Medium Format Digital Backs

sooner

sooner

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This is quite "off topic" but seems to be allowable these days on RFF, so here goes. I love my medium format cameras, and am depressed by the thought of some day buying a full frame digital slr. I can't afford the M9, but wonder if anyone here has experience comparing an older medium format back like the Kodak DSC pro back with say a Canon 5D, and also what is the life expectancy on these older backs? Some go on evay for fractions of their original cost but with 20,000 actuations. Is getting a used and therefore discounted back a viable option for use with medium format gear? Thanks in advance. PS If I could afford a Leica S2, which looks like a dream camera, I wouldn't be asking.
 
Hi!

I have Phase One H10 digital back with Mamiya 645 AFD II. I once compared it with my friends 5d Mk1. I think Phase One does perform very well, but it's strictly a studio camera. I cannot say anything about kodak DCS backs. Kodak DCS backs have CF cards so they can be used outside studio...
 
Let me clarify I would not even consider a digital back that was not independent and usable in the field. By the way, how did the H10 compare in terms of quality to the 5d? With the Sony A850 coming out soon, I wonder if that is more bang for the buck rather than an older (and hence cheaper) mf digital back. Or I could just face the fact that I can't afford it!
 
The money's better spent on a good scanner and some rolls of film. IMO an old back is neither worth the money nor the headache. Digital backs, even the good ones, are still very limited compared to 35mm DSLRs as far as ISO performance and ease of use are concerned.
 
With all the buying and selling of companies and such going on I would be very hard pressed to plunk down the bucks for a new digital MF back. A bargin used one might be something but I'd be worried about dead pixels, dust, and long term support for my computer space.

I'd put the money towards high end processing and scanning. Do some research on who is processing and scanning giving you LARGE files. Either through FTP or via a DVD in the mail. Shoot slides or B&W and bet you will be a lot happier with the cost at the end of the year than if the new to you back starts throwing glitches at you.

B2 (;->
 
I'm at the same place ..... for the amount of work that I do, a 4X5 and a good scanner for profing has proved to be more than adaquate. If I need something really hight quality, I just have a drum scan done ..... The 30+ mpix backs are just starting to better 4X5, for my hobby, what I get from slide film and an antique speed graphic is very cost effective, see some of my threads for examples. Plus the speed is a range finder! The polaroid conversion is a rangefinder too!

Dave
 
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