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What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 8:02 pm
by João Gomes
Hi.

I´ve searched the forum but with no luck...

I´m looking to buy a Mattebox for my BMCC but i don´t want to spend anymore than 500/600€ (652/782 usd).
What experience do you have with your current gear?

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 8:37 pm
by Milen Mladenov
Hey João,
I would say don't buy the Redrock micro matte box : http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/f ... uxe-Bundle. We've had pretty disappointing experience with it. I think that it's too heavy and clumsy for the BMCC and after extensive use it starts to fall apart. That's just my experience!
Hope it's a little bit helpful!

Cheers,

Milen

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 8:38 pm
by Jeggintonfilms
Lanparte Matte-Box.

You will be very happy.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 8:39 pm
by João Gomes
Thanks guys!

Nice to know what to expect.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:15 am
by Chris Hocking
What lenses are you using?

What sort of camera rig do you have?

Are you working off a tripod, or handheld/shoulder mount?

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:17 am
by Rakesh Malik
Jeggintonfilms wrote:Lanparte Matte-Box.

You will be very happy.


I'd second that. I got one for my not here yet BMCC, and I am impressed with its build quality as well as its ergonomics, particularly given its price point.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 3:52 am
by João Gomes
Chris Hocking wrote:What lenses are you using?

What sort of camera rig do you have?

Are you working off a tripod, or handheld/shoulder mount?


I have a Vocas rig for my 7D. I´ll be operating it both on shoulder and tripod. Two years ago (i think...) a bought a cheapo from India and it just started to fall apart. Now i want to buy a solid one for my BMCC 4K... guess i have time...
I´ve been comfortable using only two trays but i´m thinking of abandoning my Heliopan Vari ND because of
it´s polarizing effect on skin tones, so i´m thinking 3 trays (with a rotating one for polariser) would be optimal?

What do you think? I´ve also seen one on the NAB coverage videos that had orange screws and bolts but i can´t remember which manufacturer.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 4:20 pm
by Peter J. DeCrescenzo
João Gomes wrote:... I´ve also seen one on the NAB coverage videos that had orange screws and bolts but i can´t remember which manufacturer.


John Brawley reports that he quite likes BrightTangerine matte boxes, which have orange-colored hardware bits. (Out of my price range though.):
http://brighttangerine.com

I'm using a Vocas matte box I bought several years ago, and it's held up well. However, now there are a wide variety of matte boxes available from many different vendors, at a huge range of prices. I suggest researching carefully before buying. Especially with matte boxes, the devil is in the details. Cheers.

-

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:52 pm
by wro
For me good choice is Genus like in my set:
Image

follow this e-bay user: http://myworld.ebay.de/hand-inhand?_trk ... 7675.l2559
i have buy my mattebox with french flag and 15mm rods apater for 200E.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:54 pm
by nonlinearedits
I'm probably going to get flamed for this, but I grabbed a Kamerar originally to have something until I save up case. Filters fit fine, the construction is surprisingly well made. All the metal parts are CNC Milled. The only plastic part is the box, the flags and all mounts are metal. There are no step down rings despite the anodized red ring looking like one. For the cost it will get the job done. There have been some reviews that the plastic box has come scratched. Mine had a small scratch on the inside. For $100 you can't really argue with a small scratch. Essentially a mattbox no matter where it comes from is a plastic or metal box with plastic or metal flags and a 15mm rail mount. Personally I can't see myself buying a $1000 plastic and metal box right now. I'd rather put that money towards glass. They seem to always be running a promotion on the site with a coupon code. I got it cheaper on their direct website shipped than I would have getting it on Amazon Prime. http://kamerar.com/

Image

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:23 pm
by João Gomes
Thanks guys!

My biggest concern is the filter trey system. It has to be solid and made in a way where the treys slide in easily without any risk of damaging the (expensive) filters. That´s why i´m buying a new one. My Pro Aim is literally falling apart and i´m not taking any chances.

Thanks a lot for your input!

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:37 pm
by João Gomes
Man, those Bright Tangerine ones look good but they don´t come cheap!!

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:37 pm
by Peter J. DeCrescenzo
Peter J. DeCrescenzo wrote:... Especially with matte boxes, the devil is in the details. Cheers.


For example: Some matte boxes have independently-rotatable filter trays. This allows a polarizer to be rotated separately from a graduated ND rotated at a different angle.

That's a feature my old Vocas matte box doesn't have, and one I'd look for in a new one when I eventually replace it.

-

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:15 pm
by João Gomes
Peter J. DeCrescenzo wrote:
Peter J. DeCrescenzo wrote:... Especially with matte boxes, the devil is in the details. Cheers.


For example: Some matte boxes have independently-rotatable filter trays. This allows a polarizer to be rotated separately from a graduated ND rotated at a different angle.

That's a feature my old Vocas matte box doesn't have, and one I'd look for in a new one when I eventually replace it.

-


My current Mattebox has one rotating tray for the polariser. I think that is indispensable, apart from the fixed one in the from.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:43 pm
by Rakesh Malik
Peter J. DeCrescenzo wrote:
For example: Some matte boxes have independently-rotatable filter trays. This allows a polarizer to be rotated separately from a graduated ND rotated at a different angle.



Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but that was one of the things that convinced me to go for the Lanparte carbon fiber matte box. It has two filter 5x6 filter holders with included 4x4 adapters that both rotate independently.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Wed May 01, 2013 6:33 am
by MaxEmanuel
I've got the Chrosziel Kit as well as the ARRI MMB-2 Matte Boxwith MBP-3 Baseplate. I like the ARRI better, rock solid and, well, it's a ARRI ;)

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Wed May 01, 2013 6:56 am
by Steve Lee Jean
There is the notion of "buy once and cry once" so I recommend 4x5.65 filters for future's sake if possible. Particularly if you plan on using lenses with large front elements. Genus and of course Arri make great matte boxes.

However for shooting on my GH3, and hopefully for my BMCC, the LanParte has been an excellent compromise of price/quality/features.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Wed May 01, 2013 8:40 am
by SteveR
Give the relatively small form factor of the camera., a compact matte box would best as a opposed to large production matte box. Genus make two matte boxes suitable for Blackmagic camera both less than 500 euros
The GWMC matte box which takes 4x4 filters
http://shop.genustech.tv/collections/gwmc-matte-box

And the PV matte box which tales P size filters
http://shop.genustech.tv/collections/pv-matte-box

Image

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Thu May 02, 2013 2:16 pm
by João Gomes
I´m liking the Genus, the Lanparte and the Tilta ones.

I´m not sure if i should wait for the camera to arrive and buy all the bits and pieces then (because prices may drop in the meantime) or if i should buy everything now so that it won´t hurt so much... on my wallet...

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 10, 2013 6:24 am
by Ben Wells
Any idea if the Lanparte Deluxe Carbon Fibre Large Matte Box is compatible with the Red Rock Shoulder Rig?

BW

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 10, 2013 6:35 am
by paulkosmala
Milen Mladenov wrote:Hey João,
I would say don't buy the Redrock micro matte box : http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/f ... uxe-Bundle. We've had pretty disappointing experience with it. I think that it's too heavy and clumsy for the BMCC and after extensive use it starts to fall apart. That's just my experience!
Hope it's a little bit helpful!

Cheers,

Milen


I disagree.
I have the redrock mattbox. It's big, but it doesn't fall apart, the rotating filter tray is a plus.
But yeah, on a 5dmk2 it's a wee bit clumsy on a shouldermount.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 10, 2013 6:40 am
by Rakesh Malik
Ben Wells wrote:Any idea if the Lanparte Deluxe Carbon Fibre Large Matte Box is compatible with the Red Rock Shoulder Rig?

BW


The Lanparte in question requires 15mm rods. I'm pretty sure that the Red Rock shoulder rig is based on 15mm rods, since that's one of the two standard rod diameters. (The other is 19mm.)

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 10, 2013 4:42 pm
by sean mclennan
innerspark wrote:There is the notion of "buy once and cry once" so I recommend 4x5.65 filters for future's sake if possible. Particularly if you plan on using lenses with large front elements.


Exactly this!

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 17, 2013 7:22 am
by Margus Voll
I also wonder about filter size.

I have my eye on Tangerine but i'm not sure about the filter size.

4x5.65 seems good starting point but i'm not sure if Samyangs are to small for that?


http://brighttangerine.com/product-landing/viv/5

or

http://brighttangerine.com/product-landing/strummer/4

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 17, 2013 8:19 am
by simonkn
Chrosziel, Arri, BrightTangerine.... Beautiful but not really in the OPs budget eh???


DMatte from DFocus. $300 clip-on. Holds my two, heavy 4mm 4x4 Formatt ND filters fine and the rear holder rotates. Ok, it's plastic but then its in the price range that its worked for long enough to be replaceable when it breaks...

Image
DSC_0029 by Mediahound_Films, on Flickr

Simon

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 17, 2013 9:23 am
by Margus Voll
Hi again.

I try to not think of numbers at the moment :D

Just looking the functionality and usability.

Like my father in law says: "First you need a plan then the money will follow"

If anyone could help me with Tangerine sizing i would be grateful.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sat May 18, 2013 7:41 pm
by Benton Collins
I purchased this Genus Matte box kit for $667 on sale from its normal price of $1,333.00 and am VERY happy with it. Top quality stuff!

http://shop.genustech.tv/collections/sh ... it-special

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sat May 18, 2013 7:48 pm
by Benton Collins
They also have refurbished Elite Matte Box kits for $679 Normally $1,833. I might have gone for this one, but they did not have this deal when I bought the compact box. I have not run into any disadvantages of the more compact one as I generally like to go on the smaller side whenever I can. http://shop.genustech.tv/collections/el ... shed-stock

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sat May 18, 2013 9:41 pm
by Nick Vega
Can anyone chime in on the genus vs lanparte carbon fiber matte box?

Both are in my price range but the lanparte comes with 2 adapters to turn the 4x5's to 4x4s and a universal donut (plus swing away arm, height adjustments, ect).

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sun May 19, 2013 2:03 am
by Benton Collins
I have no experience with the Lanparte other than hearing that it's also good. But the Genus PV Matte Box Advanced Kit I purchased aslo comes with a universal lens ring with "Nuns Knickers" a universal elastic light blocker that fits all my lenses from small Nikon primes to a Tokina 11-16 with 72mm front. The kit also comes with a swing away bracket, height adjuster and two 4X5.65 filter holders, but no adapter for using 4x4 filters.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sun May 19, 2013 4:14 am
by rick.lang
Benton wrote:I have no experience with the Lanparte other than hearing that it's also good. But the Genus PV Matte Box Advanced Kit I purchased aslo comes with a universal lens ring with "Nuns Knickers" a universal elastic light blocker that fits all my lenses from small Nikon primes to a Tokina 11-16 with 72mm front. The kit also comes with a swing away bracket, height adjuster and two 4X5.65 filter holders, but no adapter for using 4x4 filters.


The summary of the kit you bought mentions 4x4 filters can be used when horizontal.

Rick Lang
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sun May 19, 2013 4:28 am
by Nick Vega
Decided to take the lanparte plunge for the 4x4 adapters so I can rotate my filter with ease of mind (also the vendor has a great return and refund policy).

The genus sale was very tempting, though! If my set of filters were 4X5.65, I would have gone with a genus box.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sun May 19, 2013 10:57 am
by Fabio Lanzone
I use the shoot35 mattebox. It's light, has two 4x4 filter trays (both rotating!) and the swing away hinge for changing lenses without removing the mattebox.
It needs the 15mm rods. Personal experience: if possible avoid the clip on matteboxes, the weight will break the lenses.

http://www.shoot35.com/products/cinebox ... frame.html

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sun May 19, 2013 5:58 pm
by Dennis Westhoff
The shoot35 is quite cool and cheap!

But you would get a Genus Elite Mattebox for 100 - 200 bucks more!
I only have a set of Rokinon primes, do you think the Genus Mattebox is to large for them?

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Sun May 19, 2013 10:02 pm
by Pascal Deshayes
I'm also lurking around for the best price/performance mattebox and have found this Manfrotto model:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8 ... ystem.html

Interesting form/compact concept - what do you think?

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Mon May 20, 2013 1:57 am
by Benton Collins
pask74 wrote:I'm also lurking around for the best price/performance mattebox and have found this Manfrotto model:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8 ... ystem.html

Interesting form/compact concept - what do you think?


A bit too odd for my tastes. Also doesn't appear to allow french flags, something I regard as essential.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Wed May 22, 2013 10:42 am
by Andrea Cecchini
I have Arri MMB-2 with 2 Filter tray 4x5.65 and Formatt HD ND Filter 0.3 - 0.9. Love it!!
I guess the Arri is best Mattebox on the market but is expensive...I know.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Wed May 22, 2013 11:17 am
by Margus Voll
What is expensive that you say ?

I have no reference. Ones expensive is other cheap i mean.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Wed May 22, 2013 2:29 pm
by Frank Glencairn
All matteboxes are overpriced as hell, if you ask me.
They are just a plastic/aluminum funnel (much like a black Tupperware box) with some mounting hardware and filterstages. For what they are, the prices are insane.

I have a Crosziel, that I got used and I like it very much, cause it's deeper than most matteboxes.

If I would have to buy a new one, it's probably the Cinematics. Looks like bet bang for the buck and sports some extra features like a bottom french flag.

http://www.ebay.de/itm/DSLR-Matte-Box-4 ... 3f2050fc2f

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Wed May 22, 2013 2:46 pm
by sean mclennan
Benton wrote:
pask74 wrote:I'm also lurking around for the best price/performance mattebox and have found this Manfrotto model:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8 ... ystem.html

Interesting form/compact concept - what do you think?


A bit too odd for my tastes. Also doesn't appear to allow french flags, something I regard as essential.


You're not looking close enough.

The Manfrotto is a genius design. You can adjust the funnel in depth as well as side-to-side (like french flags). Since it's flexible, you can do a LOT with it to fit your situation. It also packs flat.

If you can wrap your head around the fact it's not square, you can see you versatile this matte box is.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Thu May 23, 2013 12:34 am
by Benton Collins
sean mclennan wrote:
Benton wrote:
pask74 wrote:I'm also lurking around for the best price/performance mattebox and have found this Manfrotto model:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8 ... ystem.html

Interesting form/compact concept - what do you think?


A bit too odd for my tastes. Also doesn't appear to allow french flags, something I regard as essential.


You're not looking close enough.

The Manfrotto is a genius design. You can adjust the funnel in depth as well as side-to-side (like french flags). Since it's flexible, you can do a LOT with it to fit your situation. It also packs flat.

If you can wrap your head around the fact it's not square, you can see you versatile this matte box is.


I did see this function described. Maybe it works well, but it looked like if you are trying to flag multiple light sources from multiple directions this thing looks like it would spring/flop around from being pushed and pulled in too many directions. Have you used it?

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Thu May 23, 2013 3:02 pm
by sean mclennan
I've been in it's presence ;) I helped a friend out on a commercial shoot a little while ago and they were using it. The hood was twisted pretty good to stop flares coming from about 45degrees. The DP/cameratech? said he loved it. The only drawback he had was vignetting while using super wide glass when the "hood" is fully extended. He said he doesn't really get requests for super wide shots anyway.

It was just an a-ha moment for me. So used to seeing matte boxes looking only one what...this seemed completely out of the box.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Thu May 23, 2013 4:43 pm
by rick.lang
sean mclennan wrote:
Benton wrote:
pask74 wrote:I'm also lurking around for the best price/performance mattebox and have found this Manfrotto model:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8 ... ystem.html

Interesting form/compact concept - what do you think?


A bit too odd for my tastes. Also doesn't appear to allow french flags, something I regard as essential.


You're not looking close enough.

The Manfrotto is a genius design. You can adjust the funnel in depth as well as side-to-side (like french flags). Since it's flexible, you can do a LOT with it to fit your situation. It also packs flat.

If you can wrap your head around the fact it's not square, you can see you versatile this matte box is.


Good points, Sean! I had not clicked on the extra images that illustrate its flexibility. Did the rubber seem thick enough to withstand the wear and tear from outdoor use where UV rays will break down rubber? Or does it have some UV nanocoating?

Rick Lang
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Thu May 23, 2013 5:11 pm
by sean mclennan
no idea about any coating, but yes...it was robust rubber. It is Manfrotto after all...I've been using their stuff for 20 years. They make good quality!

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 24, 2013 6:51 am
by Owen Davies
Margus Voll wrote:Hi again.

I try to not think of numbers at the moment :D

Just looking the functionality and usability.

Like my father in law says: "First you need a plan then the money will follow"

If anyone could help me with Tangerine sizing i would be grateful.


Hi Marcus,

I have a strummer. It's a beast. Built like a tank.

I don't have any Samyang lenses myself so I can't comment on the actual suitability. But we do have an 80mm step down ring which is a threaded, machined item that screws in to the standard 115mm donut.

This isn't perfect for the Samyangs and you would need a front diameter mod from someone like Duclos to make them all 80mm - or use some nun's knickers.

The other thing is the cost. This adaptor on its own was £££ so they are not cheap, so be ready for some open wallet surgery.

It is however, the best Mattebox I have used bar none!

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 24, 2013 7:25 am
by Margus Voll
[quote="Owen Davies"][quote="Margus Voll"]

The other thing is the cost. This adaptor on its own was £££ so they are not cheap, so be ready for some open wallet surgery.


That is good one :D

I just think if i buy it once use it some 10 years then i can justify the cost.

Ans i like my tools to work perfectly. Better not getting any than getting a lousy one.

There is also Viv / Viv5 models but i do not understand the difference
is it size mainly or is there something else also?

http://brighttangerine.com/product-landing/viv/5

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 24, 2013 7:55 am
by adamroberts
Margus Voll wrote:There is also Viv / Viv5 models but i do not understand the difference
is it size mainly or is there something else also?

http://brighttangerine.com/product-landing/viv/5


The VIV is designed as a clamp on MB. Clamps onto the front of the lens. Tho it does include rail mounts. The Viv5 is a 5x5 version of the design. Viv is 4x5.65.

Edit: I see they now offer a sway away option for the Viv. Nice

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 24, 2013 8:01 am
by Margus Voll
Is it also smaller or just different design ?

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 24, 2013 8:07 am
by adamroberts
It's smaller.

I've seen John Brawley using one. Pretty sure it was the Viv.

Re: What Matte Box??

PostPosted: Fri May 24, 2013 8:08 am
by adamroberts
Viv is for 4x5.65 only. Strummer is bigger and supports 4x4 to 6x6.