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True, however the last time I plunked down 10 grand for something it came with a back seat.
Its all in personal perception and priorities. Assuming one can afford it, I wouldn't hesitate to spend 10k on a camera (or whatever makes you happy). I'd say 90% of all my co-workers all think I spent too much on my camera. But I'd say 90% of them spent several times too much for their cars (Lots of BMWs, Mercedes).
Last time I looked around, I estimate the average car at work was in the upper 30s to mid 40s range. IMO, That's Insane! I blend in commuting in an Audi TT but what they don't realize was that I paid $10k in cash for it (2001 19.5k on the clock).
I think for a long while I would be mentally "saving" shots and would certainly curtail some of my snapshots. Of course, you wouldn't use a camera costing 10 grand for picnics and beach vacations w/ the family either. Still....I'm just sayin.
I say Why Not? I certainly use my Pentax 645 as if were just any other camera... shots with family and friends included. I recall that was a marketing scheme for them when the 67 and 645 back in the days.... as field cameras.
Two things that prevent MF dropping down to the upper tiers of non-professional consumers. Price (MF digital is expensive) and Field Capability (Non-professionals don't just stay in the studio). Leica S2 is shown to be a good field capable camera at astronomical prices. If the Pentax 645D were to be a success, I think they have to do both very well.
On the other hand... 5 years ago they had this teaser and abandoned/shelved it. Now that it is announced, they are only selling in Japan. Just like their late coming to the digital world, they are late again when many smaller studios converting to digital have already invested to Nikon/Canon (Hassy out of their reach). Yeh.. this Pentax fellow is a little disappointed.
