Camera used on moon landing sold for €550,000

The Hasselblad 500 was described by Vienna auctioneers Galerie Westlicht as part of the equipment carried by the 1971 Apollo 15 mission – and the only camera ever brought back from the moon. The others were left behind to make room for mineral samples, it said.

In 1962, NASA began to use Hasselblad cameras on space flights, and to request design modifications. The first motor-driven camera, the 500 EL, appeared in 1965 as a result of NASA requests.

The new owner was identified as Japanese businessman Terukazu Fujisawa, the owner of an electronics chain, who placed his winning bid of €550,000 by phone. Bidding started on Saturday at €80,000.

Hasselblad opening first shop in Tokyo this week

Hasselblad can be described as the Rolls Royce of cameras, out of reach of most photographers, even full time working ones, staying on a wish list for most of us. 

They have announced the launch of its first ever retail outlet, exclusively selling Hasselblad products, it is located near to the Hasselblad offices, in the fashionable Harakuju area this coming Saturday (September 14).

Dr. Hansen said: "This is a landmark day for us and to celebrate we will be throwing an all-day party at the new store on September 14. Our latest camera products, including our flagship H5D medium format series and our new and pioneering Lunar and Stellar consumer models, will be on show and, additionally, we have organised a superb exhibition of Norman Parkinson photographs in-store - to celebrate both our new launch and this great photographer's 100th anniversary."

http://www.hasselblad.com