NASA Kern-Switar 18mm f0.9 C-mount Lens for Apollo Lunar Missions

Description: Kern Switar 18mm f/0.9 C-mount lens, made in Switzerland for NASA. This is APOchromatic lens, 9 elements (5 groups, includes cemented triplet).These lenses were built for NASA and were used on multiple Lunar missions starting from Apollo-10 and thru Apollo-17. These lenses were being used in both Command Module (CM) and Lunar Module (LM) for lunar imaging and data mapping.Only 21 lens were purchased by NASA, (according to meeting minutes published by Kern) each lens cost 11,000 CHF or $2,500 (this is exactly how much brand new 1969 Ford Mustang cost in 1969).NASA serial number on the lens: SEB 33100018-301 S/N 1028. See link below to Apollo 17 launch protocol, on page 79, they list Kern-Switar 18mm as one of the lens in the equipment.chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20090012049/downloads/20090012049.pdf Its unknown if this particular version went to space or not, but considering only 21 copies were made, and at least 6 missions flown, its possible. Condition: excellent body, with few marks, one hand inscription. Very solid construction.Glass: perfect condition, no scratches or marks.Focusing works, very smooth. Aperture perfect clicks.Both focusing and aperture rings has large (removable) levers, those were needed to accomodate for astronauts gloves. Ships Worldwide.

Price: 4950 USD

Location: Deerfield, Illinois

End Time: 2024-11-22T07:13:33.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD