Guy Mancuso
Administrator, Instructor
Backups are interesting and it was certainly easier to afford when you only shot 35mm since it was easy to get the exact cam or a grade below it like a D3X and D700 and many Pro's do that or did do that before they hit the MF world. Her it is almost impossible to have a TRUE identical backup. Not many can have 2 DF's and 2 P65+ same with Hassy or any other system like the S2. Each systems has it's quirks too like the S2 there is no options at all except a 35mm since there is no other body or lenses for that matter. The Hassy system you can at least buy a second body send it in and have it tuned to your back. Phase and Leaf are some good options like a AFDIII, AFD II backup to your back but obviously still not the same you can use another DF with no problems as matching up so that is a great option but backing up the back is difficult as Jack said a older Leaf/Phase back are nice options. Each systems will have some limitations and some will have the worst as in Leica just no options unless you buy a second S2 . That may change in time as the Leica system matures also. The Pentax almost could buy two right off the bat.
Obviously we all fall in different ranges of needs and incomes or even better what you want to invest in as a business. I use the Canon for other work so it is natural backup and most MF shooters will have a 35mm system backup of some sorts . Others may have a M9 setup or 4/3rds setup. All depends on your needs.
Really the bottom line as a working Pro is never going down in any way and covering your preverbal butt. No real right or wrong answers here but certainly have something. Most MF shooters also have plans to get backups overnight for back and/or body which is great but not the day of shoot. So credit card, backup cam or whatever it takes have something.
Short story here I think two months ago I was out shooting a golf tournament for a client with my Canons and driving around in a golf cart and bam one lens rolls right off the cart and I'm hosed. I had three choices and I live 3 minutes away no less . Go home get Phase system, Go buy another lens 1 hour roundtrip or try to shoot without it with other glass. Since I was going to take a break anyway I went and bought a lens. So owning a Canon/Nikon system almost any Best Buy, Target or whatever you can get something. Moral of the story be prepared and know your options.
Obviously we all fall in different ranges of needs and incomes or even better what you want to invest in as a business. I use the Canon for other work so it is natural backup and most MF shooters will have a 35mm system backup of some sorts . Others may have a M9 setup or 4/3rds setup. All depends on your needs.
Really the bottom line as a working Pro is never going down in any way and covering your preverbal butt. No real right or wrong answers here but certainly have something. Most MF shooters also have plans to get backups overnight for back and/or body which is great but not the day of shoot. So credit card, backup cam or whatever it takes have something.
Short story here I think two months ago I was out shooting a golf tournament for a client with my Canons and driving around in a golf cart and bam one lens rolls right off the cart and I'm hosed. I had three choices and I live 3 minutes away no less . Go home get Phase system, Go buy another lens 1 hour roundtrip or try to shoot without it with other glass. Since I was going to take a break anyway I went and bought a lens. So owning a Canon/Nikon system almost any Best Buy, Target or whatever you can get something. Moral of the story be prepared and know your options.
