In recognition of the centenary of Victor Hasselblad's birth on March 8, 2006, Hasselblad today unveiled the Hasselblad 503CWD Anniversary Kit, a prestigious high-end photographic system that offers state-of-the-art digital capture technology elegantly integrated with a classically designed Hasselblad 503CW body.

Combining the rugged reliability of the black and chrome V System body, with its range of high performance, central shutter-based lenses, and the technology of Hasselblad's new CFV digital back, the exclusive Hasselblad 503CWD perfectly melds the heritage of the old Hasselblad with the focus of the new Hasselblad on digital high-end photography to create a new digital workhorse.

"Hasselblad's reputation for excellence and outstanding quality was built on the V System. Therefore the Hasselblad 503CWD, a truly professional tool that is fully compatible with the Hasselblad V system, offers great value for money, and is built to the same exacting standards that have become the signature of the Hasselblad company, is a fittingtribute to the design process that Victor Hasselblad started himself in the 1940s," Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad, commented.

The 503CWD Anniversary kit will be supplied as a limited edition of 500 cameras, each one numbered and engraved with Victor Hasselblad's signature. Reassuringly solid, the kit comprises a 503CWD body with waist-level finder, specially marked focusing screen and chrome winding lever, a Zeiss Planar CFE 2.8/80mm lens and a CFV digital back, and will be supplied with a beautifully produced book marking Victor's anniversary.

For existing Hasselblad V System users, the new CFV digital back, the successor of the V96C back, will also be available separately. Built to match the design and functionality of the Hasselblad V System cameras, it can be easily and elegantly integrated into an existing Hasselblad system, enabling the photographer to work in exactly the same manner and with their preferred equipment, but with the productivity benefits of digital photography over film.

The Hasselblad 503CWD will be available from Hasselblad's Digital Partners in March at a list price of $12,995 and the Hasselblad CFV will similarly be available at a list price of $9,995.