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Sur apphotnum.free.fr/N2BE3n.html
Nikon Photomic FTn special NASA Appolo 15, 1975
When the U.S. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) wanted a more portable camera for its space
missions, it went to Nikon. The challenges of producing a camera that worked
safely and conveniently for astronauts in space are many, including having
controls that are large enough to operate for astronauts wearing bulky gloves.
The camera must also be able to function flawlessly in zero-gravity situations,
in the vacuum of space, and while being roasted by the intensely hot rays of the
Sun in outer space.
(Specifications: non known)
After the Nikon issued from the Photomic FTn, some others special cameras were
developed for the NASA by Nikon from the basis of F3 and F4 bodies. The Nikon F3
was developed for a large part from the NASA specifications.
To day, the
standard cameras sold for public as the Nikon F5 have in standard all
the specifications required for space missions and do not require body
modification. They just need special preparation from Nikon.