Phase One and Mamiya have revealed the first produce of a new collaboration with Swedish lighting company, Profoto.

A vertical camera grip that includes a built-in wireless flash trigger, the V-Grip Air is claimed to deliver flash sync speeds as fast as 1/1600s – and, say the camera makers, is further evidence of the success of their open system approach and willingness to collaborate.

“Profoto’s innovative flash system technology is legendary in our time,” says Henrik Håkonsson, president and CEO of Phase One. “Profoto’s commitment to system diversity complements Phase One’s open platform approach to ensure photographers have options to choose the best systems to support their unique requirements.”

It’s claimed that the grip will give photographers added flexibility to shoot in different styles, as well as longer camera battery life through power integration and easy firmware upgrades.

“It is great to be working with companies that lead the medium format market in applied innovation for photographers,” comments Profoto’s CEO, Anders Hedebark. “Our cooperation in designing the V-grip Air marks the beginning of new and better workflow tools we plan to be offering to professional photographers in the future.”

The technology lets photographers trigger a flash simply and wirelessly from the V-grip Air, and is designed to work with “all current and most modern Profoto flash systems”. In a joint statement, the companies added that is also possible to leverage the wireless flash triggering with other lighting brands by using an optional receiver unit from Profoto.

“The V-Grip Air unit features all the same camera controls and functionality as on the [Phase One/Mamiya] 645 DF camera,” says the statement. “An integrated L-bracket is available for portrait-mode mounting on a stand. The unit runs on the same type of battery used in Phase One and Leaf digital backs with a backup option to use standard AA type batteries.”

The grip is available to order, priced €990. An L-bracket/handstrap standalone package is €229, while the Profoto transceiver is €149.

UK pricing has not yet been announced, but Calumet says it has signed a new deal with Mamiya across its European stores to sell its latest kit, and to offer greater support through its rental operations and more demo kit. In the UK, the stock will be available from Calumet’s Milton Keynes warehouse, and showcased at its flagship store in Drummond Street, Euston and also in Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast.

“The compelling price position of Mamiya products means the range is not only targeting professional photographers but aspiring enthusiasts too,” says Michele Channer, Calumet UK’s managing director. “Our initial product focus will be on the DM 33, DM 28 and DM 22 digital backs. All three integrate with the Mamiya 645DF camera, along with a range of its most popular lenses and accessories.”