Leitz Auction
Starting Price €4,000
Total bids: 0
Estimate
€8,000 – 9,000
€8,000 – 9,000
This item is subject to VAT at the statutory rate of the respective country of destination on hammer price and premium (full taxation), provided it remains in the EU
serial number
RC1327939
Condition
A/B
Manufacture Year
c.1991
Product number
A04099
The Hasselblad 553ELS is a modified version of the 553 ELX, produced without flash-control circuitry and featuring a distinctive exterior construction in which the usual leather covering is replaced by thin metal plates. Cameras of this type were used during Space Shuttle missions in the early 1990s.
The cameras were equipped with magazines for perforated 70mm film and an electronic data-recording system. With each exposure, the film frame number and the exact time of exposure were recorded, providing a permanent photographic record.
In 1991, a small number of Hasselblad 553ELS cameras were delivered to NASA for use in the Space Shuttle programme. In 1999, Hasselblad released a very limited series of just 18 cameras to collectors. The present set is from this exceptionally small series and includes Hasselblad Space Camera 553ELS no.RC1327939, 70mm Data Magazine no.33EI10433 with DE-32 battery pack no.49EC1190, Distagon CF 4/50mm lens no.8164143 specially adapted for space conditions (front lens cap), RM-2 reflex viewfinder engraved '109' and specially fitted hard case. The complete set is in almost mint condition, with only minor signs of corrosion visible on the electrical contacts.
The cameras were equipped with magazines for perforated 70mm film and an electronic data-recording system. With each exposure, the film frame number and the exact time of exposure were recorded, providing a permanent photographic record.
In 1991, a small number of Hasselblad 553ELS cameras were delivered to NASA for use in the Space Shuttle programme. In 1999, Hasselblad released a very limited series of just 18 cameras to collectors. The present set is from this exceptionally small series and includes Hasselblad Space Camera 553ELS no.RC1327939, 70mm Data Magazine no.33EI10433 with DE-32 battery pack no.49EC1190, Distagon CF 4/50mm lens no.8164143 specially adapted for space conditions (front lens cap), RM-2 reflex viewfinder engraved '109' and specially fitted hard case. The complete set is in almost mint condition, with only minor signs of corrosion visible on the electrical contacts.