Seeking someone who has test shots to compare the Nikon D800E w/ prime lens, 6x7 scanned film using Imacom (and future Plustek Opticfilm 120), and digital 645.
I don't photoshoot to make money, but do it for art. This means I'm picky, have the time to get it the way I want, but don't have a large budget ($10K max, more comfortable with $5K). The scenes I capture are special to me, which is why I preferred MF to 35mm 10 years ago.
Since the film processing/print labs no longer locally exist like they used to, and technology has advanced over the past 10 years, it is time re-evaluate my equipment and investment. Whatever I decide is going to cost me good money, so I'm ready to re-evalute my total investment and perhaps move to a different platform.
• Have a medium format film (Mamiya 7II and Mamiya RB67) setup.
• I photoshoot landscapes with buildings or old objects in the photo, but nothing that requires tilt/shift.
• Demand dynamic range, contrast, and resolution at every corner. I don't like seeing grain or noise, or edge blurriness.
• I like my photos to either make you feel like you're there at the scene.
I've spent two weeks searching and reading the web on the subject. From I've gathered so far:
• Nikon D800E receiving a lot of praise. But I'm concerned the lenses lose focus at the edge. Also concerned about depth of field or losing shadow detail.
• Seen some results of very high end medium format digital backs. Way too expensive for me.
• Digital 645 I'm more curious about. But I'm not sure how it compares to the other options. Not sure of the differences between Pentax, Mamiya, Hasselblad. I don’t need anything fancy or fully automated (I’m used to mechanical cameras). Prefer awesome landscape/scene lenses, solid and durable construction.
• Since I already have MF film camera, scanning seemed like a logical choice. But I’m hearing that scanning film has its own set of negatives, though not exactly sure what they are. Probably can’t afford an Imacom, so I’m considering either Plustek Opticfilm 120 (depending on reviews), or outsourcing my negatives for scanning (which is expensive too).
So either way, I’m looking at spending money and time. I’m at a fork in the road, and need to decide which new road to take. Hoping for a road that doesn’t leave me down a dead end or having to re-invest another $5-10K 5 years from now (though this may be the reality).
Thank you,
Jake