Say you have a IQ260 currently with Contax or HB mount. Can the A-Series package be replicated by purchasing an Alpa TC with one of the three lenses and a firmware upgrade on the back? Would PhaseOne do the proper mating/shimming of components so that the back can still be used on the Contax/HB?
On the other hand, without movements, is this really worth it?
In the scenario you describe, the same components can be purchased (minus the A series Branding) from any authorized Alpa/Phase One dealer. Currently, the firmware that provides the embedded LCC functionality is exclusive to the A Series Digital Back Products. The shimming process would be provided by the authorized Alpa/Phase One dealer. Understand that Phase One's role in this is specifically only in the event someone is purchasing an A Series package. In that event, Phase One would be shipping a pre-shimmed Alpa adapter for use with that specific A Series Kit.
If one were to purchase an Alpa TC and any lens for use with their existing Phase One digital back, or choose to purchase the Phase One digital back separately from an A series Kit, the authorized Alpa/Phase One dealer would take care of any shimming. This would be the case if someone wanted to purchase any Alpa camera, an STC, a Max, etc.
Whether an Alpa TC without movements is worth it, is up to you and what you wish to accomplish. We often find an Alpa TC is an addendum to an Alpa system. It could be a starting point, or an expansion. Someone may have an STC, or a Max, and want a smaller package to pair the outstanding Schneider/Rodenstock lenses with that can utilize the same digital back (and interface and lens adapters) that their other Alpa camera can use. But certainly as a stand alone camera, it produces the opportunity as an amazingly small, lightweight, extremely high quality capture device.
The A Series announcement was something that we have been internally considering for some time, as there was the perception of some smoke and mirror, and also facts were not being made readily available. This is why we have not jumped in with both feet until now, when we feel there now exists some clarity.
As a Phase One and Alpa dealer, we offer our perspective for the A series products below:
https://captureintegration.com/capture-integration-and-the-phase-one-a-series-camera-system/
