I'd really look carefully at the XY and what lenses you intend to use. There are probably some non-retrofocus wide-angle 'analogue' lenses out there that could use the full 45mm shift, but digital lenses? I doubt it. Even in Alpa's own literature new lenses like the S/K 120 - which has an IC of 150mm - only have a usable IC of 110mm when mounted on an Alpa (even in SB mount) due to mechanical vignetting of the lens mount. So, with 'digital' lenses it leaves you wondering what the advantages of the XY are - it looks to me like the MAX can do everything the XY can but in a more compact form (the XY is 2.5kg body only, before you add in the stitching column etc.)
If you want T/S with the FPS (with the FPS as a standalone camera, not acting as a shutter module) you're restricted to Canikon lenses or lenses in SB 34mm mounts - so no way to use the R/S 32 or 40 which use the SB 17mm mount. If you use it as a shutter module (e.g. with a TC) then you're restricted even further - to Zeiss/Hasselbad CB/CF/CFi/CFE/F/FE/ZV in Hasselblad V mount (via the Hasselblad V lens adapter + FPS 5 degree T/S adapter).
Choosing an XY over a Max certainly calls for more consideration than just the additional movements, due to the size and expense. So you have to carefully consider whether the dual geared movements and additional headroom are worth it, since the majority of lenses won't take full advantage of it, or if so, not completely, depending on which digital back you're using. But the new 90mm HR for example, is one lens that easily exceeds the Max on the XY.
I forgot to mention one other advantage of the XY over the Max, which is the dampening control that helps with heavier lenses. It's roughly $2,000 more than the Max, so one has to truly need these features and not mind the size/weight.
On the FPS, I'm finding it a fascinating product. It's important to keep in mind that there are many, many more photographers doing many, many more different types of photographic projects than anyone practically realizes. From a user standpoint, input on product experience is very valuable, but from our standpoint as a dealer for these products, we have to look at it with a different viewpoint. Meaning we have to know the possibilities of a product. Because we cannot assume that every user will be similar or have the same application. A feature that seems limiting or absent from a product is relevant only if the product has a feature that a user would benefit from. And it's rare that one product clicks all the boxes perfectly, but more common that a product has an essential feature or capability that presents a game changing aspect. I am finding many such possibilities with the Alpa FPS Camera, particularly in combination with the Phase One IQ250 (and potential future CMOS-based MFD products).
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration