Page 115 - Lunacy and the Age of Deception

The image above is from a later mission when the astronauts took a lunar rover with them. It is a
remarkably composed image, exhibiting professional aptitude. The eye is guided from the astronaut
to the flag then to the lunar module where the image of the flag and words “United States” stand out
from the shadowed surface, and finally to the lunar rover. It would be a remarkable shot for a
professional to take, but for an astronaut handicapped with no view finder, inside a bulky spacesuit,
unable to see precisely where the camera was pointing, and having to guess the proper exposure
settings in very challenging lighting conditions, it is a tremendous feat. Never mind that the
mountains in the background and the ground behind the lunar module are different colors and texture
than the foreground soil, suggesting that a backdrop was used, the image served as a masterful piece
of propaganda.

There are other difficulties with the photo narrative provided by NASA. Hasselblad was selected to
supply the cameras for the lunar program. Jan Lundberg, the project engineer at Hasselblad, has
affirmed that no special adaptations were made to the cameras to block radiation or to make the
camera suitable for the temperature extremes which would have been encountered on the Moon.
There was no lead lining to protect the film from exposure to the radiation which would have been
present on the Moon. Nor was the Kodak film used by the astronauts stored in lead lined containers
before, or after use, not even when passing through the Van Allen Radiation Belts.

I remember back in the 1970s and later being informed that cameras and film should be removed
from travelers’ luggage when passing through the x-ray machines at the airport. The x-rays could
pass through the camera body and expose the film. On Kodak’s website, the following information
is posted.

Suggestions for Avoiding Fogged Film

X-ray equipment used to inspect carry-on baggage uses a very low level of x-radiation that will not
cause noticeable damage to most films. However, baggage that is checked (loaded on the planes as
cargo) often goes through equipment with higher energy X rays. Therefore, take these precautions
when traveling with unprocessed film:

• Don't place single-use cameras or unprocessed film in any luggage or baggage that will be
checked. This includes cameras that still have film in them.
• If an attendant or security personnel informs you that your carry-on baggage must be stowed
with the checked luggage or go through a second scan, remove your unprocessed film.
• Have your exposed film processed locally before passing through airport security on your
return trip.
• If you're going to be traveling through multiple X-ray examinations (more than 5 times),
request a hand search of your carry-on baggage. FAA regulations in the U.S. allow for a
hand search of photographic film and equipment if requested. (See below for further FAA
information.) However, non-US airports may not honor this request.
• Request a hand inspection for all motion imaging origination films. Testing shows fog on
motion imaging films even after a single X-ray scan...
• If you're asked to step aside for a more thorough scan of your carry-on baggage, the film
could be harmed if they use the more intense X-ray equipment.You should take your
unprocessed film out of your luggage.