The HVSQ Ver. 2 is an interesting contraption to consider if you want to shoot instant film, specifically Instax Square film, with your medium format camera.
Instant photography is very much alive, albeit with limited film options. Because of this, we’ve been seeing some bright minds coming up with accessories like instant backs to help increase our options for cameras that can accommodate the instant films available today. Instant backs that allow you to shoot Instax films using Hasselblad cameras have been particularly popular in recent times. The latest of these is the HVSQ Ver. 2, the second version of the Instax Square film back made by Shenzen-based photographer John Yang for the Hasselblad V-System.
On his website, Yang mentioned this updated Instax back is different from other instant camera backs currently available online. This is because it can shoot Instax Square film without the focal plane modified and has the original dark slide with safety lock. It also has a built-in lithium battery and USB Type-C port, and can roll out the print with a single press of a button. There’s also a small screen on the back that indicates the number of remaining shots.
Features of this updated version:
- A redesigned gearing mechanism with an updated motor that is 30% smaller than Ver.1.
- Integrated rechargeable lithium batters with USB-C charging port.
- Redesigned mount with 100% flush-to-body design.
- Relocated film ejection from top to left side with new rear door and redesigned film rollers.
- Digital film counter.
As for the make of this instant back, he said it will be made from CNC machined aluminum with black anodized finish. The injection molded gearing will also be fully compatible not only with 500, 200, and 2000 Hasselblad cameras, but also SWC and EL cameras.
But wait, that’s not all. If you happen to have other medium format system cameras aside from the Hasselblad models mentioned, the HVSQ Ver. 2 is also in the works to be compatible with the following cameras:
- Mamiya RB67 and RZ67
- Kiev 88
- Bronica
- 4×5 cameras
The HVSQ Ver. 2 is currently on pre-order for an introductory price of RMB 5,500 or approximately $800. Sample production is set for April 2020. Payment is currently through Alipay only, but Tao is also working on making it available through Paypal. A Kickstarter campaign may also be set for June 2020.
Photos via 10art.cc