Ansco Autoset (Early 1960s)

A 35mm viewfinder camera made by Minolta and marketed by Ansco, notable for use in early spaceflight.

Overview

The Ansco Autoset is a 35mm viewfinder camera produced in the early 1960s. Though sold under the Ansco brand, it was manufactured by Minolta and is functionally identical to the original Minolta Hi-Matic. It gained historical significance when astronaut John Glenn, Jr. used an Ansco Autoset to take the first human-captured, color still photographs of Earth during his three-orbit mission on February 20, 1962. The camera was considered for broader use by astronauts but presented operating challenges in space.

Specifications

Film format	35-mm
Lens	Ansco Rokkor f/2.8 45mm lens
Focal length	45 mm
Aperture	f/2.8 to f/16
Focus	Manual, close focus at 3 feet
Exposure control	Manual
Metering	Integral
Flash synchronization	Synchronized for all types, including electronic flash
Flash exposure	1/30 second fixed
Manual aperture setting	Shutter speed fixed at 1/60 second
Dimensions	138×84×67 mm
Production period	Introduced early 1960s; GAF Ansco Autoset CdS variant from 1964
Original price	Approximately $89.95

Context

The Ansco Autoset was part of a product line where Minolta manufactured cameras sold under other brands. This model is the OEM version of the Minolta Hi-Matic. A later variant, the GAF Ansco Autoset CdS, was released in 1964 with updated metering.