Yair and Thierry,
I work in database software and note that there are many high-end database and datawarehouse packages - some that will cost over 100,000. It is difficult for academia and younger people to learn these technologies because of the price - it creates a very exclusive club for those that know how to run them. Recently, because of pressure from open source db software, Oracle for example, finally released an almost-free version of their db software that can run on one processor only. I applaud them for this and think it is awesome. That makes a huge difference in the number of people who can learn and later recommend their systems to employers. And the software can be used in low-intensity systems, helping unify an IT shop around one database without killing their budget.
So - to apply this to the Hy6. First, I am really glad that the Rollei system will be continued as I think it is the most complete MF system in existence, even compared to Contax 645 in its day. That said, I'm a Mamiya user on a cost basis. And, (oh my gosh!) I'm a film user! So my whole system is comparitively very inexpensive, and as I am a nature photographer I have a different process than people who need to provide 200 proofs on the internet every 3rd weekend after a wedding they shot. I drum scan negatives, and couldn't be happier with Velvia 50 and Pro160C. Okay - sorry - I digress a bit, but I want you to know where I'm coming from.
Here is the thing, the first is acheivable and the 2nd I'm not sure about. First: 5k per average lense is a LOT. Make 3 or 4 lenses, lets say 45, 80, 120, 200, and maybe 1 zoom, 75 - 200, that are $900 each (zoom can be a bit more, lets say 1400). Note that Schneider, in the large format business, did have more than one line and had some more 'entry level' glass along with their most advanced designs. Maybe even have another company make them, have Zeiss outsource with the Japanese company they use for the ZF lenses, for example. Something. This allows people to get a camera and the 3 or 4 lenses for a decent price.
If that were the case, they would sell soooooo many more in terms of units. And all of those people would stay up late at night wanting to upgrade their lenses, until one day they would - so it would benefit the lense makers.
And here is the part for Yair and Thierry - same thing with the MFDBs. What if there were a 12 megapixel 75 or 80% coverage back that were 3 or 5k American? Sort of like the Mamiya back, but even more extreme in its value proposition? I'll be they would sell like hotcakes. It would open MF and MFDB in this case to advanced amateurs and hobbyists, those could be bought for backup backs, etc. The whole HY6 system would possibly triple or quadruple. As it is, at 5k per lense and 20k or whatever per mfdb this is an extremely small club to belong to. Do what people are saying above, only give super-limited tethered shooting software and, heck provide Photoshop Elements. That would be fine. Someone who is really serious can buy Photoshop on their own. Elements is pretty powerful ...
Note that this would also help spread R&D and manu costs across a larger audience for the body of the camera itself and the advantages there would also be huge. The body cost could come down due to larger production runs - everyone wins!
I really, really think there is a huge market for a 3k or 5k relatively-low-MP back....... Huge!
Thanks,
LightMiner
http://photo.net/photos/LightMiner