• Hasselblad H3D -39
• FlexColor, newest Hasselblad software
• Victor - new magazine

The event was held in the "Lukkien Studio's", located in the center of the Netherlands (Ede), close to the A-12 and no parking problems whatsoever. The Studio even has its own heli platform!. The complex is huge (20.000 m² / sq. meters), housing a.o 6 fully equipped Studio's. The Digicare meeting was in Studio 3. (700 sq. meters, Length 35 meter, width 20 meter, height 9 meter.)
For more information surf to www.lukkien.com

The author, watching the 5 LCD screens in the reception showing recent productions of Lukkien Studio's. It is hard to read and concentrate on the newest publication of Hasselblad called "Victor".
A beautiful coffee table sized glossy, filled with technology, new gadgets, workflow software, showcased works of selected photographers, describing how they capture their best images and much more...
More Info on www.victorbyhasselblad.com

The newest camera from Hasselblad is the almost legendary H3D -39

• H3D-39 Sensor dimensions: 36.7 x 49.0 mm
• Sensor size: 39 Mpixels (5412 • 7212 pixels)
• Image size (8/16 bit RGB): RAW 3FR capture 50 MB, TIFF 8 bit: 117 MB
• Storage capacity: 2 GB CF card holds 40 images

For more techspecs see http://www.hasselblad.com/products/h-system/h3d.aspx

All kind of light sources were available. On this event there was chosen for the Arri Daylight 400 units. In total 6 units, each 18000 Watt (Lamp HMI 18000 W/DE) were capable of delivering enough light :-)

Standby was also this Broncolor Pulso G mounted in a Para umbrella 330FR. I must admit, I have never before seen a reflector from outer space. (It looks like that anyway). Leo reluctantly posed almost under the bonnet.

In case of emergency there was also this huge Wind Machine.

Getting the latest instructions about the H3D and the lights before actually handling the camera.
About six complete units were available to try and get the feel on handling the machine.

This time a very quiet, not asking questions model was chosen - The AUDI R-8 - at least as long it was not idled-up that is!.
The Audi R8 is a mid-engined sports car introduced by the German automaker Audi in 2007. The first appearance of the car was in 2006, appearing at auto shows and events all over the world. The Audi R8 is equipped with a 4.2 L V8 developing 414 hp (309 kW), the same engine seen in the Audi RS4. Pricing for the 414 bhp (309 kW) model starts from €125,000.
For most of us certainly not an impulse buy though!

Perfectly lit by the Arri Daylight units, it was the ultimate model to go in close for details. Here the dash in the AUDI cockpit, deliberately moved just a little during exposure.

This time, no deliberate shaking but just a well balanced view of the dashboard and controls. Note the joystick gear shift, as soon as you put your hand on it, you will feel some quickening of the blood. It must be quite an experience to drive this car just a few miles at top speed of 300 km/hour.

The cockpit, view from the passenger seat.
The sporty interior is dominated by a totally driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

The Audi R8 is equipped with a 4.2 L V8 developing 414 hp (309 kW), the same engine seen in the Audi RS4. Pricing for the 414 bhp (309 kW) model starts from €104,400(€160,000 in Ireland) or £77,000. The base price in the US is $109,000 for the 6-speed manual. An R-Tronic equipped R8 will be priced at $118,000. The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). Its suspension utilizes magneto rheological dampers.

Very futuristic detail of one of the headlights.

Even more futuristic and impressive is the rear light assembly. Note the two exhaust pipes, there are two more at the right side.


Rear View

When you're driving on the Autobahn (Not the fast lane), you may hear this sound "Whoooooooooooooooooosh" .
Then, maybe for just a few seconds, you will see only the rear of this Audi R8 when it blasts alongside at its cruising speed!
FYI: Performance is posted at 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 301, 200km/h in 14.9 and a top speed of 301km/h.
Fuel consumption? If you have to ask, chances are you can't afford the beast! Well, 13.6 mpg (20,7 L/100Km) in the combined cycle is indeed heinously thirsty.!

To keep all those horsepowers on the road... The look at the wheels and their brakes tells all.
N.B. Front and rear wheel brakes are using ventilated discs, optional are ceramic discs.

The Wheels II
Going for details...

Captured by Leo on the moment I made the exposure for the wheel shot above.
Where is the H3D? Actually I took this one with my D-Lux3. Don't tell anybody or to say it in Large Format slang "Keep this under your darkcloth".

Very close view of the brakeshoes.
They are numbered!

Looking back, I must say it was well worth the visit. The model was patient as said before and the Hasselblad H3D-39 was impressive to work with. (I have to download the FlexColor software to open the files). The DigiCare staff was helpful and generous and never pushing. We felt completely at ease and could do whatever we wanted.

Well, I'm sure there will be life after the SG/Aero combo, maybe even for my two classic 500 CM Blads also .(Not 39 Mpixels but only 16 Mpixels?) It is unlikely Victor will disappoint me. Resuming, a very nice day to remember.