QUOTE (Jack Flesher @ Jun 21 2009, 12:10 PM)

It is pretty clear from your first post, you've given this more than cursory thought, and the expenditure itself is not a major concern to you.
That said, MF digital is a good way to go for making large prints from direct capture. The pitfall is going to be learning a good digital workflow -- without that, you will be dead in the water before starting...
So you have two main things and a sub-item to consider when choosing an MF digital system: the camera system, and the digital back system, and then software(s) required to utilize said digital back. Also, you'll need a good processing computer since the files are large, and you'll probably want a good desktop with big monitors for editing in your studio, and a good laptop to quick-edit and/or tether to while on the road or on location.
Cameras: Any of the current major brands are capable of generating stunning images. Some have a broader selection of lenses to choose from, others have more sophisticated body controls, some are leaf-shutter systems, others are focal plane shutters, some excel inside a studio environment and some excel in outdoor environments --- and essentially none of them do it all best, so it is an exercise in choosing a set of tradeoffs that best integrates to YOUR shooting style and subject matter

Backs: again, any of the current popular brands are capable of generating stunning images -- the best in each brand, say 30MP and up, nearly equal 4x5 film in detail captured and exceed it in color accuracy and dynamic range. (And you'll want at least 30MP to regularly enlarge to 36"...) The biggest differences in the backs are the control button UI's and the software(s) used to convert the raw file to your final working image. (Software is pluralized because some manufacturers require multiple pieces of software be employed to fully convert a raw file into a standard working file format.) After that, the differences between backs are more subtle, such as color palette or smoothness or noise renderings, and not really significant to the final product, but clearly personal preferences may dictate preference for one over the other.
Dealer: With MF digital, having a quality dealer support is very beneficial, so I'd keep that one on your short list of choice decisions too.
Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress,
Jack,
Over the weekend I met with a Hassablad rep and spent time exploring a H3D11-50. Also, looking at various images printed at tremendous sizes. Both the H3 and images were impressive. I used the camera in and out of his office, then processed the images in Hasselblads Phocus software and subsequently in CS4. We used a MAC desktop with, average sized dual monitors ( Lacie for image / HP for tools ). I didn't ask about the computing capacity of the machine. Most of the equipment looked up to date, but not necessarily fresh from the box. I'd say his set-up was average.
The camera operation was straightforward and although different in body design technically familiar. The biggest challenge handling the camera are the overall dimensions and weight. Although, I'm not sure that it's much heavier than my Nikon with 14-24, just a different "shape" / mass. A small consideration considering I rarely shoot handheld. Image production was impressive. I think I can "get-along" with this camera system.
The rep is just that, in addition to being an accomplished shooter and owning a print operation. I can purchase Hasselblad through him, however I'm not sure of his capacity to assist me in case of service needs.
Competent, patient, and compassionate dealers are hard to find where I live (South Florida). Even with Nikon I found myself buying most of my equipment from California dealers, who were informed, and in the case of service requirements, very helpful. With the step to MF technology, the serious investment, and "brave-new-world" of MF shooting having solid support may be very important.
In general: Although proven wrong at time, I tend to think manufactures of sophisticated technical, mechanical or other design intensive products, who invest heavily in R&D, know what their doing, and how their products preform. In this regard I tend to isolate the products I believe will preform the desired task, and commit to the brand. I rarely introduce aftermarket products unless their design specific to the core product, and have a proven reliability record. While it is a concern to some that Hasselblad is becoming a closed system, it has appeal, since it appears they calibrate each component, including post capture processing, to work together symbiotically. ( That's the best way I can put it}. After All, my prime concern is the image.
The cost is no joke. With sums of this size other manufactures are in the running. ALPA contends, but seems a bit complicated for my beginners blood. The new system has to be easy.
Thanks for your post. It was very helpful.