Medium Format Digital Backs - Advice?

[Zack Birlew]

Hi, everybody, I know I have previously posted about my thoughts for RED to produce their own digital back system(s) for various medium format cameras but until they or someone else picks up the ball, I was wondering if anybody could give me some help or advice on digital backs for the Mamiya 645 Super? Also perhaps Pentax 6x7?

I recently acquired a couple of bodies and I know many digital backs typically go for later autofocus AF models but is there a third-party adapter or other solution that could work for either of these camera bodies? Sinar is a name that popped up but they say that their current models don’t support the Mamiya 645 Super and their older backs seem to be somewhat available but the Mamiya 645 plate adapters are not so easy to find. As for the Pentax 6x7, I don’t know where to start there and I’m unaware of a digital solution.

I have heard of the “I’m Back” system but that really isn’t worth it if the image quality isn’t all that great. I currently enjoy my Mamiya 645 Kipon Speedbooster on my Sony A7S and I know upgrading to an A1 or a Fuji GFX100S would get me pretty far towards true medium format but I was hoping for a more accurate digital solution. Beyond 35mm seems like a very big world of solutions so any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Karim D. Ghantous]

I don't own a MFD camera but there are a few things I can say. Firstly, sensor size isn't necessarily an indicator of quality or DR. But, if a MFD back has an LCD, and it's 22Mpx or more, it should hold up to anything made today as long as you're at base ISO.

I recommend looking at the P25+ as the minimum standard. Some of the smaller CMOS sensors have more DR than the larger CCDs. All apparently have excellent shadow recovery potential.