Rare camera lens used on the moon mission takes flight at auction

WHAT: A one-of a-kind Zeiss Tele-Tessar 500mm f/8 lens used by Commander Dave Scott in orbit and on the lunar surface during the Apollo 15 moon mission sold for $453,281 last month in an RR Auction. Some 293 photos were taken during that mission. The silver lens measures 12 inches long and was an integral part of the Hasselblad electric data camera.

MORE: The mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 26, 1971, and lasted until August 7, 1971.

SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Artifacts used during the golden age of space exploration, especially items handled by early astronauts, are avidly sought by collectors. When linkage to mission and user are clear, prices soar. This custom lens is considered significant as a large piece of space hardware.

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HOT TIP: According to the auction house, “Special tabs were fitted to the rotational segments in the center of the lens, used to adjust focus and f-stop, for ease of use with the pressurized gloves of a spacesuit.” The lens cap and rear were later covered with duct tape and signed on the rear by Scott.

BOTTOM LINE: In 2012, Congress passed a law stating that participating astronauts can keep space artifacts used in specific missions and that they have full ownership and clear title to any artifact given to them. That includes equipment, prototypes and disposable flight hardware, but excludes lunar rocks and lunar material.