Kern Switar 10mm f/1:1.8 camera lens intended for use with the Maurer DAC (Data Acquisition Camera), measuring 2.25" long and 1.75" in diameter, engraved with NASA part numbers near the mount: "SEB 33100010-3[03, hand numbered], S/N 1060." This lens has the standard 16mm Data AcquisitionCamera (DAC) lens mount. The focus and aperture rings on the lens are fully functional and the optics are in excellent condition.
Designed and manufactured by J. A. Maurer of Long Island, New York, the Maurer Data Acquisition Camera was used to obtain sequential photographic data during the manned flights of Project Apollo and Skylab. This type of lens is described in the "Handbook of Pilot Operational Equipment for Manned Space Flight, Report No. CD42-A/SL-997," published by NASA in June 1973: "10 mm. Lens (SEB33100010): The 10 mm. Lens has a wide field-of-view, a large relative aperture, and very good resolution and distortion characteristics. The lens is most useful for interior vehicle photography where illumination is low and where moderate engineering detail is to be recorded. The low distortion property of this lens has made it well suited for recording EVA and lunar surface operations also." It lists the "-303" suffix as a "significant configuration," denoting its purpose: "Apollo lunar surface unit; no focus tab and focus fixed at 6 feet with tape." This curious example lacks both focus and aperture tabs, and the focus is not fixed. A desirable example of an Apollo lunar camera lens.
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