What to buy along with the HPX

[Don Schechter]

So I'm taking the plunge into the HPX500 after talking to everyone.
Anyone have recommendations for additional items (I saw the thread on monitors)...anything stand out for anyone as useful/good in particular?

 

[EditingFX]

Noga articulated arm for monitor - get the 8" model with BIG knob. I got the 4" w/ small knob & it's too short & hard to lock. Your head hits the monitor when using VF w/ shorter model.
The included strap is decent - PortaBrace strap not needed. Went PB for a camera case (CC-HD1), really nice but matte box w/ french flag attached doesn't fit. Unfortunately the Cavision flag doesn't come off quickly, so I have to remove box each time (only takes a few seconds, as it's clamp-on, not on rails.)
Power supply & batteries. I went with AB, basically w/o thinking, but in hindsight I might have chosen lesser-known brand & saved hundreds. But I do like the camera-mounted AC adapters, not pulling a box across the floor.
Every non-pro that sees the cam is impressed by the big ol' 16:9 matte box. I'd get one just for the "wow" factor for clients. But I'm excited to order up some graduated NDs & promist filters (already have the polarizer). Wish I'd gotten a box where the flag comes off quickly, so as to fit in the PB quickdraw case.
LOVED the first 4-hour shoot I did with the remote zoom/focus controls. Went w/ Varizoom.... can't complain.

 

[walnutcrunch]

Only had the camera for about a week, but I'd say a few little things depending on what you are doing. We're outdoors a lot, hiking and on boats. So far the Kata camera glove was a good purchase.

I'd get an external monitor or better viewfinder for focus.

And I'd get a nice piece of glass for the front of your really nice piece of glass. We spent the weekend fretting about removing salt spray from the front of our lens.