Abel is now taking pre-orders for the new Hot Rod 7D-PL Mod for the Canon 7D. In this video, I sat down with Illya Friedman, president of Hot Rod Cameras, and discussed his latest design.

The Hot Rod 7D-PL Mod is a custom modification that allows the use of any 35mm PL-mount cinema lenses on the 7D, an important addition now that HDSLRs are being utilized in more and more professional environments. The 7D-PL Mod can be purchased for your existing 7D, as well as part of a Deluxe Kit, which includes a modified Canon 7D, a PL adapter, support system and handles. Check out the video to learn more about this exciting mod!

NOTE: Abel is now accepting pre-orders for this item. The first units will be ready to ship around the second week of April. Abel Cine Tech is the exclusive re-seller of this item. You may also be interested in our Canon 7D-PL FAQ.

Abel Cine Tech’s first rental of the Panasonic GH-1 / Hot Rod Deluxe combination was an unusual one. When this camera and Hot Rod’s PL adapter for it first appeared in prototype form, the internet was abuzz with indie filmmakers looking to use the rig for low budget productions, but our first client saw it as a very different device. Pictured above is the rig with a Hawk 35mm anamorphic prime, a lens so large that it requires a bridgeplate support. Abel rigged out a solution, and the system went out with the DP and Director for a weekend tech scout. The production itself is a medium budget feature to be shot primarily on the RED One camera. The tech scout is also a test of the Lumix GH-1 rig to see if footage blown up to 35mm filmout will hold up well enough to intercut with the RED One. If so, the Lumix will work as both a Director’s Finder during setups as well as a B-camera for the shoot.

The Hot Rod PL Mount Adapter for the Panasonic Lumix GH1 has generated a lot of interest, and I thought I would throw a little more fuel on the fire. First take a look at the teaser trailer and behind the scenes for the movie REJOUER, which was shot entirely on the GH1 with the HotRod Adapter. Then stop by DV.com to view their article on this little camera – The DSLR Cam Rises. And finally, stop by our HDSLR Specialty Shop to see the HotRod PL, the Lumix GH1, and a bunch of other accessories for HDSLR cameras.

The Lumix GH1 is a new digital camera from Panasonic that can not only shoot excellent still photos, but 1080 24P & 720 60P video too. In the video, I show off this little camera and how you can put a PL mount lens on it with the new Hot Rod PL Mount Lens adapter. And to make this combination even cooler, I put a brand new Zeiss Compact Prime on the setup. Check out the video, and come by our office to get your hands on it. Also check out our new HDSLR Specialty Shop, which is growing by the minute.