NASA orders 53 unmodified Nikon D5 DSLR cameras

Nikon Imaging | Guinea | Middle East and Africa

Corporate News

2017-08-25

Nikon continues its contributing course into the discoveries of space exploration and innovation

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has placed an order for 53 Nikon D5 digital SLR cameras. NASA plans to use the cameras at the astronaut training facilities on Earth, and for recording intra- and extravehicular activities at the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA ordered these standard Nikon D5 cameras with no special hardware modifications. Just as it was with the D3S DSLR cameras delivered to NASA in 2009, these D5 cameras will be the same models available to consumers, confirming the incredible reliability and craftsmanship of Nikon products, as well as their ability to withstand even the harshest of environments.

Highlights of Nikon's history with NASA

Year	Event
1971	The Nikon Photomic FTN* (NASA specifications) and NIKKOR lens were used on Apollo 15.
1980	The "Small Camera", based on the Nikon F3 film SLR camera and equipped with a motor drive, and the F3 “Big Camera”, which utilized long film, were delivered to NASA. The "Small Camera" was used aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia launched the following year.
1999	The Nikon F5 film SLR camera and AF NIKKOR lens were carried aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery to photograph extravehicular activities (EVA).
2008	The Nikon D2XS digital SLR cameras were delivered to NASA. Six D2XS cameras are used in space to document activities such as inspection and maintenance.
2013	A total of 38 Nikon D4 digital SLR cameras, 64 NIKKOR lenses, including the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR, and various other accessories were delivered to NASA. These products are used, among other things, to check solar panels and outer surfaces of the ISS.
2016	An additional 10 Nikon D4 digital SLR cameras were delivered to NASA, and are also used to check solar panels and outer surfaces of the ISS.

*Nikon F equipped with Photomic FTN viewfinder that supports TTL center-weighted metering

This year, Nikon celebrates its 100th anniversary. Throughout this 100-year history, Nikon has supported the research and observation of extreme environments such as space and the Antarctic with strong and durable cameras and NIKKOR interchangeable lenses developed based on its optical and precision technologies. Throughout its extensive history, Nikon has constantly focused on the innovation of its products to respond to the high expectations of the photographers with their work and the environments that challenge them. Nikon is excited to continue to contribute to the observation and research of such regions by developing extremely reliable products that are able to stand up to even the most challenging of situations.

Fans of Nikon, space exploration, and photography in general can enjoy a time-lapse video titled “Nikon in Space” - this time-lapse video was created from stunning photos of our magnificent Earth captured from space using Nikon cameras and NIKKOR lenses.

• Nikon In Space
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F-7PqhTQ2Y

About Nikon

Nikon. At the Heart of the Image. Nikon is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognised for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Middle East FZE distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras; Nikon sports optics as well as the Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lens system in over 50 countries. For more information, visit http://nikon-asia.com. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NikonMEA and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @NikonMEA.

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