I understand re the weight, but no way around that I guess.
Ergonommics go beyond button arrangments. What about the bodies? How do people find their bodies feel after a period of use? - hmm, that could be misconstrued.
What I man is the solid feel of a well-made machine is held into its life span. Lesser devices get creaky compartment edges, bearing surface slop, gritty adjustments. The traditional "plastic" feel. I think Hassy used to be very good but not sure about the more recent H series? The Phase/Mamiya cameras look kind of - disposable. Is this just appearance?
Lenses - do they focus smoothly, hold focus position, and hold internal tolerances oover time? Used to have some Nikon lenses that would slowly spin on the threads if held vertical. Annoying if you need to keep sending the things in for adjustment. I assume MF lenses must be made to very high mounting tolerances (particularly the newer digital ones) and that means they will be very sensitive to internal movement. Anyone seen a change in MTF over time or after tapping the lens on something?
How about a survey? Do you feel that your system manufacturer creates a high quality body - yes/no/don't care. Same for lens construction. Let's leave image quality out of this. Physical quality is what I am after here, and whether it passes the test of time.
Well, here's my 2 cents ...
I own both an H1 system (currently for sale) and now the PhaseOne DF system. I think both are pretty well built, decently durable (they are no Canon 1D series or Nikon D3x). I rarely handhold, but for the times I have, I would say they are about the same. Personally I like the overall button/dial layout of the Phase camera better ...I'm not one for modal buttons and dialogs. Probably why I prefer the 5D Mark2 over the 1DsMark3. The new DF dramatically improves the usability of the Phase camera, fixing most of the things that annoyed me about the AF model. As mentioned in Michaels report, after the new firmware is released the DF will be even more ideal for me, since you can set everything on the backs display (no squinting at the tiny top display).
I like the Mamiya lenses better but I can't explain why (probably because I just dropped a boatload of money into them). The Phase 75-150 seems a more useful range for what I do than the hasselblad 50-110, although i do find myself using the mamiya 55-110 more than I thought I would.
so I prefer the Phase/Mamiya system.
Personally I think most will "prefer" the one they have invested in (as they should), which to me says they're both pretty good. Somehow need to get your hands on both, and decide which you like better, or which lens lineup seems more suitable.
(After attending PODAS, I also believe Phase is very interested in improving their camera and lenses - very anxious to speak with end users about what they would like to see in future firmware and/or body upgrades. Their alliance with Schneider to me is pretty significant indication of their desire for outstanding optics as well.)