MT Shooter Loc: Montana

NASA has continued its exclusive camera purchase history with the latest order of 53 bone stock Nikon D5 bodies to use in its space exploration operations. Kudos to Nikon!

Press release:

TOKYO - 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 both at astronaut training facilities on Earth, and for recording intra- and extravehicular activities at the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA has ordered 53 standard Nikon D5 cameras with no special hardware modifications. Just as with the D3S digital SLR cameras delivered to NASA in 2009, these D5 cameras will be the same models available to consumers, confirming the incredible reliability of Nikon products, as well as their ability to withstand even the harshest of environments.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Go Nikon!

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

NASA has been using Nikon cameras for a long time now, going way back to the Apolo missions. Mainly because Nikon builds a good sturdy camera and NASA has amassed a very large collection of high end Nikkor lenses that do not use fluorite glass as is more common in the high end L series lenses made by Canon. NASA was concerned the flourite glass may be susceptible to fracture under the intense stresses and vibrations encountered during liftoff.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Yah Nikon they sure do build a durable and tough camera

Tikva Loc: Waukesha, WI

Yea for Nikon. I knew I liked them for some reason other than that is what I'm used to.

mudduck

I thought they uses hasselblads on the moon?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

They did when they needed a really good photo and not a snapshot.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

So they are forced to use only old lenses as Nikon finally figured out how ton use flourite in a lens recently.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Only a few lenses use flourite elements leaving a very large selection to choose from. Instead of flourite, Nikon uses super UD elements in some long lenses and those are the ones that go to the ISS.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

They used Hasselblads on the moon because they could remove the film backs and leave the rest on the moon. So if you want to pick up 8 - 10 film Hassleblads for just the cost of the trip, you could go pick them up on the lunar surface. They have been stored in a near vacuum for a few years and are probably in decent shape assuming that they didn't get hit my an asteroid or something. Plus, the trip would be extremely scenic. The following is from Wikipedia:

Nikon has been a supplier of space (EVA) capable cameras[14] for the NASA since 1971, when they delivered a modified Nikon F SLR Photomic FTN camera[15][16] with center-weighted TTL metering system,[17] which was first used on the Apollo 15 mission.[18] In 1973, a newer modified version of the Nikon F with a motor drive was delivered for use in Skylab. In 1980[19] and 1989, Nikon delivered modified, space capable F3[20] (big and small version) respectively F4 cameras to NASA, which were used in the Space Shuttle.
Nikon's first digital camera (still video camera, with analog storage) was the Nikon Still Video Camera (SVC) Model 1, a prototype which was first presented at photokina 1986.[21][22] The follower Nikon QV-1000C Still Video Camera was produced since 1988 mainly for professional press use.[23] Both cameras used QV mount lenses, a variant of Nikon F-mount lenses. Via an adapter (QM-100) other F-mount lenses can be fitted.
The NASA Electronic Still Camera / Nikon NASA F4 was followed by the NASA-used Nikon-based Kodak DCS 460, DCS 660 and DCS 760, Nikon D1, D2X, D2Xs, D3, D3X, D3S, D4[24] and the D800E.[25] The Nikon F-mount is the only 35mm SLR or DSLR lens mount ever used by NASA.
Nikon and NASA have a strong working relationship and Nikon is constantly sending engineering and support people to the Kennedy Space Center, in Florida, Johnson Space Center, Houston and also to the Centers in California and other places. Primary support for NASA is from Nikon USA in Melville NY. Rarely does Nikon USA in Los Angeles get involved since most of the mid to upper tier engineers for NikonUSA are in Melville. Nikon LA is primarily a repair facility for cameras and other optical equipment (telescopes, binoculars, rifle scopes, scanners, medical equipment, etc.) Although Melville supplies the same support for anyone east of the Mississippi River.

BlackRipleyDog

They did.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Congratulations to Nikon as they work hard on re inventing themselves. I hope the future bright for Nikon as I think consumers benefit from the competition between Canon, Nikon, and Sony. So, that said, Nikon has thrown down the new D850, OK Canon and Sony, let the games begin, AGAIN. It benefits us all.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

https://www.quora.com/Photography-What-cameras-are-used-on-the-ISS
http://highsierraworkshops.org/canon-joins-nikon-hasselblad-as-nasas-camera-of-choice/
https://www.wired.com/2016/04/shoot-3-d-imax-movie-space-station/
Canon is used in space and NASA uses Canon in spite of others claims to lenses being a problem. NASA just has a crap load of old Nikon lenses and is not likely to change only for that reason and none other.

Go Pro also replacing Nikon.
http://www.eoshd.com/2013/04/gopro-to-replace-nikon-as-nasa-camera-supplier/

Nikonman44

THey were looking for cameras not weapons ( a canon)

Nikonman44

very good information and a great follow up to why Nasa uses only the best when it needs the highest quality products