Digital BW, The Print

Reading the posts about parceling out the parts of the system made me 
think of cameras, especially models of the 60's.  You choose a Nikon 
because you can drop it, a Canon because it leads innovation, an 
Olympus because of compact size, etc.  Most when they came out meant 
you had to buy that producers lens and with few complaints.  In 
extreme cases you might chose a Nikon over a Canon because of a 28mm 
vs. a 35mm shift tilt lens.

But even in the 60's there were lens converters for Leica to Canon, 
Nikon, whatever.  Cheapie lens accessories to telephoto or wide-
angle.  The Majors certainly didn't 'support' your kenko adapter so 
you could use a Tominon lens.

The current software/ink platform doesn't seem any different to me.  
There's either brand compatibility/loyalty or there is thrifty and 
creative (if not make-shift) adaptability.

2 cents (& 175 words ;-)

Cleavis