Hasselblad to Launch Lunar in June

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.