present a selection of his favorite lunar photography, while the Hasselblad design team will provide photographers with "behind the scenes" info on Hasselblad design, past, present, and future. A special Space Center Photo contest, featuring valuable Hasselblad gear as prizes, will round off the event.

In 1962, Astronaut Walter Schirra took his Hasselblad onboard the Mercury-Atlas 8 and took the first images of earth from space. Hasselblad followed NASA on space flight after space flight, with Hasselblad cameras proving that they could meet the stringent demands made by extraterrestrial travel. And in 1969, when the world watched in awe as the Apollo 11 astronauts became the first men to set foot on the moon, those astronauts also carried Hasselblad cameras, capturing some of the most definitive images man has ever captured.

"Obviously, lunar travel posed even more demanding challenges than shooting inside a space capsule, with the extreme temperatures and dust and such placing serious trains on any equipment," explains Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad. "Lunar photography leaves no margin for errors, no room for second chances. NASA wanted the best cameras possible - and they chose Hasselblad. Basically," says Poulsen, "we were chosen to go into space because we had the best cameras on earth. A claim that we are still proud to make today, forty years later."

The research and development that were required to meet the challenges of space travel benefitted not only extraterrestrial photographers, but even those with both feet firmly planted on the ground. The advancements gained during the space camera design process were implemented into the standard Hasselblad line as well. This formed the core of a design approach that Poulsen says lives to this day.

"At Hasselblad we are always striving to push the envelope of photographic technology. Each and every advancement that graces our flagship H3DII-50 and H3DII-60 cameras is also ported down to every other H System camera. This "top down" approach dates back to the first days of our NASA collaboration. To paraphrase Neal Armstrong, what was A Small Step for a Man, was A Huge Leap for Photography. And now, to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of this historic partnership, we are inviting selected Hasselblad customers to join us and guest of honor Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. in Florida at Cape Kennedy to join us in celebrating both the past and the future of photographic technology. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are thrilled to be able to bring some of our most dedicated customers along for the experience."

Hasselblad customers who purchase an H3Dll-50 or H3Dll-60 camera between July 1st and August 21st 2009 will be eligible to join Poulsen, Buzz Aldrin, and the Hasselblad Design Team on an all expenses paid trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA between September 24th and 26th 2009. At the event, guests will be able to mingle with fellow professional photographers, industry insiders, and journalists, attend a gala dinner featuring a special lunar photography presentation by Buzz Aldrin, receive a "Condensed" Hasselblad University training session, participate in professional training sessions, and to take part in instructional lectures and other activities designed to help photographers get the most from their Hasselblad gear. A special guided photo tour of the Kennedy Space Center will give participants an unforgettable, behind the scenes look at the world's most advanced spaceport. Photographs taken during the tour will also be entered in a contest with valuable Hasselblad prizes presented to the winners on the second day of the event.

posted 07-05-2019 04:41 AM               

Pity the astronauts left the cameras behind!

posted 07-18-2019 07:35 AM               

Hasselblad Launches the 907X Special Edition to Celebrate 50 Years on the Moon

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing, Hasselblad proudly celebrates its role as the cameras chosen by NASA for space photography, and even more so, the cameras that documented the historical moment of the first humans on the Moon. In honour of this momentous occasion, Hasselblad launches the limited 907X Special Edition, which includes the 907X camera body and CFV II 50C digital back, both in matte black with commemorative "On the Moon Since 1969" anniversary text.

Considered one of the most iconic moments in history is the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the Moon – an event so extraordinary that saw the first humans step off our planet and onto another celestial body. Taken down to the lunar surface, attached to astronaut Armstrong's chest, was a silver Hasselblad Data Camera (HDC) fitted with a Zeiss Biogon 60mm ƒ/5,6 lens and 70mm film magazine which had never actually been tested in space before. A second black Hasselblad Electric Camera (HEC) with a Zeiss Planar 80mm ƒ/2,8 lens was used to shoot from inside the Eagle lunar module. A third black HEC was used by astronaut Michael Collins aboard the Command Module Columbia in lunar orbit. Standing up against the intense temperatures and lack of gravity in space, the Hasselblad cameras captured this once in a lifetime moment flawlessly, letting the rest of Earth see what astronauts Aldrin and Armstrong experienced on the Moon. The resulting images taken with the HDC and HEC have not only provided scientific insight but have proven to be legendary marvels recognized the world over. It was the HEC used by Collins that was taken back to Earth, while the HDC and HEC used on the lunar surface and lunar module were left on the Moon to meet narrow weight margins for successful return. As far as we know, they've been on the Moon since 1969.

Hasselblad proudly celebrates being the camera that documented the historic Moon landing with the 907X Special Edition. The limited-edition kit includes the 907X camera body and CFV II 50C digital back, both in matte black, just as the HEC that made it back to Earth. On the digital back is the text "On the Moon Since 1969", commemorating the HDC and HEC left behind on the lunar surface fifty years ago. Together, the 907X and CFV II 50C connect Hasselblad's photographic history into one system.

Coupling the CFV II 50C with Hasselblad's smallest medium format camera body ever, the 907X, creates a highly compact mirrorless digital camera. This combination offers a truly distinct photographic experience, including the classic waist-level shooting style of the V System enabled by the CFV II 50C's tilt screen. With the 907X attached to the CFV II 50C, the photographer gains access to all the high-quality XCD Lenses, providing autofocus and electronic exposure control. Coupled with the XH Adapter, all HC/HCD Lenses can be used on the 907X, along with XPan and V System Lenses in electronic shutter mode with the XPan and XV Lens Adapters, respectively. In addition, the 907X enables compatibility with a wide range of third-party adapters and lenses in electronic shutter mode.

Reminiscent of the classic V System film magazine design, the modern CFV II 50C also works as a stand-alone digital back. Compatible with most V System cameras made from 1957 and onwards, the CFV II 50C can also be used on third party technical or view cameras.

Continuing the celebration, Hasselblad releases a limited edition 50 Years on the Moon merchandise collection, including posters, t-shirts, patches and stickers that commemorate this historical anniversary. The whole collection is available for purchasing here.

The 907X Special Edition has an MSRP of € 6500 / $ 7499 / £ 5825 excl. VAT. Ordering information and availability will be announced later in the year. See more information and technical specs here.

posted 12-25-2019 02:44 AM               

At Fratello, we love things related to space travel, ignited by the Omega Speedmaster Professional, a.k.a. The Moonwatch, however, easily extended to other items. Our special interest goes to flown objects, watches at best, but objects like pens and cameras appeal to us as well. And it’s no secret that many watch lovers and collectors have a special place in their heart for photography and cameras as well. So whats more obvious that an article on cameras used in space?