Hi Pradeep,
I am exactly the same as you, not a pro, just a serious enthusiast (too serious) who want the best IQ.
I've owned several systems and want to share my experience.
You've already had one of the best MFDB. I don't believe the 50mp CMOS is a better sensor (I've had both IQ180/260 and Pentax 645z). IQ wise, nothing can compare the IQ180.
If you try the tech cam with the IQ180, you may find out you achieve your goal of the best IQ especially with wide angle. No DSLR can match it even the Leica S. More than that, to me, it is my meditation. It's Zen-like experience.
Selling the IQ180 to buy Pentax may not be a good idea as there is no way you will get a better IQ. The price of IQ180 is too low in a 2nd-hand market.
I take photographs purely for my pleasure. By using the IQ180/260 with the tech cam, I feel I don't regret of buying them. I bought the IQ180 back with a very low price in like new condition with <500 shutter counts.
If you buy digital MF brand new from the dealer, you've had to prepare you will lost >1/2 of your money. You don't want to use your retirement or college funds for this.
I'd recommend you to either enjoy it (explore tech cam?) or cut loose and move on.
Best regards,
Pramote
Pramote, thank you. It is good to hear from somebody who is an enthusiast like myself.
I've been on workshops with people who bring the Phase system but then it stays in the car. Most end up using a regular DSLR. One lady had the 240 LS lens on the camera with "The Cube" and it was all perched precariously on a Gitzo 2 series tripod. She barely ever used it during the entire workshop. I wonder, if like myself, they bought it without really thinking it all through.
I've been deliberating this for a while now. I even looked (online) at various tech camera options, working out the price factor, the hassle factor, the time factor and the end results. Granted, nothing can compare with actual hands-on experience, but short of doing that, I tried everything else I could - on a theoretical basis.
I realized that I just don't have the time for tech cameras. For me, the solution has to be more versatile than what the techs offer. As it stands, the DF645+ with the IQ180 itself is quite limiting for my needs. From my own use over the past year the images I made have not been 'stunning' although a few of them have been so detailed that the large prints are truly impressive. I have tried, believe me, to use it as much as possible. I've done the MLUP, self timer, sturdy tripod, etc etc. Even took it on a hike in upstate New York when I was there for fall watching. Hard to take a tech camera when you are with the wife and friends, they do not have the patience.
If I have to rely on a tech camera every time to get the best out of the DB then it is not for me. Remember, I am not into portraits, fashion or product photography and probably do 60-70% wildlife.
As I bought the IQ180 new, I am going to take a bath on selling it, but the price is dropping like a stone and the longer I keep it the less I am going to get for it, so it is better for me to just get out now. If there was a full frame CMOS back available now, with the promise of a new body on the horizon AND if the upgrade path was not quite so steep, I may have stayed with the Phase system.
Simply keeping it for the elusive IQ advantage is not enough for me. Yes, initially that was my thought, get the best image quality money can buy, but I have changed my mind given the direction in which MF is headed.
I am still very much in the abyss, but not as deep.
Pradeep