Agreed. Yes, its sweet spot/best case use was for fresh 35mm negative: a market that virtually does not exist anymore.
However, a source has whispered to me that a refresh might be coming this spring (right around the corner). This source advised me to wait on my purchase of the HDS+ in favor of this potential new Cintel. But I literally could not wait based on a tip/rumor/hush-hush suggestion. I had to start moving forward.
So I don’t know if this new version will happen, but I would welcome it nonetheless. It would signal that Blackmagic is still interested in the film transfer market. Such a machine would have to satisfy the needs of the archival market, and I just don’t know if Blackmagic’s heart is in it. We’ll see?
(BTW, I can offer no specs about this machine. I’m only sharing a whispered rumor.)