Originally Posted by creampuff 
(snip) 1) So many portrait and studio photographers have given up their medium format film cameras in favour of a digital workflow because time is money and by going digital, they get quicker results. (Look at the number of MF film cameras for sale on eBay as your barometer). Many who have switched to top of the line digital SLRs like the EOS 1Ds are quite happy with the results.
Well, did you actually read anything that was said? We were discussing a digital camera, so the lack of a "digital workflow" obviously isn't an issue here.
2) Medium format remains expensive, more so digitally. How many people have put money in a digital back lately or a digital medium format setup like say the Mamiya 645ZD (22 Mpix) or perhaps a Hasselblad H3DII? Both cameras are already available, but how how many units are sold in relation to APS and equivalent DSLRs?
We were discussing possible methods of lowering the cost of that medium format camera, so the above paragraph doesn't really apply to what was said either.
3) Many are drawn to Pentax for the comprehensive feature set and excellent value. That's a plus but here's a quick reality check. Would you fork out the kind of dough for a digital Pentax 645 system (it won't be cheap)? More importantly, would you be prepared to carry a heavier and bigger camera and the attendant issues associated with it (bigger tripod, bigger hard disks, a more powerful computer, etc.)
The digital Pentax 645 (if and when it is introduced) will remain a niche product for a select few- people who won't bat an eyelid on the price tag, and those top earning working pros where the camera will pay for itself. (snip)
And nothing was said to suggest this medium format camera would be intended for mainstream consumers. Instead, I specifically said the camera would be targeted at top DSLR's, which are also very expensive and also not intended for mainstream consumers. And again, there was discussion about lowering costs more inline with those top DSLR's, so your ongoing objections about the costs of existing medium format camaras remain irrelevant. Finally, I'm a pro with medium format equipment, so the answer to your last question is, yes.
stewart