Thin Blue Line: Nikon F3

Sunday, 30 December 2012

Nikon F3

This page is dedicated to the NASA modified Nikon F3 'small' camera.Until now there has been little information in the public domain about this rare camera that was such an integral part of recording NASA's missions of the space shuttle. Needless to say, compiling this information has been quite a challenge right from the beginning.As I learn more information about this camera and its use in NASA's shuttle program, I will endeavour to update this pageThe camera pictured is my very own NASA modifed F3. This body is documented as having flown on two shuttle missions: STS-49, which was the maiden voyage of Endeavour and STS-63 which was on Challenger. Even though NASA ordered roughly 100 of these F3 bodies, many were used solely on the ground for training purposes. Flight documented bodies are as rare as hen's teeth, however genuine ones will usually come with documentation showing the journey of the equipment through NASA's various facilities for various flight prep and testing.