I keep reading that the Z7 will accomodate 35 mm lenses with a lens adapter. Unfortunately, no one says who makes the adapter, where to buy one, what lenses it (they?) will work with, how much, etc? Does anyone know?

Sony makes the adapter. I assume you can buy it from any Sony Z7 retailer. It works for Sony Alpha 35mm lenses. I don't know the price.

Note that this adapter is not a 35mm adapter like the Redrock M2, Letus Extreme, etc. that will produce shallow DOF.

Sony has NOT announced plans for an adaptor for 35mm lenses. They have announced plans for an adaptor that will allow you to use Sony Digital SLR (APS-C) lenses, but it's not out yet.

According to the brochure posted on this forum, the 35mm format lens adapter will be at least released by sony. Since Sony uses the old Minolta SLR lens mount, you should be able to use any of the old Minolta lenses and any of the available third party lenses, not just Sony lenses made for APS-C sized sensors.

I think you'll also find that Fujinon are making a number of lens adaptors for Sony that are mentioned in the brochure. I imagine they are making the ones for ENG and Prime lenses while Sony will make the one for Alpha themselves.

My Japanese friend just e-mailed me this URL:

http://blog.so-net.ne.jp/hamapro/

I can't read Japanese but know this cameraman bought HVR-Z7U and tried Canon broadcast lens.

I just read this on Calumet's website: (http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/SZ3102/)

"Also standard is a 12x high-quality, multi-purpose Carl Zeiss lens for HD video, with a Vario-Sonnar T* coating to reduce reflections. A specially designed 8x wide-angle lens is available as an option."

Is this an option at purchase or a soon to be released add-on?

I just read this on Calumet's website: (http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/SZ3102/)

"Also standard is a 12x high-quality, multi-purpose Carl Zeiss lens for HD video, with a Vario-Sonnar T* coating to reduce reflections. A specially designed 8x wide-angle lens is available as an option."

Is this an option at purchase or a soon to be released add-on?

Soon to be released add on.

I don't understand why use 20000$ lenses on a 7000$ camera. From german rewievs i heared the Z7 and the S270 pictures are not highly different from the Z1.

You can put 35mm lenses on via simple metal adapters from www.lesbosher.co.uk or www.mtfservices.com They become 7.2x more powerful than on 35mm cams, so won't do what Mini35 etc. do but good for telephoto work. Because of the back focus distance on these little camcorders it's possible to put almost anything on them (S16 lenses, Hasselblads etc) There is some concern about the larger format lenses like 35mm stills not being able to resolve enough detail for these small sensors, but I'm a little sceptical about the real world differences as long as you use good lenses. And in terms of Chromatic Abberations etc. I think you'd find less on the high quality Nikon ED lenses and Canon L series than on cheap camcorder optics.
Steve

The point is this, why use 20000$ 35mm Arri Film lenses on a 7000$ HDV camera? this make not sense.

The point is this, why use 20000$ 35mm Arri Film lenses on a 7000$ HDV camera? this make not sense.Taking this down to very fundamental basics :
All cameras, still and movie are essentially, just black boxes with sensor (or some type) at the back and a hole at the front. thats it.

Its all about the glass - the lens.

Taking this down to very fundamental basics :
All cameras, still and movie are essentially, just black boxes with sensor (or some type) at the back and a hole at the front. thats it.

Its all about the glass - the lens.

Totally, it's the lens that "makes" the image, the sensor only "records" it. There are lenses out there that are so expensive, renting is your only option. I doubt that any Z7u owner is going to go out and buy a mini-35 and a set of ultra primes, but renting a $20,000 lens or even a $100,000 prime set makes total sense.

Also, the PL mount adapter from JVC should fit, so you can use super16 lenses right on this camera.