Thanks guys, you've been a real help. If you have anything else to add, i'm all ears.
You've got me looking at a Mamiya AFD. I can't find many AFDII around. I'm not sure if it's worth it, but i'll do some more reading and take it from there.
andrew
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If I was goiing straight new into a digital back I would have a hard look at the A-65 and either the Contax or Mamiya 1FDII.
The upside of the Mamiya mount is you can also go to the RZ platform for a different lens look.
The downside of the mamiya AFD II is it's build quality and the prims does not remove, though the lenses are quite good.
I personally use a Contax(s) and think that's the best option because the build quality is excellent and the lens line is extensive and very, very good and across the range 1 stop faster.
It is also a very stable platform for my Aptus 22.
Also Contax prices are much better than any current mf camera, though I have noticed recently that prices are going up
I have 7 lenses, two bodies, two vertical grips, and all of under $9,000.
The upside of any focal plane shutter camera is the ability to add other lenses.
Still, the A-65 looks like a very good deal and gives up very little territory to the A-75 and the A-22.
[a href=\"http://www.russellrutherfordgroup.com/format.jpg]http://www.russellrutherfordgroup.com/format.jpg[/url]
Also I understand Leaf is offering A-22's a good prices slightly below the A-65 price as these were loaners from the people that ordered A-75's and had to wait.
As far as the ZD that camera would worry me. For one you are trapped into one body, one set of lenses and since Mamiya has been very slow in rolling out any information on the camera it would give me caution.
Saving 5 grand up front looks good, but not if it keeps you from working.
The one very good thing about Leaf is they have excellent support and service.
My A-22 had an issue and they replaced it no questions asked and did it within days.
The only real issue with any of the Leaf products is software.
V-8 is very fast and very stable even on older G-4 power books. LC-10 is IMO still in the beta stage and seems disconnected.
My workflow is fast and easy but does not involve LC10, except for quick jpeg creation.
I tether with V-8, edit the raw in I-view) and batch process in CS.
This is fast, stable and for me, even an easier workflow than a dslr.
JR