In a surprising move, Sinar, which in the past "always intended to close all analog and digital camera systems" to its competitors, has now reversed its policy with the release of new versions to its arTec and p3 cameras.

The move is expected to bring Sinar back from the brink after it was hit the hardest by the collapse, last year, of camera maker Franke & Heidecke, which used to produce Sinar's flagship medium format camera - the Hy6.

While Sinar doesn't offer the Hy6 anymore, it continues to produce large format camera systems such as the arTec, which used to be closed to competitors system. Now, Sinar has released adaptors for the arTec camera, which will allow photographers to fit it with Hasselblad and Mamiya backs. "Minor changes that were made only recently now make it possible to mount these adapters to the same sliding board, [making] this system highly attractive to rental studios," says Sinar.

Sinar has also unveiled a new version of its p3 view camera. "We have developed a new rear coupling frame for the Sinar p3 camera and matching adapters for Hasselblad V, H1/H2 and Mamiya 645 AFD, designed especially for users of digital backs made by other manufacturers," says the Switzerland-based firm. "This new camera is called the Sinar p3 RV."

Current p3 owners can also benefit from the new compatibility as "Sinar offers attractive conversion packages," claims the firm.

A spokesman for Sinar says: "Our goal is to develop and supply open camera systems, which fulfill the demands of the high-end professional photographer - regardless which digital back will be used."