James,
I decided to go for the Rollei 6008 system. I have never regretted this choice or found reason to reconsider.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=221809\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Actually, I don't want to get to deep into the workings of my business, but I'm very fortunate as my business is good, even in today's climate.
And actually I have no regrets on the cameras I use. For what I do with medium format the contax's work very well. I'd like a 110 ...I'd like a leaf shutter on a 80 and 45mm but not leaf shutters for everything, so they work.
I can buy what I want tomorrow, but I never think that way, I always like to have that feeling in my stomach that I have to keep pushing forward.
As far as the 6008 I think it's a beautiful camera but would never own one. In the U.S. they have no presence and were never in rental or easy to find, much less buy.
When I went to medium format I walked in to buy an H series but I can never get my head around that camera. Some people love it, it sells well, it has an extensive lens line, but I just personally don't like it so I didn't buy. Probably never will.
You right there is no perfect camera but don't think for a moment that the makers of these things do not go through this and other forums looking for ideas on how to improve their product . . . what buyers want . . . what they don't.
In some small way I believe all of us commenting on cameras may help down the line.
Now in regards to the HY6 or Rollei or AFI or whatever it's called, I like it but there a huge holes in the lens line for autofocus.
I don't use auto often but when I do it's needed. Once again I don't want to spell out my business plan on a forum but I work in a lot of genres. Some a two shot day with huge proudciton, others a 20 shot day on a white cove.
On those 20 shot days autofocus is nice.
In regards to investing, I think there are a lot better returns than just cameras. Obviously we need them, heck I like new cameras, but 40, 50, or 60k into my studio, or promotion, or lighting can bring a higher return.
Consequently I'm not one to sell something that is still working, i.e. the contax and the phase backs. You can never buy it again for what you sell it for or at least I can't but then again I'm not big on trading cameras on e-bay or anywhere else.
There are much better ways to spend time.
But to summarize to your statement, I'm good with what I have, until I see something that is miles better or until a client says I must have it.
Then the "investment" is easy.
But to be clear, I have no absolute loyalty to camera brands, anymore than cars, production vehicles or the chair I sit on.
I do like and respect many of the people I have met with the camera companies and dealers and my loyalties are much stronger for individuals than a corporate logo, even a small corporation.
Some cameras are fun, or your build a working feel with and those tend to last a long time.
Others are just tools of the trade.
JR