I'm a landscape and macro shooter moving from Canon to something else (could be Alpha 900, could be MF). I was almost decided on the A900 route (extra dynamic range, Zeiss glass, ergonomics, extra pixels) until I saw some of the used prices on MF gear and thought "I'll at least take a look at getting a used Mamiya and back combo". I could also look at new or refurbished gear if there was a good educational pricing opportunity - I teach photography at the University level, so I might qualify for a good deal.
I shot medium format film for years (without autofocus), so I'm familiar with (and like)the slower working style in general, but I've never used one of the modern AF bodies seriously. I'm assuming that any vaguely recent back, including a first-generation P30 or the like, has image quality that will blow a 1DsII out of the water... (notably more resolution, plus a couple extra stops of DR, is what I'm hoping for). I have a couple of questions that some experienced MF landscape shooter could answer...
First of all, I've seen a weight for the Mamiya 645AFD bodies that is pretty comparable to a big DSLR (almost four lbs - 1730 grams) - but it's not clear if (80mm) lens and (film) back are included in that weight. I'm guessing they are, because if they're not, the Mamiya is quite a bit heavier than a Hasselblad H2, which seems unlikely. I have found a weight that is clearly the H2 body only, but none that is clearly the Mamiya body only. If that does include a lens and back, the Mamiya is actually lighter than a 1DsII.
Second, will all of the Phase backs work nicely for landscape photography - Phase markets the P30 and P30+ specifically for fashion, but I can't figure out why? The microlenses mean that it isn't ideal on a view camera, but is that the only reason they call it a fashion shooter's back? I wish I could afford a P65+, but a used P30 seems more my budget!
I've been focusing on a Mamiya/Phase system for a couple of reasons (but am open to alternatives). One is that the Mamiya lenses are a great deal cheaper than Hasselblad lenses. The second is that Mamiya and Phase One seem to be working together these days. There appear to be three integrated systems out there right now (Mamiya/Phase, Hasselblad and Sinar/Leaf/Rollei), and the Sinar/Leaf Rollei system is presumably out due to price unless there is a SUPERB educator program - not much used gear to soften the blow. Hasselblad is a more reasonable option than the Sinar/Leaf/Rollei group, but a Hasselblad macro lens is nearly $4000 new.
What I'd want for a system is a body, back, normal lens, macro lens (which also tends to be a short tele) and wide lens. I shot the 50/80/150 mm combo on Hasselblad V for years until I couldn't justify the scanning any longer and went all digital. I don't need anything more than that, except that I'd like my long lens to be a macro lens. A zoom with the right range could replace two lenses, of course.
Let me know your thoughts on any of this stuff, and PM me if you have something to sell that might meet my needs...
-Dan