If you want a closer look at the offset adapter:
http://dm-accessories.com/gr_hdr/shimbottom.jpg
http://dm-accessories.com/gr_hdr/shimtop.jpg

Sorry, I didn't think to put a ruler in the pictures. At any rate. if what you screw it to is less than 55mm from the screw point to the right edge, it will work. For larger than 55mm, then the PRO or PROA is what you want.

How you measure it:
http://dm-accessories.com/gr_hdr/measure.jpg

The little side offset adapter might work with a 501 if you eject the quick release. My previous notes on compatibility didn't consider ejecting the quick release block.

The PRO and PROA models I make save that step, several of my customers needed to cut down the tape change to as few seconds as possible. The 501's head is just too wide to offset to the side enough like that to remove tapes with a single step, so I made a riser-type adapter.

You can find info on alternative options here:
http://dm-accessories.com/index.php

Click on the item thumbnail for the PRO or PROA to see a description of those adapters.

Now that was very helpful I appreciate all your help.

It looks like I need the pro model. I will be ordering one today.

Hey guys! Few questions... :-P

So I'm looking into a nice wide angle lens for this puppy and I had a question. Laurence uses the Sony VCL-HG0737Y:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=396837&is=REG

But the Sony site recommends the VCL-HG0737X Wide angle found here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=225837&is=REG

Sony recommends the 737X here for the A1U:
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/Broadcastan...Model?id=80897

Also, if I do decide to get the X model, what sunshade could I get with it? Would I be able to use the one that Laurence posted ? Thanks!

I have both models (I use the VCL-HG0737X with my old TRV20). Here's what you need to know about both lenses:

They both produce an excellent (and equal as far as I can tell) image.

You can use either lens on any camera with a 37mm thread.

The VCL-HG0737Y lens is a tiny bit bigger around, so the sunshade fit will not be the same. You can probably just use a thicker adapter ring. I'd call Cavision to be sure.

The VCL-HG0737Y lens looks better on the new Sony HDV cameras. This may or may not be important to you, but it is important to me. I may not care about holes in my jean shorts or wearing a ragged t-shirt, but I do like my equipment to look top notch.

The 0.7, 0.5 and 0.3 Raynox lenses (priced here)
http://www.jessops.com/search/dointellisearch.cfm
work very well indeed in the HC1 / A1. They're single element, clip-on lenses with beautiful coating and the price is simply amazing for the quality of the results they produce.

tom.

this address might take you closer:
http://tinyurl.com/hhbgn

I love this thread...
 

I return to it again and again...

Anyway, I need to step up my wireless-lav mic game, and I since you know a bit about mics, Laurence, I was hoping to hear what the process was in deciding on the Sennheiser Evolution G2 100...

Seems like a good value - how's the 'sound' to you?

If both are made by Sony and are the same, why would any fool want to pay an additional $50 for the Y model instead of the cheaper X model???

Quality of image.

The Raynox lenses aren't zoom through. You need to pop them off if you are going to zoom.

That's correct. They zoom to about 6X (of the 10x zoom) at which point they blur instantly. This sudden blur gives a beautiful effect if used in a cross dissolve, I've found.

So I think I've settles on the Sony VCL-HG0737Y wide angle lens because after thinking about it, the professional look of equipment means quite a bit to a client and the black on black does look the best.

Also, when it comes to sun shades and lens hoods, which one is better? What are the differences exactly between Laurence's Century Optics DSFA8200 and the CA Vision LH77? Are there differences? Can both take 82mm filters? Thanks!


<-- still a little confused :-P

The best hood is an aspect ratio hood, of which the 'petal' hoods seen on many still camera wide-angles is a derivitave. So if you're shooting 16:9 you should really get a 16:9 hood that *just* avoids vignetting the full frame image (as seen in your NLE preview window.

tom.

I would go with the cA LH77. It\'s cheaper and is made of flexible rubber that will take a bump gracefully. Both will fit the same 82mm filters. The Century Optics DSFA8200 provides a hair more shade, but I don\'t think it is worth the extra money and you need to order the adapter ring from Cavision anyway.

The LH77 also doesn\'t require the adapter ring that the LH80 does, as it is specifically manufactured to fit the "Y" lens.

I just ordered it from them, still haven\'t received it. I\'ll post pictures when it arrives.