Can you purchase an XL1s with just the items you want? For instance if I want the 16X manual lens and the BW viewfinder - do I have to purchase the "base" model with the standard lens and viewfinder and spend almost three grand more for the lens and VF. Or can I order the XL1s body with the lens and VF that I want and not have to pay for the standard items?

You can buy the Xl-1s "body only".

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=231684&is=REG

Then you can pick up the lens and viewfinder.

I would also consider ZGC for a specified-configured XL1s...there're first rate and a sponsor of this forum and DV Info

http://www.zgc.com/zgc.nsf/active/1DE15CAA4BAD9D0D85256AC30008194D

Thanks so much for the info. Here's one more - in the Lightworks family, it's clear that the Equalizer is a windscreen but do the other two products, System Isoloater and Universal Mini-mount complement each other? Or are they mutually exclusive?

Thanks again

They compliment each other. Either one will do a great job of dampening motor noise from the camera, but use 'em together for best results. The system isolator is very good for handheld use since it moves the camera body further back on your shoulder.

ZGC has different packages available as Mark pointed out. So
you can buy a package with the B&W viewfinder and manual
lens for example.

Click here for their packages (http://www.zgc.com/zgc.nsf/c7a682995edb4e7585256b4d001ebd57/205a927fe530324b85256a8c000353ba?OpenDocument)

If they don't have a specific configuration you want give them a
call. They should be able to make you a custom configuartion as
well!