This question is related to my previous post about using MFDB on a Mamiya RZ but has quite a different subject.

Apart from trying to figure out what MF systems do what my peanut brain is also struggling with the attempt to calculate what adapter plates are required for what MF cameras for what MFDBs... (confused? so am I!) not to mention how much the cost of such a plate is likely to add to any purchase of a MFDB system. My understanding is that all MFDB's require some sort of adapter plate but these are often purchased and sold together with the back and are not easy or cheap to change. Hence the following questions:

1) RZ proII requires a Mamiya HX701 adapter plate to mount a Mamiya 645 back. Cost only about USD$900. This is a single plate that enables direct communication of the ProIID with the back without any cables, right?

2) Earlier model RZ cameras (eg Pro II) can be hooked up to a Mamiya MFDB with a different adapter plate that also requires additional cable connection between the body and the back, right? How much does this system (plate plus cables) cost compared to the HX701? Is this a non-OEM solution or a Mamiya product (or a Mamiya-badged non-OEM product?) Does this older plate+cable system also work on the RZ Pro IID?

(nb have heard Mamiya may release an adapter plate designed for the RZ ProII (ie non-D) camera in 2009).

3) Is an additional Phase One/Leaf/Sinar adapter required to mount a non-Mamiya MFDB such as a Leaf, Phase One, Sinar, Kodak back on a Mamiya RZ (apart from the Mamiya HX701 adapter plate that reduces the size of the mount from 67 to 645) ie one Mamiya 645 to Mamiya RZ pro II adapter + one Leaf/Phase One to Mamiya adapter

- or are Phase One etc MFDB adapters available that fit the MFDB directly on the Mamiya RZ proII, proIID (or any other 6x7 camera?)
If yes, Are these Phase One/Leaf/Sinar MFDB adapters only available as proprietary adapters that come together with the MFDB or are non-OEM plates available?

5) BTW am I correct in assuming that the interface for mounting a MFDB on a MF body actually is a detachable plate (maybe it has a fancier name?) - or do some MFDB's (old Kodak? Ixpress?) come with hard-wired interfaces for different cameras that cannot be changed?

6) Do Hasselblad H cameras and older Hasselblad bodies like the 503CW use the same ("V"?) adapter plate to hook up a MFDB or different ones? I know that cables are required to hook up an older Hasselblad like the 503 to a MFDB with a Hasselblad V mount. Do H-system cameras like the H1 also require cables?

7) apart from plates what about cups, saucers and other accesories....

As far as I know, there are three adapter plates available:

1. Mamiya plate: you mentioned it in your post. Cost is about $700 here is the US, but you'll need to fork out another $200 for the focusing screen with the crop line. Since you have the RZ67 Pro IID, you do not need the additional cables, since the this last upgraded body allows cable-free operation.

2. Leaf also does a kit called the Leaf Mamiya RZ Interface Kit, item no. 903.542. The cost is also $700 and includes a mask for the focusing screen and the cables for the non-IID version.

3. PhaseOne also does an adapter plate, but unlike the other two, it is non-revolving. Therefore you need to remove the back and the plate to change the orientation. The Mamiya and Leaf plates both rotate, so you can go from portrait to landscape without removing the plate. This is a big big plus in my book.

I am personally interested in the Leaf kit, because I do not have IID body, and therefore require the cables. The Leaf kit is therefore a much better value for me. If I had the IID body, I would get either the Mamiya or Leaf plates, and not worry about the focusing screen for a while. If I find the system to suit my needs I would then order a custom screen.