I have posted this on the Z1 thread, but it may be more relevant to MC1 CF recorder owners, hence my posting here. Apologies if this multiple post breaks convention... but this is a long shot-

Has anyone used a Z1 with the sony MC1 CF card recorder unit (that normally is bundled with a Z7)?

According to the Sony Biz site they are compatible, and I have done a quick trial with both bits of kit... but it doesn't quite perform as I expected - when I am using the MC1's 14 second cache mode.
The MC1 is connected via a firewire cable, and the Z1 is set to "external control" - but the Z1 menu options are either Synchronous, or Relay -ie it requires the tape to record as well as the CF recorder in both cases. This might have been OK except that when later reviewing the CF clip it has a momentary freeze of the visuals at the point where the tape starts to record - just as the cache is completed.

The newer Z7 handles this differently, and has a 3rd option, "External device only" - that bypasses the tape, but still retains the run/stop functionality of the camera, and records seamlessly the 14 sec. cache and any extra footage.

Playback from the MC1 thru' the Z7 to the LCD and any monitor connected works very well.

Has anyone any insight...or do I need a Z5 or FX7 instead?

Ouch, the Z5 works like the Z7. I've used the MRC-1 with a Sony A1u, but not the way you are using it with the Z1. Basically the A1u just passes HDV via firewire to the MRC-1. So I just have the camera on and then hit rec/stop on the MRC-1. Not as nice as using the on camera controls but there is no freezing.

Ouch, the Z5 works like the Z7. I've used the MRC-1 with a Sony A1u, but not the way you are using it with the Z1. Basically the A1u just passes HDV via firewire to the MRC-1. So I just have the camera on and then hit rec/stop on the MRC-1. Not as nice as using the on camera controls but there is no freezing.

Hi Ed
I have solved the freezing issue - swapped the cf card. after running the Z1 in a live hockey match the system worked well. The sacrificial tape lags behind the cf card in recording but it doesn't restrict the cache nor cf recordings. The instant playback is actually quicker than the Z7 because when powering down the Z1 to go into VCR mode it does not powerdown the mrc1 so you can hit play as soon as the flashing red light stops.

Was it the brand and speed of the card or just a bad card?