From Digital Camera World · · 50s
Photographer Dies Capturing Mt St Helens Eruption
Robert Landsburg died photographing Mt St Helens eruption, saving his Nikon F2 camera.
In brief
Robert Landsburg died photographing Mt St Helens eruption, saving his Nikon F2 camera. Robert Landsburg died photographing Mt St Helens eruption, saving his Nikon F2 camera. Originally reported by Digital Camera World.
Eruption Details
On May 18, 1980, Mt St Helens erupted at 8:32 a.m. PDT, sending a pyroclastic flow at 670 mph and 800°F.
Photographer's Final Moments
Robert Landsburg, a Portland photographer, shielded his Nikon F2 camera with his body as pyroclastic flow approached.
Camera Survival
Landsburg rewound his Kodachrome 64 film, placed the camera in his bag, and lay on top to protect it from the blast.
Family Tribute
Jill Dutchess, Landsburg's niece, said his camera survived the eruption with ash inside the lens.
Post-Eruption Discovery
Seventeen days later, Landsburg's body, camera, and film were found, with images published in National Geographic January 1981.
Here's the gist
Robert Landsburg died photographing Mt St Helens eruption, saving his Nikon F2 camera.
