@olivetreeann Mass. Every kilogram of unnecessary mass they took in the ascent stage was a kilogram less of lunar samples they could bring back to earth. The cameras might seem valuable to us, but to NASA they were absolutely worthless compared to what could take their place (unlike the photos, which of course were brought back, in heavy metal canisters rather than light memory cards!). Similarly the astronauts also left behind expensive items like the PLSS backpacks (the life-support backpacks you see them walking about with on the moon).
I believe the mass allowance on the Apollo 11 lunar module ascent stage for non-essential items was around 20kg -- this was all they could take back other than themselves and the equipment they would need for the return journey, while still having acceptable fuel margins to safely dock with the command module. On later missions I think this was increased to closer to 100kg.
I'm just imagining though what if they got back, went to develop the film, and none of the pictures turned out because someone made a mistake with the settings?
But yes, it is remarkable that there are so many superb photographs.
The cameras were modified for their use on the moon (with controls that could be used with the suit gloves) as well as alterations to the construction and assembly (such as choosing lubricants for the shutter that wouldn't boil off in a vacuum). The camera was mounted to the chest of the suit, and had no viewfinder, so the astronaut could only point his body at what he wanted to photograph, set the exposure based on the pre-calculated values, set the focus using the distance markings, and press the shutter. He even had to radio back to Earth whenever he took a photo, so that they would know when the film magazine was used up and needed changing, as he was unable to read the counter on the camera.
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I believe the mass allowance on the Apollo 11 lunar module ascent stage for non-essential items was around 20kg -- this was all they could take back other than themselves and the equipment they would need for the return journey, while still having acceptable fuel margins to safely dock with the command module. On later missions I think this was increased to closer to 100kg.
http://www.clavius.org/photoqual.html
But yes, it is remarkable that there are so many superb photographs.
The cameras were modified for their use on the moon (with controls that could be used with the suit gloves) as well as alterations to the construction and assembly (such as choosing lubricants for the shutter that wouldn't boil off in a vacuum). The camera was mounted to the chest of the suit, and had no viewfinder, so the astronaut could only point his body at what he wanted to photograph, set the exposure based on the pre-calculated values, set the focus using the distance markings, and press the shutter. He even had to radio back to Earth whenever he took a photo, so that they would know when the film magazine was used up and needed changing, as he was unable to read the counter on the camera.
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=made+in+USA+camera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8