Apollo 15 lunar lens auctioning for $600,000

When Commander Dave Scott took off on the Apollo 15 mission, the first of the Apollo “J” missions capable of a longer stay time on the moon and greater surface mobility, he brought with him a one-of-a-kind Zeiss Tele-Tessar 500mm f/8 lens. Using this lens, Scott captured 293 photos.

Now, the lens is up for auction with Boston-based RR Auction company and it’s reaching a price tag in the $400,00 to $600,000 range.

The silver lens is 12″ long and engraved near the mount with NASA part numbers “SEB 33100284-S/N 1006.” The color silver was chosen for the camera and lens in order to maintain more uniform internal temperatures when in contact with the extreme heat of the Moon’s surface.

The body of the lens has some Velcro tabs and the lens cap and rear are covered in duct tape, which is signed in felt-tip marker by “D. R. Scott.”

The lens has some scuffs and wear from its extensive use in space and as an added bonus, the tape is believed to be from a roll flown on the mission and could even contain some lunar dust.

Along with the lens comes a special note from Scott himself stating:

“I hereby certify that the Zeiss f8/500 mm Tele-Tessar lens included with this letter is from my personal collection and was attached to my Hasselblad camera on the surface of the Moon and in lunar orbit during Apollo 15, the first extended scientific exploration of the Moon, July 26–August 7, 1971.”

Story via RR Auction.