Most people don't know that the National Geographic maintains a collection of unusual cameras. These are not uncommon in the typical photographic sense, such as strange features, antique specimens, or odd models. Rather, they have put together a collection of cameras that accomplished unique feats. For example, it includes the roll film camera that Admiral Perry used on his famous Arctic expedition. While the National Geographic magazine began as a publication without pictures, it quickly learned the importance of photography in its success. Through photographs the average person could experience the "rest" of the world. It's no surprise that submini cameras were an important part of the National Geographic's collection. The success of most expeditions depends on traveling light, and submini cameras have been part of the solution. While a special (can we call it a submini?) 42-pound IMAX camera made it to the top of Mount Everest in 1997, an Olympus Pen S half-frame had already been there (done that) 35 years earlier! Check out some of the details in the August 1998 issue of the National Geographic magazine, or visit their web site at http://www.nationalgeographic.com. And remember, on your next caravan leave the Nikon F5 behind and bring a submini.
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