I *suspect* they are dedicated because like Hasselblad with he H3D, Mamiya really wants to sell their cameras and lenses, not just a low-margin back...
The interesting thought here is folks talking about digital MF back-up, and the cost of doubling up on body and back for the big boys is expensive. Maybe a Mamiya-compatible P45+ or Leaf 75S plus a second AFD-II body (about $2K) and a ZD back at $7K makes some sense. Better than a 1Ds3 for just a little more money than the Canon body alone, and by the time you add enough Canon glass for back-up, you are there and already have the glass...
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On paper the ZD as backup seems like a good investment, but when you factor in the ability to tether, the lower iso and smaller buffer (even though they plan to enlarge the buffer), your pretty much locked in to a 200 iso back that only works well in portable mode.
You can get Phase or Leaf backs in demo or used, that are close to a new ZD and will do much more and not disrupt your workflow.
[a href=\"http://www.captureintegration.com/phase-one/demo-back-inventory/]http://www.captureintegration.com/phase-on...back-inventory/[/url]
https://digitaltransitions.com/newslett...07_3/index.htmlI've even seen used aptus 22's selling for under 8k and I assume hasselblad backs are also available at demo prices.
Backups are one are that medium format should address with a workable plan, like if you buy a new whatever you get the previous generation at a no interest lease plan. After all the makers and dealers have these things paid for and setting on shelves.
JR
