best/cheapest mattebox solution for GH1

[paulgandersman]

what would ya'll say is the best/cheapest mattebox solution for the GH1 (if there is one)?

this means everything you need from the mattebox to rails to even filters. need some help here pricing a package out.

thanks!

[tonydvcoste]

really depends on if you mind looking ghetto or not, some people can rip together a DIY rig that is dirt cheap but even kind of looks cool, as long as you know what you're doing it will give you the same look but you'll save a lot of cash. filters though, no real DIY way around that as far as i know

[paulgandersman]

i guess im looking for something thats an actual product that i'd buy, but not something ridiculously expensive, but also not a few pieces of cardboard taped around my camera either :P

[tonydvcoste]

yeah i suppose not everybody has sheet metal, a torch and a can of black spray paint. befriend a welder with a lot of time on his hands and you're all set!

i've had my eyes open for basically what you're requesting for the dvx100b and ended up going diy for the most part, if you go on ebay and get it in pieces (matte box/rails/filters) you'll probably end up saving a little scratch, if you can get free shipping anyways

[ydgmdlu]

I recommend the Cinetactics Matteblox, if you're not into DIY or any of the cheap Indian products on eBay. I think that you should stay away from the Indian stuff because, in my experience, it's just not well made.

You can get a Matteblox HD package from Specialized Communications (who advertise a lot here) for a little over $200.

[BrianMurphy]

You should look at what your needs will be. I have a Matteblox. If it is a large lens shade you need it will work. If you are limited in space, as I usually say "like in a float plane" you can get by with it and a couple of filters and lots of patience. A proper matte box it is not.
Cavision make affordable matteboxes and they often appear here in the Marketplace. Having two filter holders and one of them able to rotate is kinda the basics if you are going to use any grads or a polarizer.
A basic kit used can be had for around $300 to $400 since a Cavision hard kit new would sell for around $600. There is also the Indy and few others.

[Erik Olson]

Used Chrosziel boxes are on ebay pretty often, and in the marketplace here as well. Aside from Arri matteboxes, Chrosziel is the filmmaker's gold-standard. RedRockMicro makes the best Arri/Chrosziel alternative box for the price.

Petroff and Cavision both make solid sub-$500 systems. Remember that if it doesn't hold filters, it is a sunshade.

We are dealers for Cavision. Their 4x5.65 2-stage hardshade matteboxes are on a lot of prosumer cameras. They mount by clamping onto the lens or on a 15mm / 19mm iris rods system.

Check around in the marketplace here and on ebay. You might find a terrific deal in the second-hand market. If I can price a Cavision system for you, just let me know. We offer DVXUser discounts on everything we sell.

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[paulgandersman]

wow, thanks guy! i think the cinetactics matte blox is perfect for my needs/budget. i see they have a DV version AND an HD version. which would I need to use with my GH1? also is the HD version simply nicer? and if so is it worth the extra money? Also, which ring would I need in order to properly attach it to the GH1 kit lens? thanks!

[ydgmdlu]

The HD version is just larger. It's a must-have if you have a really large lens. Otherwise, it's overkill.

The kit lens has a filter diameter of 62mm. You'll need an adapter.

Also, the HD version has built-in 4x4 filter holders.

[paulgandersman]

i see they only have 72mm and 82mm on their site. do you have a recommendation on where to get the proper 62mm adapter?