I'm finding it difficult to get a good survey on other backs, pricing, deals as well as comprehensive technical information all from one source. Some guidance in starting out would be appreciated. I am in the Los Angeles area.
So my questions go to the basics of finding a MFD dealer? For what I lose in local contact, what do I gain from online or distant dealers?
Practically, as I'm not working as a pro, pricing and value are important. How flexible is pricing?
thanks in advance,
scott
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=183285\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Hi, Scott,
You've asked several $64,000 questions--great questions, all.
I made the same transition last year (and ended up with a Phase/H2 combination). I don't know what type of work you are doing, but I am a nature and landscape photographer looking for the ultimate in image quality. Please do keep my nature/landscape bias in mind as you read why I chose what I did.
> good survey on backs...
When I did this I considered the H3D-MS, Phase P45+ back, the Hasselblad H3D, the Leaf Aptus 75s and the Sinar eMotion 75. From the information I could gather, I found the image quality variations between the backs to be in that order. I was not concerned about color 'out of the box' or other key features that save studio photographers time and money, so everyone's list will differ. For my needs, critical aspects were noise performance, detail rendering, long exposure and higher ISO performance. (Just for the record, compared to the latest in small format, all these digital backs rank poorly at higher ISO performance.)
Take a good long look at the various options. Be sure to evaluate actual image samples--you'll find many very helpful folks on this board who can help you with this.
> dealers...
I am a tech-savvy photographer who, as a result, didn't think he'd need much dealer support. But the MFDB industry isn't the small-format industry, and a good dealer can make you aware of options you previously weren't, ask questions of the manufacturer and get answers that would be otherwise very tough.
I'd "interview" local dealers first, and find one or two who make you are comfortable dealing with. Do they want to spend time with you? Answer questions? Get back to you when you leave a message? Are they honest with you when they don't know the answer, but find the right person to get you the information you need?
My local Seattle dealer (Paul Slotboom at OptechsCamera.com) did just that, and I'm very happy with them--I recommend Optechs without reservation, as a either a local or an online dealer depending on where you live.
Speaking of online dealers, here things are trickier, because you are less able to verify who you're dealing with. Just like dating, I recommend referrals. I recommend Chris Lawrey (who has already replied to this thread) and Steve Hendrix of PPR Atlanta (PPRAtlanta.com). Both of these guys are online here and exemplify exactly the kind of deep knowledge and great support that you are going to need.
> pricing
Depending on your negotiating skills and patience, pricing can be quite flexible. On top of that, you can look at a new, used or refurbished back, through a dealer or via private sale for used. Stepping back from the latest and greatest models is another way to save a lot of money.
Hope that gets you started, Scott!
Take care,
Brad
P.S. I suppose I should add that I have no affiliations with those folks I've recommended other than having been impressed/satisfied by my dealings with them as a customer or prospective customer.