I don't get its utility then. If the tilt options are so limited and my understanding is that there's no swing, then why not just slap at TSE lens on the camera or get an Actus DB? What am I missing?
There is swing; you just mount the tilt adapter axis vertically, just like you would rotate a TSE lens axis for swing.
Vs Slapping on a TSE lens:
You can only tilt/swing/rise/fall the TSE lens, not all your lenses. With this setup: 1) all your lenses will tilt/swing/rise/fall as long as you have one tilt adapter. The limitation is you cannot tilt or swing Rodenstock lenses wider than 32mm, or SK lenses wider than 60mm. 2) You can rise/fall AND shift at the same time; can't do that with a TSE. 3) You can tilt/swing/rise/fall the back instead of the lens if you want to. A TSE lens is much more limited in options. My tilt adapter is essentially permanently mounted to the STC so all my lenses tilt or swing. The one exception is if I use the sk 35xl.
Vs an Actus DB:
In my opinion, as long as you have a back with live view for accurate focus, the Actus is the better option for most starting from scratch. More versatile and once you get to ~4 lenses it is lighter. I suspect most of those interested in the Alpa 12 Plus will be people who already have a stable of Alpa helical-mounted lenses. In my case, even though the price is ridiculous it is cheaper than remounting my lenses for an Actus, not to mention buying the Actus too. I have an STC which I love, but it cannot rise/fall AND shift at the same time.
As pointed out above, there are other software ways to accomplish the results of rise/fall/shift. I like to see and frame the finished image while in the field, but that is just a personal preference.
Dave