The new adapter, revealed at an exclusive press launch event in Berlin, will allow Leica S2 owners to use Hasselblad's 11 H-system lenses with focal lengths of 28 to 300mm, while retaining all lens funstions such as autofocus, central shutter control and automatic diaphragm.

"The smart electronics of the adapter facilitate the complete integration of the lenses into the Leica S-System," says Leica. "As the S2 features a dual shutter system - users may toggle between the focal plane shutter (FPS) in the camera body or the central shutter (CS) in the lens using the main switch - photographers now have access to numerous additional lenses, increasing the photographic options offered by the Leica S-System."

The launch should increase the appeal of Leica's S system, a few months before the firm is expected to unveil a successor to the S2 medium format camera. But, the firm is also trying to attract H-system owners with this adapter. "The versatility of Hasselblad H lenses is expanded considerably when they are used in combination with an S2," it claims in a statement. "For instance, thanks to the dual shutter system of the Leica S2, H lenses can be now used with the focal plane shutter at speeds of up to 1/4000 of a second. In combination with the Leica Maestro high-performance image processor, the camera's image sensor enables perfect, noise-free exposures up to ISO 1250."

The adapter, which cannot be used with Hasselblad's tilt and shift adapter, will be released this month and will retail at £1350.

For more details, visit www.leica-camera.co.uk.