Digital BW, The Print

Robert writes:

> I understand this logic for a 35mm SLR user...but
> the problem is that it doesn't really work for a
> Hasselblad user.  The average Hasselblad pro
> probably has twice the value of a digital back
> in lenses and bodies.

That's true for 35mm pros, too; but the "solution" seems to be to just
recommend that they buy special, "digital" lenses to replace their
investment in existing lenses.

> Also, the Hasselblad/Zeiss FE lenses, which require
> a camera based shutter, are in many ways superior
> (faster shutter speeds and greater aperture) to the C
> series lenses.

They are inferior in some ways, too.  A focal-plane shutter solves some
problems, but creates others.

Personally, I see very little advantage to digital backs at this point in
time, except for some fairly narrow applications of MF photography.  As you
point out yourself, it's far easier to shoot film, and the results are
superior.