posted 07-06-2020 12:42 PM               

Four years ago, I set what seemed like an impossible goal: to make a functional Apollo 11 camera by the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. It was a crazy idea, especially with how inexperienced I was with nearly every process that would be required to do so.

I would need to build a workshop and learn how to operate machines that can precisely remove metal as easily as they can imprecisely remove your arm. I would need to learn how to 3D model parts, create accurate technical drawings, repair and reassemble rare camera bodies and intricate lenses that have very little documentation. It would take many thousands of hours of research, practice and learning, and it wouldn’t be cheap.

So, why do it?

The answer is quick for any photographer or space nut: It’s a MOON camera! But for the perplexed majority, the answer went a bit like this: some people like to resurrect classic cars, I wanted to resurrect a classic camera, and the camera we sent to and left on the lunar surface on Apollo 11 is one of the most important photographic tools ever made, capturing a historic milestone for our species.

The images we brought back were iconic. They changed culture, inspired gen erations of inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs to do great things.

I could write a book all the nerdy details that went into the making this thing (we’re currently working on a documentary) but for the sake of this article, here are the highlights.

posted 07-06-2020 12:44 PM               

Hasselblad is excited to bring you another virtual Medium Format Meetup featuring photographer, designer, and maker Cole Rise. Cole creates hyper-accurate functional replicas of cameras used in space exploration, building upon original Hasselblad bodies through his new venture Space Camera Co. Known for his early role creating filters for Instagram, Cole is a renowned voice in tech and its crossover with photography, having held roles at Instagram, Polaroid, and founding companies that were acquired by Apple and Microsoft.

We'll be chatting with Cole on his approach to hand-building Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo-era Hasselblad replicas along the path that led him to where he is today in photography. Questions in advance can be submitted or live during the session.