I posted earlier this same post at Camera-Info forums. Since there is not much activity there, I decided to post here. Just about all things I said about that forum surely applies to this one. Thanks for reading.
Eduardo
----------
"This is my first post here. I decided to register because this thread
is like an oasis of information in a vast desert of ignorance. Of
course, I'm talking about digital medium format issues.
Despite this forum is about Hasselblad specifically, we learn a lot
about DMF in general. I haven't seen a dmf back in person yet. DMF
backs are wayyyy too expensive for pros working in developing
countries like mine. So far I know, only a very few top notch fashion
and advertising photogs in Mexico city use them.
These days I shoot about everything with a Canon 5D. Not bad. Getting
film Hasselblad quality (+/-) with the convenience of a dslr is great.
My Hasselblad ownership always has been a love/hate one because
different issues and malfunctions I had with this system through the
years. Despite this, I found a tripoded 500CM in a portrait studio the
best invention ever. The way it sits there, the controls are at human
scale, the viewing through the finder and the kind of rapport I
accomplished with my subjects, it's just not possible with a dslr,
well, at least not for me.
I've been many times at the verge of selling my Hass system believing
there was no hope for it in the digital era. If I could afford a 22+mp
back now, I would not be set yet. For me a back that has to be removed
to switch orientation is a No No. I drop 2 A12 backs when removing
them in a 15 year period of time. I don't like the H system at all.
The only advantage use I can see for this system is substantial fast
paced fashion photography. But I don't do that. when I shoot fashion I
do it more like in the Avedon sort of pace.
The advent of the CFV has turned things a bit. Suddenly there is hope
for the V system (or so it seems). I've learned at these forums and
also at LL forums the CFV is selling well and that dealers claim DB
sales for the V system are great. If all this is true, why would the V
system disappear? - Is Hasselblad coming with an answer to the Hy6? -
It seems to me highly unlikely.
The Hy6 could be the holy grail (for very rich amateurs and very busy
photographers in big cities in rich countries). So, where do I stand?
Where do we stand? -We could keep shooting everything with 5D's and
1Ds series (and succesors) for the next decade or two. In my case, I
will be loosing a lot of the joy of photography. I've dreamed many
times of Canon coming to save us with a wlf double 35mm in size and
3:4 ratio rotating sensor
for under 10 grand. It won't happen, I know. But what if.... some DB
maker comes with a 22+ 42.5X42.5 sensor for 9k (usd)?
Crop factor would not be that much. A Zeiss 40mm will still remain
wide. No more remove/reattach risky actions. A 42.5 square groundglass
would be easy for focusing. It could have 9 or 10 micron photosites
for 22X mp's, which are optimal these days. If cropped to rectangular
still would be substantially bigger than 35mm to justify going "mittel
format". It could be the answer for thousands of V system "estates"
around the world. It could perfectly fit the thousands of 645 cameras
there are. A 645 reflex with a WLF could be use 6X6 style!
I guess that nowadays sensor manufacturers should have reached the
level of expertise to offer a 42.5 square sensor at a price for DB
makers to sell them under 10K.
Please, gimme some feedback and thanks all for this forum.
Eduardo"