As much as I love the idea of the Hy6, it seems to me that, from a professional's perspective, the back end (the digital back and software workflow) is ultimately more important than the front end (the camera). To be clear, I am not a full time pro myself; I do shoot for pay, but I don't have to worry about it paying my mortgage, because I have another job. Accordingly, I have more freedom of choice than those of you who make a living from photography.
Why do I say choosing the back is more important than choosing the camera? Well, it seems to me that most modern medium format cameras will do largely the same thing (capture light) with marginally varying degrees of sophistication or quality. E.g., yes, Schneider lenses are fabulous and I love them, but will the client really be able to tell (especially after post-processing) whether you shot the job with a Schneider, Mamiya, or Zeiss lens? Unlikely. Yes, WE as photographers might be able to tell the difference, but the fact is that, in my experience, even very sophisticated clients are not as critical of the technical differences between cameras as we are.
Contrast that with potential differences amongst the backs. Assume that Back A is very stable, doesn't crash when shooting, and allows you to process the files quickly and with great quality. Back B, on the other hand, tends to crash a lot, displays some technical defects in the file itself, and has to be processed thru slow and clunky software. The client WILL know if there's a big line running down the center of the image, or if the camera fails when shooting, or if the image is unusable because it had to be shot at dusk with existing light and the back's high ISO performance creates too much noise, or if it takes you 3 days rather than the 1 day you promised to get the proofs done, etc.
Don't get me wrong: I'm quite the gear hound and really really really want to be able to use my P30 on the Hy6. But, as much as I'd like to have a Hy6, I'm NOT going to buy a different back for it just to get the use of that camera. More specifically, I'm not going to buy a back that doesn't fit my needs as well; if Leaf or Sinar come out with a back (and software) that works as well as my P30 does for me currently, then sure, I'd switch, but that would be because of the back, not the camera.
So, if the Hy6 (or any other camera) does something that is absolutely critical to your work that you cannot get with another camera, then go for it. (E.g., if fast flash sync is really crucial, you need the leaf shutter lenses of a Hy6, Rollei 6008, or a Hassy). Otherwise, pick the back you need, then figure out what cameras will work with it.
Hi,
I have been looking at Leaf Aptus 75 and Sinar E75 for my new system. Today I spoke with my Phase rep and he has assured me that the new Hy6 Rolleiflex will be available with a Phase back. He told me that Phase has come to an agreeement with Franke & ??.
Can anyone confirm this? My father is helping me finance my first medium format back for a new ad campaign I am shooting and I don't want to go inthe wrong direction. Should I consider Phase One in addition to Leaf and Sinar?
Thank you
Shara Haddad
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