Does anyone know if you can attach threaded filters to the HC1 and still use the stock lens hood that comes with the camera??? I have a few 37mm filters that fit both my TRV950 and soon to come HC1 and would like to utilize them if possible with the stock lens hood for the HC1...

TIA,

Yes, you would have to remove the ring and/or tabs which is attached to the interior of the hood on the lens side and on the threaded ring.

This is attached to the ring with 2 pair of 2 each small phillips screws.

Their purpose (the tabs) is to maintain the hoods orientation in relation to the camera. If the tabs are removed, the hood will have to be visually aligned while tightening into the camera lens housing or an attached filter or lens.

I haven't done it myself, but read where others have. I don't know how far you can push it out till it shows up in wide angle.

Another option would be to get a step up and step down ring to use as a spacer. That way you won't have to remove the tab. Of course, the hood will rotate freely and you would have quite a few rings stack on top of your lens.

I wonder if the cheap Sunshades would work?

I guess one has to define what "cheap" is...

I realized that the HC1 I have coming doesn't have the OEM hood that came with it when they were new. So I'm trying to determine the best path to go. SONY want's almost $50.00 with shipping for a bloody lens hood!!!

I have been reviewing this thread http://www.pana3ccduser.com/showthread.php?t=729 - these pany users are resourceful to say the least. I was wondering if one couldn't take one of these hoods and DIY a small French flag or something. The price is reasonable for one of these hoods even with shipping. A couple of stepping rings and you're in business. On the other hand, I do have to say that an actual matte box looks so nice on even an HC1/A1U, but how realistic is it to use one for documentary type work???

Any thoughts?

I use the Sony 37mm threaded filters on my HC1, you can even screw the filter directly on the camera itself or also ontop of the HC1 lens hood. Unfortunately you can't screw teh 37mm filters on top of the A1U lens hood (i've tried).