Camera maker Hasselblad, whose legendary 500EL
was used by Neil Armstrong to capture the first images on the
moon’s surface, has launched a lunar programme of its own.
For
over half a century Hasselblad has been making some of the finest
cameras in the world, and in June the company will launch Lunar -
a state-of-the-art, Italian-designed, consumer camera.
Under the guidance of Business Development Manager
Luca Alessandrini, engineers and designers at the company’s design centre near Venice were briefed to develop a camera that would
combine cutting edge technology with a unique custom finish.
The
Lunar launches with five different grip styles. Lovers of the
minimalist look can opt for the light and resistant carbon fibre
design. Those who seek something
totally unique may prefer natural Italian wood - olive or mahogany
- undyed and with a waxless matt finish. Also available
are two Tuscan leather options, using the quality found in the
most exclusive car interiors, in brown or black. Metal finishes
are in bronze and titanium.
The Lunar can be also personalised to suit
the purchaser’s lifestyle, needs and tastes, in the same way that
a luxury car or yacht can be customised. The permutations are
endless. Models can be designed in gold or platinum, and can
feature everything from engravings to precious jewels.
Heralding
Hasselblad’s entry into the mirrorless interchangeable lens
market, the Lunar incorporates an engine from a Sony camera,
very similar to the NEX-7 (which costs around US$ 1,000).
The camera is the
brainchild of Hasselblad CEO Dr Larry Hansen, a passionate
photographer who claims no camera maker in the world has ever made
a top quality model that is easily portable, takes incredible
pictures and is, at the same time, stunningly beautiful.
Dr Hansen said, “Lunar is the ultimate consumer camera for
those people who demand the very finest things in life. We didn’t
set out to make just another black box camera just like all the
rest – this is a camera that will grow with you. We are offering
leather and wood finishes that will mould over time to a human
grip - like the warm feel of your wallet or handbag, or your
luxury car steering wheel.”
Priced at €5,000 (ex
VAT) for the standard models, the Lunar will be sold at select
retail outlets and luxury boutiques across the globe.
Camera,
Canon,
Sony,
Hasselblad
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