The Hasselblad Lunar, an iconic camera
Iconic 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.
The Hasselblad Lunar : an ultimate luxury consumer camera
For over half a century Hasselblad has been making cameras for the world’s top professional photographers. Now the company has spread its wings and launched the Lunar – a state-of-the-art, Italian-designed, ultimate luxury consumer camera.
Hasselblad developed a camera that combines cutting edge technology with a unique custom finish. Taking their inspiration from the world’s sexiest supercars, its most luxurious watches and F1 technology, the team created the Lunar, a breathtaking hybrid of Italian design and Swedish pedigree. With its evocative retro look, the Hasselblad Lunar revives the timeless charm of the 500C through its famous chrome-plated frame, made smooth and supple by the total absence of edges.
An aesthetically compelling piece of camera art, the Lunar is a gorgeous object to both behold and to hold. For its ergonomics, its weight and its design all make it irresistible to the touch. Developed in the traditional way, using handmade wooden prototypes, the Lunar‘s specifications are naturally without parallel. However, it is the innovative use of materials that really puts this model in a class of its own.
Luxurious and sensual materials
The Lunar launches with five different grip styles, all handcrafted from the most luxurious and sensual elements. Lovers of the sexy, minimalist look can opt for the light and resistant carbon fibre design. Also available are two leather options, using the quality found in the most exclusive car interiors, in brown or black. Metal finishes are titanium apart from the mahogany wood model, which is copper-bronze.
Last but not least, those who seek something totally unique may prefer natural Italian wood – olive or mahogany – undyed and with a waxless matt finish ! A hint of opulence. The unmistakable richly-veined Olive Wood provides a tough and durable grip with a matt finish offering a comfortable, smooth hold. The wood will age subtly over time, giving the indelible stamp of the owner!
However in a game changer for the industry, the Lunar can be personalised to suit the purchaser’s lifestyle, needs and tastes. The permutations are endless. Models can even be designed in gold or platinum and may feature everything from engravings to precious jewels.
State-of-the-art specifications
The Lunar is naturally packed with the superior specifications expected from an industry leader. Heralding Hasselblad‘s entry into the mirrorless interchangeable lens market, the Lunar incorporates an engine from a Sony camera, the current leader in the category. It also has a huge selection of functions, aimed both at the quality of the picture and the entertainment of the user. The camera is the brainchild of Hasselblad Chairman and 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.
Says Dr Hansen: “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.”
The Lunar has been developed to appeal to both sexes. “Perhaps she will opt for a leather finish, while he might prefer the more masculine look of our exclusive carbon fibre option – or alternatively, wood that might match the steering wheel in his car.” Concludes Dr Hansen, “The Lunar is a camera that is unique in photo-history. It will appeal to a segment of society that wants to take a perfect picture but also wants to own an iconic product from an iconic brand.”
Priced at £4,400 (ex VAT) for the standard models, the Lunar is on sale at select retail outlets and luxury boutiques across the globe. To discover more iconic cameras, please read our article on the Leica M.
