What camera did Ed White use on the Gemini 4 spacewalk?
Asked 9/5/2011
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During the first American spacewalk on Gemini 4, Ed White is seen holding a camera in several NASA photos. What camera model was it, and were there any known modifications for EVA use?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
19
history was made when the first picture of a spacecraft in orbit was taken by astronaut Ed White as he floated outside his spacecraft. He used a Zeiss Contarex 35mm camera mounted atop his gas-powered maneuvering gun.
From http://history.nasa.gov/printFriendly/apollo_photo.html

Image: NASA "The first photograph of the EVA as Ed White backs away from the Gemini spacecraft over the Pacific Ocean northeast of Hawaii"

Image: NASA "This photograph was taken early in the EVA over a cloud-covered Pacific Ocean. The maneuvering gun is visible in White's right hand."

Image: NASA, public domain "Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit to be used during extravehicular activity (EVA) on Gemini 4 flight. It is an integral unit that contains its own high pressure metering valves and nozzles required to produce controlled thrust. A camera is mounted on the front of the unit."
I believe special versions of cameras were sometimes produced for use in space. for example to make them easier to use in a spacesuit (a film advance lever might be replaced by a knurled knob, the camera might be painted black and so on). This might explain why the camera used by Ed White in space looks slightly different to the cameras used by the general public on Earth.
Originally by user2520. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2520
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Ed White used a Zeiss Contarex 35mm camera on Gemini 4. One community answer cites NASA history material identifying it as a Zeiss Contarex mounted on top of his gas-powered maneuvering gun. Another answer gives the more specific model as a Zeiss-Ikon Contarex Special.
According to that account, it was a standard commercially available camera, but modified for spacewalk use by removing the prism viewfinder so White could operate it while wearing his helmet. The lens was reportedly a 50mm f/2.8 Tessar, preset to about f/11 and 15 feet.
So the best summary is: a Zeiss Contarex/Contarex Special 35mm camera, adapted for EVA by removing the prism finder.
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