1960s

FIRST LASER - 1960.  The first operable laser was constructed by Theodore Maiman while employed at Hughes Research Laboratories as a section head in 1960. He developed, demonstrated, and patented the laser using a pink ruby medium.

http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/284158_townes.html

NIKKOREX-8 - 1960.  Nikon's first entry in the home movie market. The Nikkorex-8 was was the first attempt by a camera manufacturer to build a CdS into a camera body, either still or movie.

http://home.pacbell.net/mnyberg/super8mm/super8_32.html

MINOLTA 16-II - 1960. An example of the many sub-miniature cameras available to collectors. The Minolta 16-II used 16 mm film and is an evolution of the Minolta 16. Lens: 22mm (f2.8-16), fixed-focus regulated to approximately 3 meters. Shutter 1/30 to 1/500 sec + time exposure. Items shown in the small envelopes are attachment lenses for telephoto and close-up. The above camera in like-new condition with manual, lenses and original box was purchased on eBay for only $25.

http://www.subclub.org/shop/minolta.htm

POLAROID MODEL 900 - 1960. The Model 900 was Polaroid's first completely automatic exposure controlled shutter 1/12 sec - 1/600 sec., aperture 8.8-82.

http://new.idsa.org/webmodules/articles/anmviewer.asp?a=284&z=62

YASHICA FLASH-O-SET- 1961. Although its appearance is that of a rangefinder, the Flash-O-Set was really a point-and-shoot camera. Lens: 40mm fixed focus, aperture ƒ4.0. Shutter: fixed at 1/60 second. The Flash-O-Set was one of the few 35mm cameras to have a built in bulb flash holder. It required a peanut-sized AG-1 bulb whcih fit into the socket on the front upper left of the camera (as seen from the front). The above camera in mint conditon with case, manual and original box was purchased for only $20.

FIRST MANNED SPACE FLIGHT - 1961.   On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union became the first human to orbit Earth.  The name of his spacecraft was the Vostok 1.  Vostok 1 had two sections: one section was for Yuri and a second section for supplies needed for survival such as oxygen and water.  Vostok 1 circled Earth at a speed of 27,400 kilometers per hour. The flight lasted 108 minutes.  Vostok's reentry was controlled by a computer.  Gagarin did not land inside of Vostok 1.  He ejected from the spacecraft and landed by parachute.
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/whos_who_level1/gagarin.html

 
 

THE VIDEO DISK - 1961.  David Paul Gregg first envisioned the VIDEODISK in 1958 He patented it in 1961 and again in 1969.  Click on image for enlarged view.   http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blopticaldisk.htm

TARON MARQUIS - 1962. According to the Japanese Camera Museum, the Taron Marquis (also sold as the Rival Rangefinder outside of Japan) was the world's first 35mm camera with a built-in CdS sensor (Cadmium Sulfide). Lens: 1:1.8, 45mm. Shutter: B, 1 - 1/500 second.

www.thisisali.com/cam_collection.html

http://homepage1.nifty.com/fukucame/taronmarq.htm

CANON ZOOM 8 EEE - 1962.  Another well made movie camera of the era which was obtained on eBay in mint condition with case for the grand price of $1.

VIDEODISK CAMERA - 1963.  D. Gregg, an inventor at Stanford University, created a crude forerunner to digital photography.  The videodisk camera could photograph and store images for several minutes.  Although they were transient, videodisk images foreshadowed emerging technology. http://www.dvdinfinity.com.au/history.htm

KODAK INSTAMATICS - 1963.    The very first 126 camera ever to be marketed, the Instamatic 50 was introduced in 1963, a month before the Instamatic 100.  Numerous models were introduced up through the early 1970’s.  There are about six levels of specification, and several chronological steps relating to improved flash or metering.  Instamatic 50, 100, and 104 shown above. The upscale 400 is shown below with a tele lens and simulated leather carrying case. The Instamatic line of Kodak cameras makes for an interesting subset of collectibles at minimum cost. The below 400 in excellent condition along with two Instamatic 104s in excellent condition were obtained on eBay with a winning bid of $6.49!

LEVELS OF SPECIFICATION:
Basic Models: ~ 44, 50, 100, 104, 124, X-15, X-15F.
Basic Models with Metering: ~ 300, 304, 134, 314, 333X, X-30, X-35, X-35F.
Spring Motor: ~ 150, 154, X-25.
Spring Motor and Meter ~ 400, 404, 414, X-45.
Metered f2.8 lens: ~ 324, 700, 714.
Metered f2.8 lens Motor & RF: ~ 800, 804, 814, X-90.

http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~ifex534/cameras/cameras.html

POLAROID LAND MODEL 100 - 1963.    First to use transistorized electronic shutter in a mass-produced camera, first Polaroid pack-film camera.  http://www.rwhirled.com/landlist/landdcam-pack.htm#cat-packfos100

INSTANT COLOR FILM - 1963.  Polaroid introduced instant color film (type 38 and type 48 Polacolor) along with the Polaroid Model 100 camera. 
http://www.rwhirled.com/landlist/landfilm.htm 
 

BELL & HOWELL DIAL 35 - 1963.  The Dial cameras manufactured by Canon and sold under the Canon or Bell and Howell names were a unique approach at that time.  The cameras were small, due to the half-frame format, but offered exceptional features. The lens could be focused with a distance scale on the lens or distance symbols in the viewfinder. Close-focusing to 0.8 meters.  Shutter speeds were set manually from 1/30 - 1/250.  The aperture could be set manually or automatically with the built-in CDS meter. Uniquely designed cameras such as the Dials 35s add interest to any camera collection and a collection made up entirely of such unusual designs is easily within the financial capabilities of anyone who would like to begin a camera collection.

www.subclub.org/ shop/canon.htm

FIRST U.S. SPACECRAFT PHOTO OF THE MOON - 1964. On July 31, 1964, Ranger 7 crashed into the Moon. Seventeen minutes before impact it snapped this picture - the first image of the Moon ever taken by a U.S. spacecraft. Before impacting the moon this close-up photo was transmitted by televison back to earth.

antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/ apod/ap991015.html

FIRST ELECTRONIC CAMERA PHOTOS OF MARS - 1964.  In July 1964, NASA, at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, California, received electronic signals from video cameras on board the Mariner 4 (IV) spacecraft on its way to Mars.  The image above is the first close-up image ever taken of Mars (NASA).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariner_4

Click on image below to see two larger views of the surface of Mars.

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/profile.cfm?Sort=Target&Target=Mars&MCode=Mariner_04

KODAK INSTAMATIC M2 - 1965. Known as the "Brick" the M2 is an example of an inexpensive Super 8 movie camera that is still relatively common in excellent condition and which can be purchased on eBay and other auction sites with box and manual for as little as $5. Introduced in 1965 together with the new Super 8 film, it was an entry-level camera with a fixed focus f/1.8 lens, manual exposure and single filming speed (18 frames per second).

ROLLEI 16S SUBMINI - 1966. The 16S was introduced in 1966 with a total production of about 20,000. It measures 1 1/4 x 1 3/4 x 4 1/4 inches and produces 12 x 17 mm negatives on 16 mm film cassettes. 25 mm focal length, f/2.8 Zeiss Tessar lens and programmable automatic shutter. Shutter 1/30th to 1/500th second and apertures from f/2.8 to f/22. The built-in Gossen meter is coupled to the shutter and aperture scale and has provision for uncoupling for flash and time exposure. Miniature cameras such as this make an interesting collection as there are many unusual design types available at very inexpensive prices. A collection composed just of miniature cameras would be a very worthwhile and enjoyable pursuit.

www.subclub.org/ shop/franke.htm

FIRST CONSUMER COLOR VIDEO TAPE RECORDER - 1965.  The Sony all-transistor CV-2000.  Although Ampex had launched a color video recorder seven years earlier, Sony's was the first model aimed at the consumer market - CV stood for "Consumer Video".  Sony's VTR weighed 70 pounds and had a built-in monitor for viewing the color picture.  http://news.zdnet.co.uk/story/0,,t269-s2076005,00.html

FIRST CONSUMER VIDEO CAMERA - 1965.  The Sony CVC-2000 was the first domestic video camera. It was also sold with accessories in kit form as the VCK-2000

www.smecc.org/sony_ cv_series_video.htm

FIRST EARTH PHOTO FROM VICINITY OF THE MOON - 1966. The world's first view of Earth taken by a spacecraft from the vicinity of the Moon. The photo was transmitted to Earth by the United States Lunar Orbiter I and received at the NASA tracking station at Robledo De Chavela near Madrid, Spain. This crescent of the Earth was photographed August 23, 1966 at 16:35 GMT when the spacecraft was on its 16th orbit and just about to pass behind the Moon.

http://grin.hq.nasa.gov/ABSTRACTS/GPN-2000-001588.html

 


ROLLEI 35 – 1966.   The Rollei 35 was introduced at the Photokina exhibition in Cologne, Germany in 1966.  It was Rollei's first 35 mm camera - world's smallest camera for 35 mm film, packed with superb optical and mechanical workmanship and small enough to fit in a shirt pocket – the world’s smallest mass-produced 35mm camera. 

http://www.rolleiclub.com/cameras/35classic/info/index.shtml

YASHICA ELECTRO 35 - 1966.  A major Yashica innovation was a unique automatic all electronic stepless shutter, the speed of which was controlled by an Electro-Magnet. This gave rise to the model designation “Electro”.  The correct exposure was determined by turning the aperture ring until neither the red nor amber lamps are lit.  These are visible both on the top of the camera and in the view-finder. A small arrow visible next to the lamps on the top plate, indicates the direction in which the aperture ring must be turned in order to achieve the correct exposure range.  It also warns when exposures time will be so long that a rigid mount is required.  The Electro 35 was a very popular camera and there were many models over the years.   An original 1966 Electro 35 is shown on the left with optional Tele Adapter and viewfinder.   An Electro 35 GSN (1973) is shown on the right.    The Electro 35 did for  amateur still photographers what the Yashica Super 60E movie camera (below)  did for  amateur movie makers -  obtained correct exposures almost every time. http://www.yashica-guy.com/document/chrono.html

FIRST PORTABLE VTR - 1967.  Sony introduces the first portable VTR, the DV-2400.

http://studentweb.uwstout.edu/leischje/jenny.pdf

TEKTRONIX C-12 - 1967. In addition to the everyday cameras that we are all familiar with, there are zillions of cameras (my wife told me a thousand times not to exaggerate) specially adapted for industrial or scientific requirements. Above is one such camera, the Tektronix C-12 Oscilloscope camera used to record oscilloscope cathode ray tube (CRT) traces. The first photo is the C-12 with a Polaroid back attached. The second is of a typical Oscilloscope and the third is the C-12 attached to an Oscilloscope ready for use. The Tektronix camera came in a fitted hardcase similar to a Samsonite suitcase. If you are interested in starting some type of camera collection, one possibility is out-of-the-mainstream cameras such as the C-12. Judicious buying can result in a nice collection at very little cost. The above C-12 in like-new condition with case was obtained on eBay for a winning bid of $1!

KODAK CAROUSEL 750H - 1967. One of many types of slide projectors produced over the years, but the space-efficient rotating design of the slide tray made it the most popular among consumers. For individual viewing of slides a small battery lit viewer such as the GAF Pana-Vue can be used.
 

FLOPPY DISK DRIVE - 1967.  The floppy disk drive (FDD) was invented at IBM by Alan Shugart in 1967.  The first floppy drives used an 8-inch disk (later called a "diskette" as it became smaller), which evolved into the 5.25-inch disk that was used on the first IBM Personal Computer in August 1981.  Click on image for large view. http://www.howstuffworks.com/floppy-disk-drive1.htm

FIRST SOLID STATE IMAGER PATENT – 1968.   "All Solid State Radiation Imagers."  U.S. patent # 3,540,011.  Filed September 6, 1968, granted November 10,1970.  Abstract:  " A flat screen target for receiving and storing an optical image is composed of an array of photosensitive diode elements each serially connected with a capacitor to form an array two terminal devices having each of their respective first terminals interconnected along a plurality of row lines and each of their respective second terminals connected along a plurality of column lines. Sequential coincident pulses are applied along respective row and column lines for reading the stored condition of each two terminal device."  Designers:  Edward H. Stupp (Spring Valley NY), Pieter G. Cath (Briarcliff Manor NY) and Zsolt Szilagyi (Ossining NY) - research engineers and physicists at Philips Labs in Briarcliff Manor NY.  Patent assigned to Philips Corporation (U.S. Patent Office).  Breadboard models of the device were constructed.
 

YASHICA SUPER 60E / 40E MOVIE CAMERAS – 1968.   60E: Lens: Yashinon-DX El. Zoom 1,8 / 8 - 48 mm.  Microprism Focusing.  Auto Zoom.  Frame rates: 12,18,24 + single frame.  Auto Exposure.  Backlight Control.  +/- correction for auto.  Remote control socket.  No sound.  4 X AA batteries + No separate battery for light meter.  MSRP about $240.  40E: Lens: Yashinon-Dx El. Zoom 1,8 / 9 - 36 mm. Microprism Focusing. Auto Zoom. Frame rates: 12,18,24 + single frame. Auto Exposure. No sound. Electronic movie cameras of this type were a boon to amateur movie makers who were used to over / under exposed film as a routine matter when dealing with movie cameras that required the operator to guess at correct aperture and focus. For you collectors, the 40E was purchased on eBay in like-new condition for $1! http://www.kolumbus.fi/puistot/y.htm

YASHICA-MAT 124 - 1968.  Typical twin lens medium foremat film camera of the era.

MINOLTA AUTO-SPOT 1 – 1968.   Before built-in light meters became common many photographers used hand-held light meters of various types to help ensure a properly exposed photograph. Even after camers with built-in light meters came onto the market many photographers continued to use separate light meters, and some still do today. The Minolta Auto-Spot 1 was a spot meter of somewhat unusual design and very popular with users of the Zone system for larger format cameras.  Using this meter was the equivalent of metering a scene with a 2000mm lens attached to a 35mm camera.  It was large, heavy and expensive, but accepted filters, had a focusing lens, and had a circular readout in the viewfinder which automatically showed a full range of usable f-stop/shutter speed combinations.

http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/meters.htm

FIRST PHOTOGRAPHS OF EARTH FROM THE MOON - 1969.  The descent to the moon by the lunar lander from Columbia, the command module, encountered numerous difficulties.  Communications were poor and a number of alarms signaled potential problems with the lander.  An abort situation seemed imminent, but the astronauts took manual control of the lander and maneuvered it across an area strewn with large rocks to a safe landing position, touching down with only 20 seconds of fuel to spare.  As the lunar lander (Eagle) settled into the fine dust of the moon's surface, Neil Armstrong, commander of Apollo 11, spoke man's first words from the moon: "Houston. Tranquillity Base here. The Eagle has landed"   A  Westinghouse television camera attached to leg of the lunar lander broadcast live images of man's first walk on the moon, 20 July 1969, as Commander Armstrong stepped from the lunar lander.  The first words spoken by Commander Armstrong from the moon's surface were: "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for Mankind".  See NASA's home page for an unlimited number of photos of the moon, the planets, the sun, our galaxay, and the universe.  Click on footprint and Earthrise images to see enlarged views.  Westinghouse camera on the right.  http://www.newseum.org/lunar_camera/whata.htm
http://www.nasa.gov/

THE CCD, CHARGE-COUPLED DEVICE - 1969.  Willard Boyle and George Smith originated the basic design for the CCD. The CCD is a light-sensitive integrated circuit used in a wide variety of applications, primarily imaging.  In the space of an hour on October 17, 1969, Boyle and Smith sketched out the CCDs basic structure, defined its principles of operation, and outlined applications including imaging as well as memory.  The device they invented stores information, represented by discrete packets of electric charge, in columns of closely spaced semiconductor capacitors.  With multiple columns side by side, a CCD chip can record images.  Reading out the information for processing, display, or more permanent storage, is accomplished by shifting stored charges down the columns, one position at a time.  Click on image for enlarged view.  http://www.bell-labs.com/news/1999/september/20/1.html

BELL & HOWELL AUTOLOAD SUPER 9 - 1969.  Typical home 8mm movie projector of the era. Shown below are an Argus 768 film editor and Kodak film splicer used by 8mm film photographers to edit home movies.

1960s