Shenzhen based photographer John Yang has recently announced the second version of his Instax Square film back for the Hasselblad V-System, dubbed the #HVSQ Ver.2 and has opened pre-orders for the device on his website. As with his 2019 “Ver.1”, the updated film back takes stunning 60x60mm images on Instax Square sheets. The result is a centred image with a ~2mm border around all four sides Instax Square has a 62mm image area).
Unlike another recent Hasselblad/Instax solution, the #HVSQ Ver.2 uses Instax Square, not Instax Mini and importantly, allows focus to infinity – the Escura solution currently open for crowdfunding has a maximum focus distance of about 2 meters (6 feet).
The new film back is constructed from CNC machined aluminium (with a black anodised finish) and injection moulded gearing is fully compatible with 500, 200 and 2000 series Hasselblad cameras and for the first time, can also be used with the Hasselblad SWC and EL(X).
The #HVSQ Ver.2 replaces the now mothballed Ver.1 (pictured above) and according to Yang on his website, the updated #HVSQ includes:
- 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.
- A digital film counter.
The updated design (renders above) is currently open as a pre-order, with the initial price set at RMB 5,500, approximately US$ 795. According to the website, should orders exceed 100 units, the final price will be RMB 5,000 (appx US$ 715).
With COVID-19 impacting manufacturing across China, Yang expects a firm delivery date to be announced in early April. Once Ver.2 is released, plans are already in progress to modify the mounting plate to provide compatibility with:
- The Mamiya RB67/RZ67
- Kiev 88
- Bronica
- 4×5 cameras
These future versions will require the use of an adapter board, which Yang expects to sell for less than RMB 400 (appx US$ 57).
The #HVSQ Ver.2 is the third iteration of an Instax Square solution for the Hasselblad V-System. His first, publicly released system was based around a modified Instax SQ6. Full details are available on his website. Sample photographs the Ver.1 follow. Please note that the two hardware variations produce identical images.
It remains to be seen exactly when the #HVSQ Ver.2 will be released from my perspective at least, this looks to be one of the best-designed Instax film backs (nearly) in production. For more, and to keep an eye on the progress of this exciting accessory, please give the official #HVSQ Instagram account a follow.
~ EM
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12 responses to “Shoot Instax Square on your Hasselblad with the #HVSQ Ver.2”
I have the same problem with this as I had when I first became aware of this back-the site is not in English.
I’m not trying to be insensitive to other cultures, I just have no idea how to read and participate either in buying or understanding what I am looking at. Unless I missed it, there was no button to select the language on the site.
It seems this project is now canceled… (page not updated since months, no answer and posting on Instagram…) So sad 🙁
I am just seeing this in March 2021, but on the website there does not seem to be a way to interact in English. The link from the article above comes up “404”, and if you Google your way to it, the language barrier gets in the way.
Anyone have better luck? (Not meaning to sound like an ugly American, just stating what I found in a matter of fact way.)
Hey EM – do you know anything more about this? I just bought a 503CX and this would be a dream if it works. I’ve posted a couple of comments on the guy’s website but heard nothing back. Haven’t seen any hands-on reviews; I’d love to do a review or at least read one before risking the cash.
I’m connected with them on IG. I’ll drop them a line and let you know what comes of it.
Great – here’s hoping you hear something!
I guess because if the photo were ejected from the top, it would interfere with the locking mechanism on a Hasselblad body. The ver 1 I saw require modification on the body to fit the back.
Excellent project, nice to see a back that uses 6×6.
The website for pre-orders was “404”
Is there an alternative website or email available?
Excellent project !!! I dream of something like that !! But why to put the output on the left side ??? The square image is rotated compared to the frame… the wider white border should be located on bottom, like in HSQV#1 and like on a classic Instax or Polaroid camera. Everything else is perfect ! Except this side output… I don’t understand why…
@instax Mamiya RB next! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
Oh this is different from the smaller instax version, I’ve seen another brand trying to make.
Completely different. For a start, it focuses to infinity… 😜