...and also wanted to ask about digital backs...are the Leaf Aptus 22 or Phase One P25 good enough to keep ahead of full frame digital quality?
If you look at these you should also take a look at the Leaf Aptus 65 and Phase One P30+, and do look at the P25+ rather than P25 since for Phase One the "+" backs are newer and per memory with improved image quality than non "+" backs (or someone please correct me).
The Aptus 65 and P30+ backs have one newer generation of sensors than Aptus 22 and P25. While they at low ISO should perform about as well they are capable of perhaps one stop higher ISO. While the Aptus 22 and P25 are 48x36mm sensors (which are already crops of 645), the Aptus 65 and P30+ are 44x33mm sensors. Thus both are crops and the difference to the smaller crop is little, but because of them having smaller crop you may in fact find that they are lower in price.
Aptus 65 is same sensor as Aptus-II 6 and DM28 and same identical sensor except smaller crop of Aptus 75, Aptus-II 7, DM33.
Next step would be Leaf Aptus-II 10R which has the rotating sensor. That one is one generation newer sensor still, and... in frankness it does not hurt to ask what deal you can negotiate on such one. The rotating sensor works great, I prior had Aptus 65 and recent upgraded to Hy6 with Afi-II 12. It matches the brain on a 6x6 camera; IDEAL. :thumbs:
The Leaf;s above utilized sensors from Dalsa and which gives an arguably better image quality, or more "film like" image quality. Since the P25, P30 backs also newer Phase One backs uses sensors from Dalsa.
Do buy from a Leaf, Phase One or Hasselblad agent, since they will give you support and in future they can offer you a better upgrade. Not sure if they accept the DM backs as trade in later or not...
If you go the route of Mamiya/PhaseOne camera, the DF feature a beeb as focus confirmation while the AFDIII/AF feature a circular confirmation light which is on during a focus travel during which accurate focus is in middle of. Thus more convenience with the DF unless you normally shoot stepped down. If you consider the Hassy V lenses for the 200 series, then you will need to go e.g. Mamiya since there is problem making at least Leaf backs work on 200 series cameras.
If you look for a Hassy V to Mamiya adapter, I have one for sale here on GetDpi, have a look.
+ :thumbs:
I hope above helps.
Regards
Anders