Hi Fred, thank you. Reliability is important, as I may only be able to afford one digital back.
The digital backs are not the problem.
Reliability issues are with camera bodies and some of the lenses.
There are also problems with functions freezing or the camera software hanging up.
Shutters dying in lenses and bodies.
I gave up on the Phase One DF because of camera freezes and controls freezing.
Pull battery and everything comes back. I just could not put up with it happening
on set with a subject under the lights.
Similar issues with Hasselblad. Pick up the camera and autofocus on the 100mm would not work.
Happened on several rentals. Take lens off, battery out... wait.... repeat... etc etc.
I think this has a lot to do with the modular nature of these cameras.
There is a lot to be said for cameras like the Pentax 645D.
That said Hasselblad is very quick and responsive to problems and has fast repair turnaround.
I can't say good things about Phase One customer service, but that's another story.
You should definitely wait until Photokina and see what is going on with the main MF vendors.
Phase One is way over due with a DF replacement. They really make brilliant backs, but the camera is junk in comparison.
Phase has already made industrial cameras and repro cameras. I think there is a chance that they will present a new body.
Hasselblad will be making some kind of big announcement at Photokina, but it may be just Hasselblad logo on a smaller camera.
Pentax my be coming out with a higher res 645D now that it has been under Ricoh's wings for a while.
While reliability is an issue it's also feasible to add a Nikon d800E as a side kick to a fine tech camera with a top of the line digital back.
Both would complement each other quite well. The Linhof Techno is a gem
Me personally I ditched MF digital for a combination of three systems.
35mm DSLR Nikon D800./D800E
6x8cm Film camera Fuji gx680 ....
8x10 inch film (and paper negative) camera Toyo with Schneider and Rodenstock lenses. .... bought for pennies