The AquaTech REFLEX is a new water housing for the Hasselblad X1D II 50C. It’s not a dive housing but it will grant you the privilege of smashing medium-format ocean shots. For divers, Gates’ Deep Komodo is in development. Read on.
Hasselblad X1D II 50C
We wrote here an in-depth article regarding the Hasselblad X1D II 50C (Hasselblad Unleashes Medium-Format Video Capabilities for the X1D II 50C) that focuses on the new Firmware Update 1.2.0 which allows activation of video mode from that huge sensor. Let’s emphasize that the Hasselblad X1D II 50C is not a camera for cinematographers due to the poor codec that lacks post-grading capabilities. However, we refer to the tremendous potential of this camera to be utilized by filmmakers when video technology will come to fruition, and there is a lot of R&D work to be done here. Nevertheless, this article presets cool products that filmmakers should be aware of, especially those who love ocean photography/cinematography.
AquaTech
Founded in 1998 AquaTech is a leader in the design and manufacture of photographic accessories used in action water sports, fashion, advertising, and lifestyle. The company is known for its lightweight and durable water housing equipment and accessories. Personally, I’ve used AquaTech in action sports cinematography when filming surfers with my old Canon 7D. It’s important to mention that these are sports housing ant NOT underwater housing, which means there is a depth limitation, mostly up to 10 meters deep, comparing to underwater housing that can go deep to more than 70 meters! Also, the price is very much different, as water-sport housing costs tenth times less than an underwater housing. For those who are eager to read more on underwater cinematography, make sure to check our article: Underwater Cinematography: Panasonic EVA1+ ProRes RAW to Capture Stunning Imagery of the Ocean.
The reaches of Hasselblad cameras now go further and deeper with our latest collaboration with AquaTech to create the REFLEX Water Housing for the Hasselblad X1D II 50C.
Hasselblad
The AquaTech REFLEX
The AquaTech REFLEX is the first official underwater solution for Hasselblad’s X System. It facilitates simple handling when shooting stills or capturing video underwater. The two electronic shutter buttons on the REFLEX X1D II 50C also enable easy capture whether shooting in landscape or portrait orientation. Navigating other settings and menu parameters can be done via the camera’s back buttons. As stated by Hasselblad: “The reaches of Hasselblad cameras now go further and deeper with our latest collaboration with AquaTech to create the REFLEX Water Housing for the Hasselblad X1D II 50C. Weighing 1.6kg (3.52 lbs), waterproof down to 10 meters (33ft), and allowing access to all XCD lenses, the highly portable REFLEX X1D II 50C allows for taking the power of medium format underwater for a whole new wave of creative expression”.
Weighing 1.6kg (3.52 lbs), waterproof down to 10 meters (33ft), and allowing access to all XCD lenses, the highly portable REFLEX X1D II 50C allows for taking the power of medium format underwater for a whole new wave of creative expression.
Hasselblad
Specifications
- Construction – Glass-filled Polycarbonate with 316 Stainless Steel & Hard Anodised Aluminium Controls.
- Controls – Menu, AE Lock, AF Drive, Browse, Rectangle, Star, Cross/Delete
- Dimensions – Width = 210mm (8.26“), Height = 190mm (7.48“), Front to Back = 135mm (5.31“)
- Weight – 1.6Kg (3.52lb)
- Depth Rating – 33 ft / 10 meters
- Price: $1,695
Deep Komodo
For RED Komodo shooters that are brave enough to go deeper, have no fear, since Gates Underwater Products is developing a new dive housing to the forthcoming RED Komodo titled Deep Komodo. For now, there isn’t much to see besides a picture of an unfinished chassis. However, Gates confirms the following initial specs.
- Fits in a backpack. A real, regular size camera backpack
- DSLR, Mirrorless, and compact PL glass. (think CP.3)
- Own Gates 60 / 80 / 10-inch ports
- Balanced / Trim out of the box, yet fully adjustable to different lenses and configs
- Optimized for Diver Operation
- SDI surface feed
- Price: TBD (My personal estimation ~ around $10,000).
Wrapping up
Although these products are very much different, they both allow taking shots in the water. The AquaTech REFLEX is dedicated to water sport and the Deep Komodo will be built for diving purposes. However, they both will grant you the freedom to capture the ocean with all of its glory.
