Ok, let's play your way.....
Here's some questions from one professional photographer :
1. Is the H4x mechanically identical (or as nearly as dammit) to a H4D?
2. Is the primary difference in the firmware? Note that nearly everyone I have spoken to thinks it is.
3. If it is merely a firmware update that will allow third party backs to be used, then why are H3 and H4 users denied access to it?
4. Is it possible that in jurisdictions such as Australia that have legislation such as the Trade Practices Act, this restriction could lead to litigation? (I am not taking the p*ss here. I was asked this exact question by a photographer from a major Brisbane studio)
5. Will a H4D60 back (for example) work on a H4x?
Cheers,
Okay, I read the announcement including the question and answer section.
It isn't that difficult to get.
There are a good number of H1, H2 and some H2F users out there, many with 3rd party backs, some with Hasselblad CF and CF-II backs (including Multi-Shots like I used to use on a H2F). They also have an investment in HC lenses. The H4X now provides a path to replace the out of production and aging H1/H2s while also providing some, but not all, of the more recent innovations like True Focus, Absolute Position lock, and use of the HCD lenses (28 and 35-90)
It has nothing to do with upgrading backs or subjective comparisons of backs. It allows current users to continue on their chosen path with the back they currently have, or if they wish, a newer Leaf, Phase One back if they so choose. Most pros I know aren't as interested in changing the back they now have, but are concerned that if there are no more reliable H1/H2s in future that their considerable investment in lenses will have to sold/traded for a completely new system using a camera they don't prefer.
As a H4D/60 user, David is right, I'm not even remotely interested in dropping another bundle to get a different back, and we'll just leave it at that.
It's just a simple move to support long time H users even though they use a competitive back.
Proving that no good deed goes unpunished
-Marc
P.S., regarding #5 ... No a H4D/60 back is not supposed to not work on a H4X ... the firmware and grip hardware are different. I do not know if the e-contacts are also different. For a spare body, the H4D/60 user can secure a second matched H4D body calibrated to his/her 60 back.