Hi folks, I'm happy to report that there's now a new lens option for dv filmmakers using the XL1. Optex, a UK optics company, has started producing an all-manual lens for the XL1. No more servo focus & zoom hassles. Now you can get accurate rack focus shots, consistant backfocus, and snap zooms. A fluid exposure adjustment ring also gives you more flexibility, along with smoother handling of lighting shifts.(posted 9213 days ago)It's actually a Fujinon lens adapted to fit on the XL1. Mine just arrived in the mail today, and so far I'm loving it.
The only minuses are... #1. Price. $1,700. That's actually a very small amount in the world of lenses, but still no small addition to your camera. #2. Features. No auto focus, no auto zoom, no image stabilization. This is, after all, an all-manual lens. #3. The XL1 gives you a lens warning while the lens is attached... a small flashing "lens" notice at the bottom-left of the viewfinder. You can see it by removing or loosening the stock lens on your XL1. Very innocuous; I stoped noticing it after the first minute of shooting.
Anyway, just thought folks might be interested. You can see Optex's web page about it at http://www.optexint.com/. The US distributor for it is ZGC http://www.zgc.com.
-- John Washington, DC