Yesterday I could not get the Iris open or close, no matter what shooting mode I selected, the exposure lock wasn't on either, am I forgetting something???

Which lens? Have you tried cleaning the contacts on the lens and XL1 body?

You mean with a lens cleaner, if so yes... When I turn the Iris wheel I can see the numbers move from Close to F 1.6, but I see no change from dark to brite... if that makes any sence.

You can gently use a pencil eraser to clean the metal contacts. some folks recommend using contact cleaner applied to a Q-Tip. Have you looked to see if the aperture is actually opening and closing? It could be a VF issue.

Thanks for the reply, I'm not to familiar with metal contacts, what exactly are they/ Look like.

Ahh... I think I know what your talking about, On the oppsite end of the lens after taking it off, the little metal squares "Contacts"???

Yes, that's correct. Clean the little metal squares gently.

And you took of the lens-cap, right? (just to be sure)