This is partly what Phase is doing is having a 3 tier system approach . They do that by branding Mamiya , Leaf and finally Phase as there top tier product. If you look at the price structuring along with the technology on each brand everything has a slow build up. Just look at a Aptus 12 vs the IQ 180. Now this gives buyers many choices with the same shared system of parts. Hassy does not really have this kind of structure as it is only branded by the Hassy name. Sure they have the speciality Ferrari body but a different business model all together. Good points and bad points to each obviously but say a HD4-50 cannot be had in a different naming convention for a lower price. Phase on the other hand has 3 ways to get a IQ140 sensor actually 4.
Now this is something for Hassy to look at as well and change and give the buyer maybe a 2 choice in a HD4-50 sensor. Add another naming convention that would equal the likes of Leaf/Mamiya with slightly less technology or different technology.
BTW no knocks on brands here it is just the way Phase is now structured . To me it is a smart idea. Would it work for Hassy in such a scenario, maybe.
Actually, there are three 50 meg H backs to select from ... H4D/50, H4D/50MS and the H4D/200MS (which is a different 50MS module) ... each one a completely different price point. Keeping in mind, not everyone shoots landscapes, and the MS cameras are pretty well known in commercial circles.
Currently, Hasselblad offers the H4D system in 31, 40, 50, 50/MS, 60, and 200MS, and the CFV in 39 and 50 meg versions.
The red Hasselblad isn't a version of anything nor is the stainless steel model ... those are just different cosmetic finishes, something Hasselblad has done for decades, so nothing new there (I once had a fun yellow 501CM)
However, I think it is a huge waste of time and effort doing stuff like that ,,, more importantly it erodes the Brand's core positioning as a serious photographic tool ... something that also irritates me about Leica.
As a user, I'd rather see them stick with their single Brand name convention and look to dual shutter camera that uses the entire system of existing lenses we users already have ... either as leaf shutter or focal plane shutter. That seems to be a no-brainer move which I've been harping about forever.
AND, BTW ... allow current users to send their current back in to be fitted and calibrated to the new body without having to buy an entire new camera & DB. To me, that is where Phase kills Hasselblad ... If Hassey came out with a H5D and I wanted the camera why should I have to lose my shirt just to get the new camera? My current 60 back is all I need or want to pay for right now, but if I could use it on a dual shutter camera I'd like that option.
IMO, if they could manage to make a digital XPan .... they wouldn't be able to make enough of them.
-Marc