Having asked around quite a bit and based on my own guess I believe the next Phase camera will likely be based on the DF and will not be more radical. I might be right, I might not be, but regardless... Hy6 seems as a camera that is difficult to beat and is the current state of art. I never thought I would be interested in it, but holding and using it convinced me.
A key question is perhaps what Phase - Leaf will make with Hy6, if anything, since they appear to sit on the rights to develop it.
Sure, they could make a 645 camera out of its parts, but why? A 6x6 camera has the advantage of a much brighter focus screen and rotation of sensor instead of camera. Also, it is my understanding that the Schneider and Zeiss lenses for the Hy6 are better than the lenses for the Mamiya.
Also Hy6 is made in Germany (current by DHW) and which arguably and in my opinion and experience stands for a higher quality product than made in Japan.
I wouldn't be surprised to see something based on an updated Hy6 body at some point. No idea what they'll do re:lens mounts and compatibility, though.
+1
I always found the Hy6 a little too big for what it was
If anything the Hy6 is SMALLER than Mamiya AFD cameras, and far more ergonomic and well balanced. Mamiya AFD cameras are an aged design and way heavy and bulky by todays standards fir what 645 should be. Mine was AFD3...
Now if we speak of lenses, some are for Hy6 HEAVY, e.g. the 110/2 that is a beast of 1.3kg but optics arguably more stellar than Hassy 110/2!
- Only the new Schneider lenses will be supported, because I'm pretty sure they have the image circle for 6x6. Current Phase one / Mamyia won't be supported.
Not possible, since 6x6 requires a larger distance between lens flange to sensor...
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Thus my own bet was on going with Hy6 and Leaf Afi and forget about what might or might not come... and, ehh... simply try enjoy photography
... and Hy6 feels as a real camera in hands.
Many AF points, faster AF and the like... Uhhg... this is MEDIUM FORMAT... and should be expected to be more basic for more advanced users. Thus aimed at users who command more knowledge of focus and exposure, and who simply demand more control as opposed to auto features and buttons that gets in the way. --- at least my humble opinion (and one reason why I not liked dslr)...
Regards
Anders