Which camera to buy

[Steve Cook <cooksa@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I just joined this E-mail list and am narrowing down my choice for my
first panoramic camera. I currently use the Pentax 6x7, and love it. 
But I have been blown away by some of the panorama images I've seen, and
am determined to expand into this type of photography. I want a rugged
camera that can fit into a backpack, be used out of the window of an
airplane, and can handle heat, cold, and desert conditions.

The ones I am comparing are the Fuji GX617 vs Linhof 617. The V-Pan 617
looks like the most flexible, but doesn't work well from airplanes.

Are the optics of the Fuji lens equal to the Linhof lens (or better?).

I would appreciate any comments, opinions or advice the group can
provide.  Since these cameras are expensive, I want to make the right
choice the first time.

Last, my apologies if this question has been asked hundreds of times. 

Thank you,
Steve Cook
High Plains Photography