Guy, I must disagree respectfully on this one.....I think the 260 Achro is the back that is a really a head-turner here. Don't get me wrong, the IQ260 is sure to be a great upgrade from the P65+ and even the IQ160. Far more so than the IQ280 from an IQ180.
We know lots of guys have been hanging on to their P45+ backs waiting for a no-crop long-exposure back for a while, and I think subtle tonal differences between the IQ180 and 160 will be equalized or bettered by the 260...
...but, a bayer-less full-frame MFDB!!!! Yes, I wish they based it on the new 60MP sensor with the long exposure times (the IQ260 Achromat sounds like it is the same sensor as the P65+/IQ160), but surely there is nothing like it except the P45+ based Achromat+ which cost quite a penny as well.
I think my order is going in tomorrow although the wait may be long.
After I got out of Leica upon deciding that I'd rather give gobs of money to a company like Phase that at least are appreciative of receiving it vs. L that believe it is their god given right to take it from you, I was afraid every time I saw images out of the MM that I may have to swallow my pride and buy one and a couple of lenses, but hallelujah!! Here comes P1 to the rescue.
I cannot wait to try the new Rodies and Shneiders on this back. I suspect the resolution will be close to my 180 without the filter. BTW, I have never shot the Leica S, but even the best M glass that costs as much as the best tech lenses, and you wait months for, don't come close to what the newer Rodie and SK lenses offer, not by a long shot. I also much prefer the neutral, accurate and sharp images I get from them vs the super saturated, contrasty images that most called the "Leica look" -- sure to get challenged on this one, but heck, I had to get into a second bottle of Malbec to decide on the new purchase
I did not realize this announcement would come so soon, so I have a coastal optics 60mm along with a full-spectrum D800 coming in later this week. While this will be good for IR (B&W and false colour), I think the Achro back will be in a different league.
Not sure upgrading the IQ180 to the IQ280 would be a worthwhile for my work, the marginal DR would be nice, but WIFI and carrying around and iPad is not worth the coin.
Also, looking at how aggressively they have priced upgraded from the pre IQ series, someone has done some market analysis. It is unlikely that a current IQ user is going to switch, while someone sitting on a 4-6 year back, certainly needs some incentive. A used P65+ may have sold for 15K on a private sale, add 17.5 and for just over 32K you're back in with the best back in the business! This is certainly great play for Phase, and hats off to Phase for doing it!