After years of waiting impatiently for the next evolution in 35mm dSLR's to come allong, then wondering if my lens's would still make the grade as the photosites plumeted in size, I have decided to go after a medium format digital camera solution. I have worked for some time with medium format film, and won't be trading in my Mamiya model 7 anytime soon, but I have decided to put a digital back on an H1.
What sent me over this edge, was Phase one's introduction of the new P+ series, and lower costs, hopefully making a back with 18-22 MP, hiopefully under 11-12K$ a reality. I hope to look at both the new solutions, ie the P+ backs, as well as used backs if such are available. I have been stymied however by the lack of an available dealer to work with. On line companies such as B&H don't sell or recomend these things. My local (excellent) camera store sold me the H1 kit, but can't get the digital back. I contacted (email) Phase one at their east coast manager email but have not yet heard back and it's been a few days now.
Is there some magic that I am missing ? I live in South West Jersey (close to Philadelphia) and am hoping not to make a pilgramage into NYC to hold one of these things in my hands. I would like to compare the phase one to the Hasselblad and other backs, but that doesn't seem possible.
Can anyone recomend a rectangular format back for the H1 (or recomend against a specific model). and recomend a supplier (hopefully brick and morter) that I can establish a relationship with and work with ? I'm basically looking for a color 18-22MP back to be used for both studio and landscape work. The ability to do longer exposures and to work at iso up to 400 with minimal noise is basically what I'm after. I do not want to "shoot tethered", nor , hopefully to carry a hard disk attached to my belt (if avoidable). It needs to be compatible with the H1 and to be available with service/mantainence so that I have some one quasi local to turn to when there is a problem. Unlike the professional community I would hope to get at least 4 years out of the back before even considering moving up.
Thank you all for your consideration and recomendations.
j w peterson

Hi JW, the Medium Format Digital Backs and Photography Forum would have some insight as well. The has been quite a discussion about H1/2/3d's and DB's going on there.

Best,

Eric Zepeda

i am waiting for the p25 to come down, probably in a year, with a rumored canon camera at that resolution and the mamiya zd coming soon.

try digital transitions in NYC or capture integration in atlanta.

the regional directors of P1 wont return calls for a long time, it took the director for the NW a few weeks, i assume the east coast directors to be even busier. but mine did spend a half hour on the phone with me regarding different dealers in the area, and just bs-ing.

captureintegration.com

digitaltransitions.com

JW:

The word is that the next round of sensors from Kodak will be in the 60 to 90 mp range. Once Phase one starts using these sensors the price of all the rest of their lineup should drop significantly.

Also, if Mamiya tries to bring the ZD body in at somewhere around the $8000 price point (don't quote me... my info is not as good on the Mamiyas) that could push the entire market down a bit. I don't think your wait will be too long.

I have been playing with some files taken from a H1 P45 combo and the resolution is really something to behold.

Good luck!