----- Original Message ----- From: P�l Jensen Subject: Re: Digital backs for 645
> > What technical issues are you thinking of? > I would have agreed with you but for one thing only: some major manufacturers have invested seriously into ultramodern auto focus 645 cameras at the moment the MF film market is collapsing. It might be a case of bad timing but I'm fairly conficent that neither, say, Contax or Hassleblad would have invested incredible amount of money in brand new systems destined to die in couple of years. I'm sure there must be viable digital solution in plans for these cameras in the near future. I'm not then thinking of the $10 000 - 15 000 digital back solution that never will achieve anything resembling volume particularly when other digital solutions, like full frame 35mm based DSLR's, are getting more affordable - something they certainly will. A photographer here in town that I know (www.trevorowen.com) recently sold his Pentax 6x7 equipment after buying and working with a Canon D60, and deciding that the image quality coming off of it was so good that it rivaled what he was getting with the 6x7. Often, companies make bad decisions regarding marketing, ramp up times for new equipment can take years, and often, what one company puts out makes another companies product lame and useless. The Canon T80 is one example, I am sure there are others. In this brave new world, if a small format digital camera can do well enough that pros will sell 6x7 equipment in favour of digital, does the 645 format stand a chance? William Robb
