The OP did list a $5K budget... I had a ZD back and it worked fine at ISO 50 and 100, though a bit noisy after that and I think that's been improved in the ZDb. IIRC, the biggest issues with ZD's were folks with the ZD unit CAMERA, not the ZD backs with latest firmware.
Well... Jack may disagree which is fine, but... Guy and Jack sold their ZDs at same time and rather quick...
And Jack and Guy, let us be cautious to recommend something that can lead people into investment of $$ to something that might be a problem. IF the ZD was good my recommendation would be compete opposite.
Sorry, Jack but you are incorrect that the problem was limited to the ZD camera. It was there same in ZD back, if not more because Mamiya sold more ZD backs than ZD cameras. Actually Mamiya in Hong Kong when I tested out the problem tested all their stock for it, and... they had about 5 ZD backs and only one other ZD camera in stock --- ALL of which had same identical problem.
Well, here we go the link to my old post;
http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=22698
Please note that what I pointed out there was that the problem related not only to firmware but also HARDWARE, as confirmed by someone deep in the business whos name I will not reveal and who knew how Mamiya developed ZD with lack. In short Mamiya did not design the ZD back proper, likely because they could not or did not want to, due lack of $$$. It is up for whoever to believe that they have done so with the ZDb back which they sold much less of. I believe they did not do anything to hardware to correct the problem because of lack of $$$$. Also not to firmware, although perhaps they might have done something minor with help my Phase One, but doubtful. The big difference can be that CaptureOne was able to tune down the effects of the problem.
If you read my old post you can read that Mamiya blamed me the user, instead of admitting to any problem. Heck, they still have not admitted to a problem, but if they would have done so and fixed the dang :banghead: thing I would have praised them . Thus I would advise to stay heck away from it, simply because of above the ZD is high risk.
The Aptus 22 uses same identical sensor as ZD, but... was proper designed. Thus is excellent. Funny is it not? Dalsa sensors are great, personally I prefer them over Kodak as are in Phase One P25, P30 etc, but that is personal preference.
Above stated, depending on use the ZD might (read MIGHT) work ok, pending on if you use it in studio lighting with little dark or little black in image (or if you accept boosting blacks to kill the artifacts...). Thus the reality of ZD is that it has a very narrow window of use. Same as such lighting it appears that folks in very sunny environments had less problems... because the ZD needs ALOT of light, else problem shows up. Thus Jack and Guy, your posted photos from ZD was in bright Arizona light was it not???
Thanks Anders
I totally agree the P25 & P30 would be great choices. The issue then really becomes the risk of buying a used back. I did check as many reputable used outlets as I could find on the net. And the starting prices for these were above my budget, so my only option would be the big auction site.
I am just concerned that I would not have nay recourse if there was a problem or get stuck with a big repair bill.
Honest, I think it is best to either spend more to get a Phase One or Leaf, or to stay with film. Film is still a lovely media. Used digital back prices should keep on falling, as backs get older and new models are sold.
As I pointed out in above, the main risk is the sensor being in still good condition or not. Perhaps ask them to make test images for you before you buy?
Perhaps also contact a dealer of Phase One and Leaf to see not only what they can offer you, but also how much they would charge if you have certain problems with a back you pick up from Ebay. Per memory, with Phase One the back go pretty much back to Denmark for any problem, while with Leaf the agent can fix more problems locally. Please correct me anyone if I am wrong.
Mamiya 645 AFD II w 22MP Mamiya Digital back + 2 lenses
This kit just sold on ebay for $4700
Link;
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mamiya-645-AFD-...ViewItemQQptZFilm_Cameras?hash=item1e5a3de3c5
Yes, one more selling off ZD...
While Leaf & Phase Ones; are being praised... you figure??
Regards
Anders