Astrocam RTF 110-Film Camera Rocket

This is an Estes Astrocam RTF model rocket; the nose cone houses a 110 camera which uses 200 speed film.

 

First introduced in the 60s or 70s; you had to actually build the camera. Later it was re-issued as a ready to fly starter kit, which is what this model is. Then the original was re-released a few years ago, however the nose camera is now pre-assembled. Estes has a few other camera rockets now, including a video rocket.

 

The shutter is controlled by a pull string that gets slipped between the nose cone and body tube. The lens points to the side of the rocket at a mirror; which acts like a periscope. When launched, it uses a motor with a long delay so it's pointing at the ground when the nose ejects; which fires the shutter (1/500 second exposure I believe). Once it lands you roll it to the next exposure.

 

I have a pic somewhere of a barn at the East Branch Forest Preserve that this rocket got a picture of. I am just starting to get back into model rocketry, so if I find some 110 film I plan to launch this again.

Done