Hasselblad has released a new camera body, the H4X, which has been specifically designed for users of the H1 and H2/H2F bodies, launched in 2002 and 2007 respectively.

Over the past few years, Hasselblad has been trying to convert these users to its integrated H4D system. Now, it has released a clear upgrade path with the H4X, a camera body that can accept most digital and film backs, as well as third-party lenses, but offers some of the new features introduced in the firm's H3D and H4D cameras such as True Focus.

"The H1/H2 series has had a long and distinguished career but the time has come to announce its evolution," says Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad's global sales and marketing director. "We know there are still a substantial number of photographers out there using H1/H2 bodies - and we are offering them an exclusive opportunity now to trade-in and upgrade to a very worthy successor - the H4X."

The H4X camera body is build upon a H4D camera unit with a DRIVE button instead of the ISO/WB button, "which requires tight integration with the digital back," says Hasselblad. The H4X will only be available to users that trade in a H1, H2 or H2F body, with prices starting at €3995.

Hasselblad is also offering "a full trade-in benefit of €3995" to H4X users that wish to upgrade to the fully-integrated H4D system within 12 months of their initial purchase.

For more information on the H4X, visit www.hasselblad.com/H4X.