FWIW, I have several respectable customers from both commercial and public/ government sectors who use Leaf backs on air-planes and helicopters with no such "so many bad stories" at all.
Actually, I have several ones who DON'T use it on helicopters and also don't have any "bad stories" to tell...
Internet, for most part is a fantastic place for sharing experiences and advice, but I would not suggest basing one's purchase decision or bad stories heard on the internet...this does not do justice to the product nor to the decision maker.
Kevin, please accept it as a constructive feedback not as patronising, really. Any query or need for further info, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Good luck and welcome into the world of MF digital.
Yair
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I shoot aerials all the time. I've used a P30 (with the Mamiya 645 ADD II system) in the air and always use a Gyro - either a KS-4 or KS-6.
No problems. Remember, a turbine helicopter is a thousand pieces of metal trying to shake itself apart. For me, a gyro is essential. I've used one for all of my career and can not imagine trying to shoot an aerial without one.
Two weeks ago, I shot an aerial story in New England on MF and had to slow down quite a bit. It made me pace myself much differently than with the Canon kit. Yes, I got stellar files- - I lost a few frames due to the back not clearing the buffer. Something you need to be aware of - not a deal breaker but you should think about it when shooting quickly.
I've done some testing for Apple with Aperture, while they won't say what cameras they do or do not plan to support in Aperture, they have said that the request for Phase support is pretty strong. (I asked about it for myself) The new camera support comes through upgrades to the OS. Earlier this week, the new update included support for the Leica M8, which was needed. I expect that Apple will support the Phase back within a few months.
Capture One is a stellar program, you could always process in Capture One or Brian Griffith's incredible - RAW DEVELOPER or even Lightroom - and then do your archive work in Aperture if you choose. Yair knows everybody and I remember him telling me about quite a few shooters shooting air-to-air or aerials with the Leaf back. I think MF digital is fine in the air as long as you are not shooting super fast.