Here’s a chance to own a fun, collectible piece of both NASA and camera history: this superb condition model of the 1962 Minolta Hi Matic, the first camera in space used by John Glenn in his history-making journey as the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth. From the Konica/Minolta website: 

"1962: Minolta Hi-Matic camera is used on Friendship 7, the first US manned spacecraft to orbit the Earth. Later, Minolta's exposure meter, Space Meter, is used during Apollo 8, 10, and 11 missions.”

It’s a great conversation piece that I’ve had on display in my home for many years, but it’s time for it to find a new and appreciative owner. The camera comes complete with its original box, leather case, instruction manual, Minolta guarantee card and the “caution” tag packed with the camera.

As the photos above show, the camera itself is in remarkably superb condition, inside and out. The leather case practically looks new—and it really makes you appreciate the quality of leather used back then. The box is only in fair condition and somewhat fragile due to age. I’d rate the instruction manual condition as “fair to good” and it is complete and intact. 

All functions on the camera—light meter, shutter, etc.—seem to be in working condition, but PLEASE NOTE: I have never taken any pictures with this camera, so I do not offer any assurances about its abilities to do so. This is an “as is” sale. 

This is my 25th year of selling on ebay and I proudly maintain a 100% rating. I do my best to ship every purchase by the next business day.