I was happy with the result and wanted to share some FZ150 modifications (with custom machined parts) that build on the previously recommended accessories from very helpful threads by Ianperegian, LTZ470, GeraldW, Cat150, etc... For those that are not familiar, the optical quality of these two configurations have been covered in prior threads.
FIRST CONFIGURATION
FZ150 with E17ED, Polaroid tube adapter, Nikon Hood, and tripod mount:
Nikon TC-E17ED – There were some issues I solved:
1) Basic mounting – I tried a Bower 58-60mm step-up adapter, but the e17ed only threaded on about 1 full turn. This is probably enough under careful circumstances, but I preferred more. The Polaroid tube that I used was thick enough (and of great quality) where I was able to machine new 60mm threads (where there used to be 58mm threads) allowing a direct mounting between the tube and e17ed. This now allowed many threads to catch, I think around 5 turns. This still allowed clearance for a polarizing filter to be attached without hitting the bottom of the e17ed at full zoom, but not for stacking of anything else. I used a 52mm Marumi Super Polarizer, so your clearance may vary.
2) Polarizing filter – the problem I had is the FZ150 has 52mm filter threads and the e17ed has an 86mm. Therefore, buying both sizes is redundant and expensive. If you only use 52mm, you can't adjust polarizing filters when buried under an adapter tube. Therefore, I machined an access slit, where you can use a plastic stick to reach in and adjust the Marumi Polarizer with the e17ed still in place. In the next pic, you can see the "Marumi" print of the polarizer through the slit window while the FZ150 is at full zoom.
3) Arca Swiss – I purchased a previously recommended tripod mount and placed some Velcro strip to insure proper fit. This tripod mound is of poor quality but does the job. I usually use Arca-Swiss mounts and fortunately, the dimensions of this tripod adapter where quite suitable. I just machined a flat reference surface then two 45 degree slits. The width of this piece was actually usable as-is.
SECOND CONFIGURATION
FZ150 with Canon TC-DC52B, 66-67mm adapter, 67mm UV filter, and hood
Canon TC-DC52B – interesting, cheap, light-weight alternative:
1) It mounts straight on the end of the fz150 lens without needing any tube adapter (both are 52mm) and turns several times to catch many threads. Some believe that teleconverters should not be mounted this way, but this one is very light and the camera has a built-in feedback sensor that detects when something is impairing the movement of the zoom, and it has never had an issue for me so far. Though I wouldn't try this with the bigger e17ed.
2) Contrary to other comments, there actually is a usable thread that I was able to use for a hood and/or filter, but unfortunately, this also took some custom work to get usable. The front glass is retained by a small ring that, when removed, exposed a 66mm thread. I was able to find a 66-67mm converter, but this would not work alone since it would not hold the front glass in place as the original ring did. Therefore, I machined a custom PVC disc to retain the glass....but now I can mount standard 67mm filters and hood
FIRST CONFIGURATION
FZ150 with E17ED, Polaroid tube adapter, Nikon Hood, and tripod mount:
Nikon TC-E17ED – There were some issues I solved:
1) Basic mounting – I tried a Bower 58-60mm step-up adapter, but the e17ed only threaded on about 1 full turn. This is probably enough under careful circumstances, but I preferred more. The Polaroid tube that I used was thick enough (and of great quality) where I was able to machine new 60mm threads (where there used to be 58mm threads) allowing a direct mounting between the tube and e17ed. This now allowed many threads to catch, I think around 5 turns. This still allowed clearance for a polarizing filter to be attached without hitting the bottom of the e17ed at full zoom, but not for stacking of anything else. I used a 52mm Marumi Super Polarizer, so your clearance may vary.
2) Polarizing filter – the problem I had is the FZ150 has 52mm filter threads and the e17ed has an 86mm. Therefore, buying both sizes is redundant and expensive. If you only use 52mm, you can't adjust polarizing filters when buried under an adapter tube. Therefore, I machined an access slit, where you can use a plastic stick to reach in and adjust the Marumi Polarizer with the e17ed still in place. In the next pic, you can see the "Marumi" print of the polarizer through the slit window while the FZ150 is at full zoom.
3) Arca Swiss – I purchased a previously recommended tripod mount and placed some Velcro strip to insure proper fit. This tripod mound is of poor quality but does the job. I usually use Arca-Swiss mounts and fortunately, the dimensions of this tripod adapter where quite suitable. I just machined a flat reference surface then two 45 degree slits. The width of this piece was actually usable as-is.
SECOND CONFIGURATION
FZ150 with Canon TC-DC52B, 66-67mm adapter, 67mm UV filter, and hood
Canon TC-DC52B – interesting, cheap, light-weight alternative:
1) It mounts straight on the end of the fz150 lens without needing any tube adapter (both are 52mm) and turns several times to catch many threads. Some believe that teleconverters should not be mounted this way, but this one is very light and the camera has a built-in feedback sensor that detects when something is impairing the movement of the zoom, and it has never had an issue for me so far. Though I wouldn't try this with the bigger e17ed.
2) Contrary to other comments, there actually is a usable thread that I was able to use for a hood and/or filter, but unfortunately, this also took some custom work to get usable. The front glass is retained by a small ring that, when removed, exposed a 66mm thread. I was able to find a 66-67mm converter, but this would not work alone since it would not hold the front glass in place as the original ring did. Therefore, I machined a custom PVC disc to retain the glass....but now I can mount standard 67mm filters and hood
Better get a roofer to fix that broken tile.