As a child I used to play a lot with LEGO; it kept me busy for hours and hours. That’s probably the reason why I wanted to become an architect; but life decided otherwise. Later on, other interests showed up and I didn’t touch any LEGO at all for over 30 years.
Then suddenly, in November 2017, dark clouds gathered when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. For a moment our world stopped turning and we had to rely on doctors and an intensive treatment to fight this poison inside. Almost 15 months later, the sky cleared again, and good news came our way. Although you can never be certain again when it comes to health, we could start making new plans for the future. And so, my wife bought me a LEGO set: The Big Ben (London). This was her way of saying ‘Thank you’ for being there for her, in difficult times. And as from that moment, my interest in LEGO was triggered again; and even much stronger than ever before.
Quickly I realized I needed a bigger challenge and so I decided to start designing my own creations. First, I made a small version of our own house. After a successful attempt to make the 4-Cylinder tower of BMW Headquarters in Munich (almost 1m high and 13000 parts), I focused to build a replica of BMW-dealership De Schepper in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. Several months and hundreds of working hours later, the general management decided to put my creation (19548 parts) in their showroom.
I already worked 20 years for Fujifilm Belgium (FFBE) when I had the chance to support the European Compliance Team in Germany. On May 24th 2022, I had to visit my German colleagues in Ratingen. I drove on the Balcke-Dürr-Allee, turned round the last corner and there it was… the impressive new building of the Fujifilm European Headquarters. Immediately I knew, this had to be my next LEGO-project! After a few weeks of thinking and a lot of ‘try and error’, I could finally start building. I chose a particular part in Dark Transparent color which I would use for each window. During my next visit to Ratingen, I measured one window and so I could determine the final scale. Each side of the building had 25 windows and so my MOC also had to have the same amount on each level. Although the building looks like a simple square, several challenges had to be solved, like the descent to the underground garage, the stairs in front of the lobby, some unusual angles, the trees and plants,… Four months later, the result was much better as I could have imagined. A few lamps next to the entrance of the garage and the European, Japanese and German flags would be the finishing touch.
Feedback is highly appreciated and any comments or request for more information can be sent to valere.vossen@fujifilm.com
In today’s fast-moving world, businesses need the best tools to meet their constantly growing demands. This is especially true in the field of imaging and photography, where quality is paramount. With the GFX system camera and its accessories, Fujifilm Digital Imaging Solutions offers a versatile and unparalleled imaging solution that meets the diverse needs of commercial imaging applications.
At the heart of each GFX system camera is a 43.8mm x 32.9mm CMOS image sensor that delivers incredible image quality. This makes the camera ideal for a wide range of commercial imaging applications that require flexibility and versatility. From product photography to architectural photography and everything in between, the GFX system camera is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding professionals.
At moments when absolute color accuracy and pixel information are critical, Fujifilm’s latest Pixel Shift technology, available on the GFX100, GFX100 IR or GFX100S cameras, produces incredibly detailed images with a maximum resolution of 400MP. This is of immediate benefit to institutions or organizations conducting historical research, archival projects or scientific studies where accuracy and precision are paramount.
When absolute flexibility from production to output is required, the GFX system camera offers the perfect balance between performance and image resolution. Thanks to the camera’s autofocus capabilities and the ever-expanding selection of FUJINON G-mount lenses, image creators have complete control over their images from start to finish. In-camera images can be saved as JPEGs, 16-bit RAW files, or a combination of both. 8-bit or 16-bit TIFF files can also be created through in-camera processing. On a computer, a single high-resolution image can be cropped multiple times to create different versions for different needs. Regardless of workflow, the GFX system cameras offer all the options you need.
Fujifilm Digital Imaging Solutions’ unparalleled image quality is the result of using a large 43.8ｘ32.9mm CMOS sensor and imaging technology that has grown over 85 years of designing and manufacturing the highest quality photographic and film equipment. This know-how and heritage, combined with the latest digital imaging technologies, enables professionals to achieve the best possible quality for their needs.
The GFX system camera is complemented by Fujinon lenses designed and engineered to keep pace with the high-resolution image sensors found in all GFX system cameras. Every detail is perfectly resolved, and every color shift is beautifully reproduced. This ever-expanding collection of lenses for GFX system cameras will meet the needs of various commercial imaging applications for years to come.
In case studies conducted by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. and the Tokyo National Museum, the GFX system camera proved invaluable for archiving and preserving cultural assets, valuable materials, and historical artifacts. In addition, photographers have used the GFX System camera to photograph the Gemenefherbak sarcophagus in the Egyptian Museum of Turin, highlighting the camera’s capabilities in reproducing intricate details and textures of historical artifacts.
Preserving the Legacy of Katsushika Hokusai’s Artworks
Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. is a renowned organization that specializes in the digital archiving, restoration, reproduction, and exhibition of cultural assets and valuable materials. Recently, we were privileged to capture the essence of a magnificent work by Katsushika Hokusai from the collection of the Sumida Hokusai Museum. Utilizing the advanced technology of the GFX series, we were able to produce rich and detailed data that not only safeguards cultural properties but also enhances their versatility in various domains.
Preserving History with 400MP High-Resolution Images
“Robe (Kosode) with Autumn Flowers” from the Tokyo National Museum collection features intricate designs painted by artist Ogata Kōrin in the early 18th century. Kōrin, born in Kyoto, later went to Edo (present-day Tokyo), where he stayed with the Fuyuki family, wealthy lumber merchants. As a token of gratitude, he painted the designs on the wife’s kimono. Before the garment underwent conservation work to prevent further wear and tear, we were granted permission to photograph it in ultra-high resolution. Archiving valuable cultural properties is crucial for future generations, and to this end, we employed the 400MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot for the GFX system to create an accurate archive of the garment’s condition before restoration work began.
Egyptian Museum of Turin and the Power of FUJIFILM GFX100
After testing the new features of the Studio and searching for a subject to showcase the full potential of the new Firmware, we turned to the Egyptian Museum of Turin, the oldest museum dedicated entirely to the Nilotic civilization and considered second only to the Cairo museum in terms of value and quantity of artifacts. We had the opportunity to photograph the sarcophagus of Gemenefherbak, a vizier from the XXVI dynasty (664-525 BC).
The sarcophagus’s surface is strikingly smooth and velvety, despite being made of a very hard, dark green stone called “bekhen stone” extracted from quarries in the eastern desert of Egypt. Gemenefherbak is depicted on the cover of the sarcophagus, wearing a small image of the goddess Maat, symbolizing justice. His chest is protected by a winged scarab.
After two “reproductions” of the sarcophagus were made, we used post-production to cut out the front and back of the sarcophagus and placed the images side by side on a black background. The result was a stunning visual representation of an ancient cultural artifact, capturing its intricate details and historical significance.
The GFX System camera and its accompanying accessories provide a versatile and unparalleled imaging solution for commercial image-making applications. With its unmatched image quality, pixel-shift technology, and flexible workflow options, the GFX System camera is an indispensable tool for professionals who demand the best. For more information, visit Fujifilm Digital Imaging Solutions‘ website and contact their team to learn how they can help you meet your imaging needs.
Raise your hand if you have not wanted a nice ice cream in the middle of a monstrously hot night. We love summer, but it would certainly be more bearable if between a peak of heat and the next we could delight in something fresh always within reach of the fridge. And maybe, not only fresh, but also delicious.
Preparing an ice cream at home is very simple and fast. You just have to consider a long stay of the mixture in the freezer for it to harden before consumption. I leave you my favorite recipe, reminding you to always experiment by adding essences, fruits, and everything that entices you and gives you pleasure to the palate.
So let’s get started and let’s prepare an excellent ice cream together, to keep in the freezer for the hot nights of this long summer.
First, recover a plum cake mold and two containers for the preparation of the compounds. The basic ingredients are: 500 g of fresh whipping cream; 400 grams of condensed milk; vanilla extract or vanilla bean; chocolate chips to taste. The final surprise that I will not reveal to you now requires rather large round cookies, follow me to the end and you will find out how to use them;)
The procedure is very simple. I suggest you to start the preparation the night before, to allow the mixture to “stay overnight” in the freezer. Must stay there at least 8 hours.
Let’s start by mixing the condensed milk and vanilla in a bowl (2 tablespoons if liquid, or a berry). In another container, whip the cream (it must be very cold) firmly.
We combine the concentrated milk mixture with the whipped cream, mixing from top to bottom with slow movements. To taste we add the chocolate chips or other of your choice.
We finish by slowly pouring the mixture into the plum cake mold, which will go into the freezer to rest for at least 8 hours.
But the best part is now … Take the biscuits and put a scoop of ice cream on a biscuit, cover with another biscuit and form a sandwich. I love to decorate one side of the biscuit with other chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts.
These delicious ice cream sandwiches last for 3/4 weeks, but I’m sure they won’t last that long! Happy summer everyone!
Photo paper solutions for the professionals of tomorrow: Meet Evgeniy Zadokhin, future-oriented entrepreneur from Russia, who uses Fujifilm Original Photo Paper as a high-quality solution for his Photo Book Business. As someone who actively shapes the future of the photo printing industry, he brings quality for professionals to the broader masses – discover why Fujifilm plays a central role in this endeavour here.
Find out how the Fujifilm Acuity B1 UV inkjet printer has paved the way for a new partnership with metal packaging firm Tinmasters in south Wales. The article shows how the printer works for them and how Fujifilm and Tinmasters collaborate to innovate the metal printing technology – a fruitful collaboration for the metal industry as well as the printing industry. Find out more here.
Humanitarian photographer, Sebastian Rich, was invited to capture the official 74th birthday portrait of Prince Michael of Kent at Kensington Palace. With the discreet shutter of the FUJIFILM X-T2, the shy Prince was made to feel at ease being photographed.
As a long in the tooth war, conflict and humanitarian photographer, a camera, to my belief, is no more than a tool. Nothing more, nothing less. But, and there is always a but, it has to be a very very good tool indeed! Continue reading “A Prince, a Princess, a Pauper and a Camera”
