So I've been getting impatient waiting for the Movietube product (http://www.movietube.com), so I hit them up for some updated information. This is the email they replied with - similar to their earlier info, but updated a little bit. Looks like summer is the latest release estimate...

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Thanks for your interest in our 35mm Camera system called MOVIEtube. MOVIEtube will hit the market summer 2004 and will be sold in various kinds. The MOVIEtube product line is providing the same depth of field and angel of view as the 35mm format.
Because there is no need to rotate the grain less groundglas, MOVIEtube is providing a sharper image with no hotspot and it is operating without any noise. The patented groundglas provides a almost loss less light transmission- for shooting in artificial light situations and by night.

For use in professional productions we developed the MOVIEtube PRO, with professional features known from traditional movie cameras:

- A integrated shoulder-set for use on shoulder for living-camera moves
- Three WALTERgrip handles for low shots and handheld action
- A socket for use with Sony compatible professional viewfinder, to provide a sharp image for controlling the focus.
- Equipped with standard Arri connectors for wireless follow-focus, wireless image transmitter and all the other Arri accessories like focus control monitor etc.
- Standard video rods for video accessories
- 35mm or 16mm rods for connecting matboxes and accessories
- 2 Balanced XLR-connectors for connecting professional sound gear

To start more cost-conscious with the MOVIEtube product line we are proud to introduce the MOVIEtube LT.
The MOVIEtube LT is a small unit with less features than the MOVIEtube PRO, but providing the same Image as the PRO.
The MOVIEtube LT is running without electronic power, except the Battery on the DV-Camera. Therefore it is lightweight, small and by the fraction of the cost of a MOVIEtube PRO. MOVIEtube LT can be later upgraded to be a full-blown MOVIEtube PRO unit.

The MOVIEtube System accepts Lenses from Panavision, Arri, Nikon, Canon, Minolta, Pentax, Contax!

At the moment the MOVIEtube 35mm Camera System is approved for the following cameras:*

- Sony PD-100
- Sony PD-150
- Sony VX 1000/2000
- Sony TVR Series
- Canon XM2
- Panasonic DVX100
- others will follow!

* Approved cameras can be docked directly on the MOVIEtube. No additional relay lenses are needed. Canon XL-1 /s is not supported.

At the moment we are not able to quote the exact prize for the MOVIEtube PRO and the MOVIEtube LT .

For further information please visit frequently our Web Domain http://www.movietube.com it will be online in a few month! A 3D technique section will provide answers for many questions about MOVIEtube. A show room and a user forum are waiting to be visited.

Thanks again for your interest!

We are receiving huge interest in MOVIEtube from people all around the globe, even though we didn’t start the MOVIEtube sales promotion yet!We would be happy to welcome you as a satisfied MOVIEtube user some day

Best Regards
JK
-Marketing & Sales MOVIEtube-

nothing much new there.... i guess if it is under $1500 or so... and hopefully under a $1000 for the lightest version i will buy one.

We can only wait and see.

Zac

Here is some new info received today, and they now have a flash animation on the website (from which we learn that the intermediate screen is made of microcrystalline grain, btw).

Dear Friend of MOVIEtube:

First of all, we are happy to announce the new Flash animation at
www.movietube.com

It’s an interactive tool, which shows the technical features of the MOVIEtube 35mm camera system for digital video.

This tool presents the various features of the MOVIEtube product line.

During the past we were contacted by an incredible huge amount of people from all over the World. We are really appreciating that!

Because we didn’t start the MOVIEtube promotion yet, it’s one more reason to be very pleased about that great demand.

At the moment we are burning the midnight oil to finalize the series of the first MOVIEtubes and try to be right on track for release in summer 2004, as announced. We are apologising the adjustments of the release date in the past. Patent processes, trademark and not at least intensive technical tests and fine-tuning forced us to reschedule the release.

Thanks for your patience so far – it’s worth it!
We’ll keep you informed about the state of MOVIEtube from time to time.

Regards and may your dreams come thru

JK
-Marketing & Sales Movietube-