I don't have to create 160cm wide prints but I have scanned medium format frames on an Epson v600 flatbed and the results with the right software is more than serviceable. In fact, Nick Carver uses a v800 to scan fairly high quality images he creates big prints from. Although he does go to a drum scanner shop for the mammoth 6x17 prints but it simply goes to show that the return on value is very high on the right consumer grade scanner.
My dad used to produce prints in the 90's with a hybrid digital/film workflow. Scan with a FlexTight -> post in Photoshop -> write back to 4x5 with a LaserGraphics film recorder -> darkroom printing. Using this process he did up to I want to say 40x48 prints.
someone shooting on a vintage hasselblad that still costs used near as much as many modern high tech cameras and printing 5'x2' finished pictures isn't interested in serviceable. serviceable isn't the result they're looking for.
I mean, yes, I did qualify that I don't want the same fidelity from my scans but I also shoot on a Bronica SQ, which is no Hasselblad but was still professional equipment when it was released and is still extremely well respected and gives me great results.
Prints are also extremely forgiving, especially viewed from a normal viewing distance, from personal experience of having made high quality prints of my photos.
But again, you can choose to spend however much you wish to to get the last bit of detail out of things.
The camera is an optical device that along with hasselblad lenses has (many) detectable differences in the pictures taken, along with film choice. Someone shooting with a particular camera aiming for large prints is aiming for high excellence not serviceability.
there are bad cables (shielding etc) but the camera+lens+film is literally a sensor/recording device and not really comparable. Whether you like the thing they're doing is a separate consideration, but the person in the article is not looking for ok or even good results. They want everything the best it can be.
Scanning is almost always the weakest link when it comes to film photography these days and sometimes it's really bad, it's not a "copper vs gold plated cable" scenario, more like a "20$ logitech speakers vs "$2000 semi pro setup" to listen to .flac scenario
