Is an older medium-format digital back on a camera like the Mamiya RZ67 worth it versus a modern full-frame body?
Asked 6/2/2024
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2 answers
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If you compare an older medium-format digital back (roughly 6x4.5 sensor, 20–50 MP) on a film camera such as the Mamiya RZ67 with buying a modern full-frame camera like the Canon EOS R5, what are the real advantages or disadvantages? It seems a used digital back may be cheaper than a new full-frame body, but once you add the medium-format body, lenses, finder, and adapter, the total system cost may not be lower. Is there a practical reason to choose the older digital-back route, or does it only make sense in certain situations?
Originally by Alexey Malev. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Alexey Malev
2y ago
2 Answers
2
If you start from scratch and need to obtain the equipment, there is probably no advantage, but rather a lot of disadvantages. Used, but high quality MF film cameras are not necessarily cheap, so if you get a used MF camera and digital back, you are not likely to pay very much less than for new 35mm format equipemnt.
If you on the other hand already have a good, suitable MF camera and perhaps a selection of lenses, it is likely much cheaper to buy an adapter and an older digital back than to buy new 35mm format equipment with similar image quality. I have a Mamiya RZ67 with a lot of very good glass and I could get an adapter and a very descent older digital back (e.g. Aptus or Phase One) in the 30-40 MP range for that camera for much less than what only a Canon EOS R5 body would cost. If I for example still want to use the MF camera for film, don't bother having much heavier equipment to tug around and don't need the probably much better low-light performance of a new 35mm format camera compared to the older MF digital backs, it would surely be something to consider.
Originally by jarnbjo. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
jarnbjo
2y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
If you’re starting from scratch, there’s usually little advantage to an older medium-format digital back setup. A good used medium-format film body, lenses, viewfinder, adapter, and compatible back can add up quickly, and the system will often be less convenient than a modern full-frame camera.
Where it can make sense is if you already own the medium-format camera and lenses. In that case, adding an older back may be a relatively affordable way to digitize a system you already know and like, and to get image quality that can be comparable to modern full-frame in some uses.
So the main benefit is cost efficiency for existing medium-format owners, especially if they already have high-quality glass. The main drawbacks are system complexity, age, and the need to assemble a working combination of body, adapter, and back.
In short: for a new buyer, modern full-frame is usually the more practical choice; for someone with an established medium-format kit, an older digital back can be a sensible upgrade path.
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