Hi Gareth,
I wasn't try to sound harsh, sorry if I did. My main reason to switch to the rm3di was the lack of a good wide for the Phase Mamiya solution. After working with the 28 Rodenstock, I was truly amazed at the differences between the two optics and was again glad I made the decision. I would be using a 32 Rod as it allows more shifting, but the cost factor is just too great for me. Plus the 32mm is even bigger, has an even larger CF outer diameter, and seems to be a bit fragile in the field if not carried with extreme care.
In retrospec, looking back, most of the affordable wides for tech cameras don't really have a good shifting solution. The 28mm Rod's image circle is too small only allows 7mm or less, the 35mm Schneider has a larger image circle, but I can't really shift it past 10mm without huge loss in both detail and color sat. This leaves the 32mm Rod, just too expensive for me, the 40mm Rod and 43mm Schneider. The 43mm Schneider is an excellent lens on the 160 and I will get good shifts up to 18mm with it but on the 180, it's not that good even on center. Opticall greatly but color cast really harsh. (sorry to get off topic) So when I can, I still try nodal pans with the 28mm, 35mm and 43mm.
I only have experience with the Mamiya/Phase wides, not Hassi. They may be excellent. I found the 28mm, 35mm and 45mm all pretty lacking in image quality with my P45+ and a 1:1 Crop and pretty much not useable on the 160/P65+ solution due to the amount of corner softness.
The new Canon 24 and 17 are as you point out great optics for 35mm and seem to be a good solution for the Medium format digital world with the hartblei solution. I just wish the Hartblei was easier to get a hold of for a demo.
Paul