I will try to avoid an impossible question, like "what camera should I buy" by being as specific as I can; I was using "search", and realized I was reading something Ted Harris wrote 3 years ago, so the choices have changed!
At PhotoPro I spoke with Ted about software for a "wet darkroom type" wanting to get into digital; since I do 99.5%B&W, and am "zone system comfortable" he recommended the Lightzone software, but I realized it won't run on my functionally obsolete PC (6-yrs old, win98, 348MB). So I figure it is time to buy a new computer, which could, if it helps, be primarily dedicated to photo work, since the old one is still fine for internet surfing and MicroSoft office programs.
My initial use will be to scan negatives (lets say 60% 4x5 LF, 40% 6x6 MF), and make the equivalents of contact sheets and work prints. (My current workflow is to contact everything, make very fast straight work prints on RC of the images that look potentially interesting, and then edit those down to the few that are worth "real" fiber based 11x14 prints. So my starting point is to "digitalize" the process up to the wet final prints.) This is a hobby/passion, but low volume.
While cost is a factor, it is not the deciding one. My experience is that it is cheaper to buy quality right off, rather than increment the way up. I don't use cheap cameras or lenses, so the same would presumably apply to computers. Also, while I think of myself as a competent traditional printer, I wouldn't rule out making digital prints too, just not initially. My leaning is towards one of the Macs. Also, to keep this narrower, lets say new computers only, not used.
Is this enough info to get a recommendation (specifics, rather than generalizations, would make it easier for me)? Thanks!
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