RARE NASA Nikon F3 \"SMALL\" 35mm Film Camera Variant from Space Shuttle Program For Sale

Being offered is a Beautiful and Rare Likely Flown NASA Nikon F3 \"Small\" 35mm Camera Variant from the Space Shuttle Program. This NASA modified Nikon F3 has the Unusual NASA P/N SED 33101585-301 with the serial number 1007. Every one of these I have seen have the NASA Identifier SED 33101585-303, and the 301 designation would indicate this is the earliest model produced.
Please note the NASA operation instruction labels on the back of the camera body. These were only on Class 1 \"for flight\" camera equipment. Because of this, the indications are that this was one of the first of the NASA Nikon F3\'s flown on the early Shuttle Flights.Condition of this camera is remarkable, and near MINT in most every way! The only issue is a very lightly engraved number just to the right of the NASA serial number, as seen in the pictures.
The camera utilizes a specially designed metal battery pack that would contain 8 AA Batteries to drive the camera system.
NASA special ordered 50 of these space-ready Nikon F3 cameras in the 1980s. Nikon worked with NASA to provide 35mm cameras with specific attributes required not only to fly on the Space Shuttle but to withstand the riggers of outer space when used on EVAs.The NASA modifications are quite numerous and you can find detailed information on the Internet.

Some include:

Replacing the leatherette on the exterior of the standard F3 with a matte black painted finish. The leatherette material was removed because of issues with out-gassing from materials.

The camera was designed to use a special thin film which enabled for 72 frames per roll, as evidenced by the included film counter which goes up to 72.

A multi pin outlet for a remote device like an intervalometer, is located on the front lower right side of the camera.
A Bendix cover with a attached tether seals the plug.

The mirror lock up lever and shutter release are longer on the NASA modified F3.

The lens release button is black on the NASA modified and chrome on the normal Nikon F3

The self timer LED on the NASA Nikon F3 Small Camera isn\'t on the body but rather is on the drive itself, to the lower right of the lens.

The depth of field preview button is black on the NASA Nikon F3, and it\'s chrome on the normal Nikon F3

Please refer to the pictures for details, and feel free to email with questions or requests for more photos.