But that said you are right about any 35mm digital setup is going to be a lot more expensive
FA43ltd is a top of the line prime and Nikon does not have an equivalent, however the nearest thing giving a comparable FOV and DOF is a new 60/2.8 with adds AFS (the nikkor SDM)
FA77 is not comparable to the Nikkor 85/1.4 in terms of FOV and DOF.
You will need a roughly 115mm f2.8 to get there.
A nikon 105/2DC or 135/2DC would be my choices to replace it.
The vivtar S1 macro would need to be replaced by a roughly 150mm macro, my choice would be the SIgma 150/2.8 it works absolutely stellar with the D3/D700 sensor.
The 16-45 is with all due respect an ordinary standard zoom, comparing it to what is probably the best standard zoom out there regardless of brand is hardly fair, the Nikkor 24-70G is a fully weathersealed f2.8 pro lens.
A comparable lens is a lens like the 24-120VR or 24-85AFS.
55-300, the only lens where you seems to be making an apples to apples comparison, so fair enough.
The D700 kit will still be quite a bit more expensive, but that is currently the price to pay for wanting a brand new pro build 35mm digital body.
35mm digital is very expensive compared to APS-C. Now there is a gain in quality, but also quite a pricetag to go with it, not to mention bulk and weight gain.
Glad to see you are staying though
