Cinetactics Matte Box Now in Stock. [Archive] - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

Greg_Mote

10-14-2003, 05:49 PM

We will have to look into supporting larger lenses. We haven't tried out the 16:9 lens for the DVX100; how big is the end of the adapter? If it it is only a little size increase, we might be able to accomodate it; but, I would worry about vignetting.

We have been considered making a larger Matteblox. The more interest we see, the faster we will work on it. We were thinking that in addition to the 100mm square and 4" square filters, would want to support 4"x6" filters and Cokin's X-Pro. What filter sizes would any of you need supported? Would a bigger matte box be useful to you?

ddh

10-15-2003, 06:38 AM

Greg. I have no doubt that if you were to make a matte box to fit the 16.9 adaptor, you would have a very grateful group of DVX shooters. I don't have the adaptor yet and a matte box for it is not available at this time. If you were to modify the soft-matteblox with a hard back clamp set-up on the 16.9 adaptor frame and two slots for filters (one rotating and one fixed), you would still be able to put this on the cam without the need for rails. If you imagine a hard plastic (pretty much made of the same material as the present shade on the DVX) with two lower support forks framing the lower corners of your soft matteblox, you'd have it. One shooter actually cut an open ridge into the present DVX shade to insert a 4X4 filter.
Hope this helps.

Guest

10-18-2003, 11:18 PM

Wow, this thing looks pretty sweet. I've been wanting a mattebox/filterholder for a while, but can't afford the $300-$500+. Are there any reviews around, or can someone give us some detailed comments on one? So far, I'm pretty sold.

-moore

ddh

10-19-2003, 03:11 AM

I've had one since they first came out and I highly recommend it. I can't comment on the filter arraignment because I don't use them; I use screw-on filters. I bought it because I needed some shade and this does the trick. The only thing I thought needed attention is the fact that you can't use a cap on the lense when not shooting. Greg said they would fix that. These guys are pretty responsive and it's a good product. I don't need rails and I like the fact that it is easy on and off and gets shade at better than 30 degrees on the lense horizon. For the price - you can't beat it!

Guest

11-06-2003, 06:27 PM

Hey ddh,
Greg has redesigned a new adaptor and we are currently talking to the manufacturer about it. We are planning on expanding the matteblox line with more accessories and more sizes. We'll let you know as soon as the new adaptors are available. Cheers

Michael

Zoomforce

11-07-2003, 09:37 AM

Hey. We actually got one in a few weeks ago with all the fixins and are completing a review on it. The "super" flag you can get is huge and really helps cut light in extreme shooting enviroments. The filter system seems a little odd but seems to work with 3x3 filters.. and using screw on filters works fantastic.

Guest

11-08-2003, 08:22 AM

I have a Matteblox and did an outside shoot in downtown Charlotte two weeks ago. I was actually quite amazed at the difference in image quality using the Matteblox. I never realized just how much stray light gets between the separate lens elements and creates glare. My shots were extremely clear with great colors and contrast and no visible dust on my lens! The Matteblox and flag don't add too much weight to the camera either (I think about 5 ounces for the two combined).

The Matteblox can be setup and taken down in about 30-60 secs. Having the carrying case with a carribeaner also was helpful, as I just attached it to my belt and away I went, looking like some fisherman with multiple fanny packs and the Matteblox dangling from my waist.

So, all in all, a great investment for $150. BTW, it also makes your camera look a little more imposing;).

I've sent Greg at Cinetactics some measurements for making a Matteblox that will work with the anamorphic adapter and am hopeful they will be able to produce one within the coming months. Of course, they want to ensure that there is sufficient demand.

Just out of curiosity, how many of you would buy a Matteblox if it supported the anamorphic adapter and how much would you be willing to pay?

Garrett

Zoomforce

11-08-2003, 10:50 AM

The biggest plus I have found so far is the weight and the fact that the thing folds up into a little bag for travel.

I used for a day on the last feature we shot, and it performed well but the filter system we used didnt work very well with it so I stopped using it. I must tell you though that the huge optional flag you can get blocks more light than the $10,000 Arri 6x6 mattebox we used. It is a Velcro system as well so you can really shape and custom adjust the flags perfectly.

The matteblox you can get away with having huge light control without the need of rods and the hassle of adding another 10lbs to the front of the camera.

And it looks pretty cool as well.

Zoomforce

11-08-2003, 10:51 AM

oh as for the ana.. I think they would sell tons as I beleive only Chiro makes a mattebox for it right now.

SirAllen

11-08-2003, 11:05 AM

I'm a little confused, do you need to buy the 72mm threaded adapter to use it with the DVX100? It looks like you do even though it says it fits anything 60-85mm.

DVStory

11-08-2003, 06:22 PM

I just bought the Matteblox a few days ago, but i didn't purchase the oversized flag. Do people with the Matteblox strongly recommend getting it? Unfortunately, the shipping will increase the cost by 50% since i live in Canada. Thanks.

-Anthony

Zoomforce

11-08-2003, 11:06 PM

Hey.. You dont need to buy the adapter, but it does not mount as well as it does if you do. You need to have a pretty wide UV at least though so the box can actually mount to something.

Think of when you velcro the sleeve straps on a ski jacket to tighten them around your gloves, that is how the box mounts to the camera.

I highly do recommend the large flag, as it really really helps cut the sun if you dont have someone to cut for you.

Also, as for the lens cap issue, when you get the filter holders they have a little plastic insert, you can leave that in and use the filter as a lens cap.

DVStory

11-09-2003, 05:14 PM

Thanks Jarred. I just ordered the additional flag and Greg at Cinetatics gave me a deal on the shipping since i just ordered my Matteblox package a couple of days ago. I love it when companies are understanding and give great service. It really makes me appreciate them and want to do more business with them.

I can't wait for it to all arrive - i'm hoping to be able to test it out before Vancouver's 5 month rain season starts.

-Anthony

Zoomforce

11-09-2003, 07:33 PM

yeah.. Greg is a pretty standup guy and I am happy he is treating our users so well.

ddh

11-10-2003, 02:22 PM

Hey Michael,
thanks for the heads up. I'm pretty happy with this box. Man get that anamorphic kit together.
I've mentioned this before on another forum but here goes...using the same material ( or maybe graphite composite - a bit thinner suggested) as the original DVX shade box with two 4X4 (one rotating - one fixed) slots for filters, you can use the same basic design and concept (materials, etc.) for a 16.9 mat box. I can see it in my head but you guys have go past the vision thing and see if it works. all the best

Guest

11-17-2003, 04:27 PM

We are planning on putting up special packages for the Holidays. We are going to offer a special one just for all you DVX users out there. www.cinetactics.com Thanks to all that have bought our Matteblox so far. We have just designed another product for you DVX users and are getting prototypes made right now. We will tell you guys what the new product is when we have them ready for sale. Until then, come on by and check our Matteblox holiday package specials out this week. Wouldn't a Matteblox package under the tree would be the perfect gift from a loved one or yourself this holiday?

Oldtimer

11-18-2003, 11:48 AM

Yippeee!!!! what is the special mattebox just for us? Can you give us any little hints?

Guest

11-18-2003, 05:00 PM

What are the Holiday Specials? I don't see them up there yet.... guess I'll have to wait until later this week.

-moore

Guest

11-18-2003, 08:02 PM

Get them while they're hot. The special prices are up. Check it out at www.cinetactics.com The offer will only be available for the Holidays.

The other product we have now is the focus target. We are still looking to get them mass produced. Currently they are made in low quantities. The focus target is a really special product for filmmakers that demand perfect focus in any lighting situation. Have a look at our site and let us know if you guys have any questions about it.

Oldtimer,
The special matte box for you guys is the
Matteblox. We are also currently working on another product to support serious dvx100, GL1-2, VX2K/PD150 users. We are very excited about it and will let you know as soon as possible.

bgundu

11-19-2003, 03:21 PM

Hi Micheal,

Is the new product something entirely different, or is it an improvement on the existing Mattblox?

Thanks,

Bob

24Peter

11-19-2003, 06:02 PM

Ordered my "holiday special" today. Excited - but could have used it last weekend. I shot a bunch of scenes outside and came home to find a couple of my wide shots were totally flared out. I was using the LCD with my Petrol LCD shade but still didn't notice how bad the lens flare was. I hope I can salvage the footage in Vegas.

Zoomforce

11-19-2003, 08:33 PM

Sad to hear Peter. that oversize french is really gonna help.. it's HUGE :)

24Peter

11-19-2003, 09:29 PM

It was actually the worst flaring I've had - and I didn't even notice it, I guess because it was so uniform across the image. The whole shot looks washed out until I start panning.

Probably should have asked this earlier but... does the Matteblox interfere with an on-camera mic (Panasonic stock mount)? And will the french flag end up in my wide shots?

Zoomforce

11-20-2003, 12:58 AM

yes it will and no it wont. By interfering I dont mean physically, but it will deflect some of the sound waves.

DVStory

11-20-2003, 12:20 PM

Damn! I just bought that whole package a week and a half ago. Oh, well.

A little heads up for those who are ordering from Canada - if it ships UPS ground, then UPS will ding you for the custom brokerage charges (around $90.00), so it may be best for you to ask Cinetactics to ship it by UPS or FedEx air. Even, though there is no duty on camera stuff, they still have to clear it and that is the service they charge you for.

-Anthony
Vancouver, Canada

Zoomforce

11-20-2003, 01:00 PM

Fedex Fedex Fedex... boy oh boy UPS sucks.

Devin

11-22-2003, 12:38 AM

Hey this thing looks cool I never seen it before. Any idea if it is lighter than the stock dvx sunshade?

ddh

11-23-2003, 02:56 PM

Yep, it's lighter. ;D

Guest

11-25-2003, 12:37 PM

Just ordered mine ;D

Guest

11-25-2003, 06:09 PM

Are any of you guys using filters with the Matteblox? The reason I ask is because the Tiffen 4x4 filters I've looked at cost more than the Matteblox itself. Is it possible to use 72mm screw-on filters with it? Those are half the price.

-moore

24Peter

11-26-2003, 04:52 PM

Moore - you need the 72mm adapter ring to "effectively" use the matteblox with the DVX and it's not threaded on the front. You can put the filter between the lens and the adapter but then you have to take the whole rig off to change the filter in the field. Not a major hassle but it will take some time to do.

Guest

11-26-2003, 09:00 PM

Any comments by anyone who is using 4x4 filters with it? Also, when you use it over a screw-on filter is there any vignetting?

Zoomforce

11-26-2003, 09:37 PM

4x4 filters work ok, but it is a little different the velcro way of putting them into. As long as you are not using any angle specific filter they should work fine, although you must use the lens hood because the 4x4 pretty much sticks to the end of the mattebox.

It is nice though how the filters are "protected"

Zoomforce

11-30-2003, 04:59 PM

our review is up of this mattelbox :

http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/matteblox/

DVStory

11-30-2003, 05:55 PM

Has anyone used the Matteblox with the smaller Cokin A filter holder? If so any comments on how well it worked? Thanks.

-Anthony

STORYTELLER32

12-03-2003, 07:55 AM

Would love to get this, but I need it to work with the anamorphic adapter!! :'(
storyteller32

escaped_light

12-03-2003, 12:35 PM

From what I've read, a matte box is quite essential in getting quality video? Besides, with a matte box it looks a bit more proffessional; I want people to see my cam and say: "Hey that looks professional" LOL :P

I think that I'm going to buy one once I get my DVX-100.

Robert

P.S. I love the website design!

Greg_Mote

12-10-2003, 11:36 PM

Due to unexpected popularity, we ran out of 72mm Threaded Adapters. Thank you, DVX users, for buying so many of our Mattebloxes. We are pleased to announce that the new 72mm Threaded Adapters will be available on December 26th. They will include 72mm threads on the front to allow screw on filters and the lens cap to be used with the adapter in place. We listen to your suggestions and are always trying to improve our products.

I also want to let everyone know we are extending the Holiday specials until January 1st.

ktdmoviemaker

12-11-2003, 03:34 PM

Cool! So, now I can keep my lens protected as well with my Hoya UV filter!!! Greatest film thingy EVER!!! Cinetactics ROCKS!!! Guerrilla film tactics for LIFE!!!

Happy Holidays,

Kris

charles

12-15-2003, 04:37 PM

I wanted to buy the Century matte box set but settled on building one for my XM2, at this link: http://homebuiltstabilizers.com/charlesmattebox.html

Zoomforce

12-15-2003, 04:48 PM

wow greg... damn thats cool that you already are on modifying the new product to make it better. Keep up the good work!

Zoomforce

12-15-2003, 04:55 PM

wow charles.. that is very nice... do you have a machine shop?

charles

12-16-2003, 01:22 AM

I have a friend you helps me out machining parts for my stabilizer but the matte box I did myself at home using materials I thought would fit the bill. It took an 1 1/2 to put it together. Some parts I had saved from many years back and finally found some use for them :)

Guest

12-18-2003, 02:45 AM

Wow.

Wow.

Wow.

That thing is amazing --- what kind of tools and materials did it take? It looks professionally made.

-moore

charles

12-18-2003, 08:35 AM

Thank U for the kind words Moore. The actual matte box is a electrical cable housing used for housing cables to a junction box. I had cut the frame in have to use the section you see. The flags are taken from an old hologen lamp that were thrown in the dumpster. I just unscrewed it from the lamp casings and voila!
The rods are taken from some old piece of equipment also found at a scrap shop. The plate I bought at a hardware store. I use a Manfrotto sliding plate to slide the camera inside the box. I also use a 3x3 cokin filter holder, with mounts for 3 different filters, which I can easily change and just slide everything with the filters mounted, into the matte box. The other parts you see, like the handles, I bought at a at a store that sells everything and everything that caters to handles. For tools I used an industry electrical saw and a professional bore machine to get the threaded holes made. I could have used an ordinary bore machine but I had acces to this tool and took advantage.

That's about it. I'll try and tak another pic with everthing mounted as soon as my digital camera comes back from service.

Zoomforce

12-18-2003, 08:46 AM

I was at Ikea a couple days ago and they have a nice aluminum rod assembly for $7 that supposed to be used for a drawer.. you just need to find a square chuck of aluminum for the plate.

Zoomforce

12-18-2003, 08:52 AM

hey did the big round things in front of the junction box come with the assembly or is that something else?

charles

12-18-2003, 09:04 AM

Ooops! I forgot about that. Those round things are spacers. They were specially machined for seperating steel coils in a steel industry were I work(gotta bring in the money some way, until I can get my feet in the film industry :) ).
I took two,amoung hundreds lying about, and using an electrical sand paper machine, I carefully levelled one side by grounding it down. This was to make head room for the build-on mic, as this caused an obstruction. This piece is purely for cosmetic reasons. Although it helps even out the edge of the matte box.

dannyk

12-20-2003, 10:38 AM

OK, You guys got me excited as well so the order is in!
Can you recommend a basic set of "utility chest" 4x4 or (potentially if better) Cokin filters and where to get them online.
Rock on.
DK

dannyk

12-20-2003, 11:03 AM

FYI - THe Petrol LCD Cover referred to above is this model.
PMH-1 Mini Monitor Hood

It's about $17 at B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=264606&is=REG

They ship cheap and fast - which is why I use them in many cases where their price is competitive.
Rock on

Barry_Green

12-21-2003, 12:45 AM

With all due respect to Cokin, don't bother. Their resin filters are not comparable to decent glass filters from the better manufacturers (Schneider, B+W, Heliopan, etc). Cokin is much less expensive, for a reason.

MARK

01-11-2004, 10:16 AM

WINDJAMER CAPACITY ?

Hi group

All that stuff look great. But does this structure can stay out of the field in a big wind condition ? I mean one the big blue beach. My next prod will be on the Normandie beach in France, with available light, flares...and wind.

Marc

booggerg

01-12-2004, 04:32 PM

You guys think Cinetactics will still offer the "holiday special" for DVXUser.com members? I missed out on the before holiday special because i hadn't come upon Jarred's review back then. I'd really like to get one of these suckers. *BTW.. anyone used the normal french flag or the oversized one outside when it was windy? How prone to being blown over are the french flags?

PS. what was the holiday special? Price? what did it include?

Zoomforce

01-14-2004, 11:58 AM

Hey Cinetactics sent me the new step-up ring.. what an improvement!. It is now a 72mm-72mm ring.. (not a 82-72mm) This means not only will the lens cap actually stay on the camera better, but you can screw in/out filters without removing the mattebox now.

http://www.dvxuser.com/image/cinemring6.jpg

Elvis

01-14-2004, 12:25 PM

Jarred, do you even need the old one now? 8)

Elvis

01-14-2004, 12:29 PM

Boo, the holiday price was $25.00 discount of the regular price for a complete set. 8)

sparkhope

01-14-2004, 02:41 PM

I just picked up the oversized flag and a couple of 4x4 filter holders. *upon Jared's and Cinetactics suggestion I placed a bit of velcro directly on the Anamorphic hood and attached the oversized flag directly (works perfectly). *the 4x4 attaches right at the edge of the anamorphic hood without any vignetting. *Excellent product.

PS. I got a peak at the black prototype - VERY NICE!!!!

Greg_Mote

01-14-2004, 09:03 PM

Jarred: Nice bamboo mat!

Glad you like the new adapter. We haven't had time to update the info on our site with photos of the new 72mm Threaded Adapter. (We are busy working on the super size Matteblox, and other new stuff) But, as you can see they are very similar, with the exception of that front thread, a slight decrease in outside diameter (to match the 72mm thread) and the strangely extra bold font for the identification marking.

Guest

01-15-2004, 01:47 PM

Super-size Matteblox? Other new stuff???

Do tell.

-moore

Guest

01-17-2004, 08:43 AM

I just received the new adapter and agree that it's a big improvement. Overall the quality of the matteblox stuff is excellent. I've dealt with them on three separate occasions, and every time the customer service was first rate. Really great people to deal with.

LindenDread

01-23-2004, 12:23 PM

Just spoke to Greg at Cinetactics - cool brotha - and they are building a matteblox for the anamorphic lense. He told me that they should have a prototype in about a month and about a month or two after that they hope to have them on the market....

tee hee.

dread

Zoomforce

01-26-2004, 09:59 AM

We where shooting a short this weekend with an XL1S (i know i know..) with the ps 35mm adapter and primes and we did a quick exterior shot and pulled the mattblox outta my bag like a super hero... prodcution loved the thing. worked well.

Voytek_Stitko

05-02-2004, 07:15 PM

I need mateblox for 16:9 adapter!!!!

Come on guys!

Voytek

Zoomforce

06-10-2004, 02:55 PM

we just got the new black matteblox with the improved 72mm adapter. It definately looks very cool!

http://www.dvximg.com/mattebk.jpg

Guest

06-14-2004, 03:51 AM

Very nice...but what happened to the model for the anamorphic adapter that was said to be "one month away" from a completed prototype on 1/23/04?

Greg_Mote

06-14-2004, 09:57 AM

The anamorphic has taken quite a bit longer than we had expected. It is getting close to completion. Just not as fast as anyone would like. I would tell you when I would guess it will be ready for sale, but I will probably be wrong again, so I won't. As soon as it is ready DVXuser will be the first to know about it.

boo

06-14-2004, 10:33 AM

well, i just ordered the matteblox from evs. can't wait to put it together. 8) i just hope the oversized flag doesn't get in the way of an me66 attached to an mzs-cam shockmount. ;)

tawsy

06-14-2004, 08:10 PM

Might just have to get me one of those. I would love the full fancy mattebox with rails and french flags and an almost $3000(Aus) price tag but beggars can't be choosers.

alpi69

06-15-2004, 10:11 AM

can the mattblox do this:
cam -> matteblox -> screw on polfilter?

i mean can i put a filter OUTSIDE the matteblox-ring that holds it in place? isnt that what the new 72-72 adapter is for? or can you only screw a filter onto the camlens and then the matteblox?

this way you could have a cir-pol and 4X4 filters easily. only need to take care of the vignetting.
if the cir-pol is at the camlens then you would have to
screw the whole blox.....

Mike_Donis

05-07-2005, 10:58 AM

Yes, but you could screw the whole box, and then re-mount it so that it's square with the camera, if you know what I mean. It would let you use the polarizer however you'd like, and then still have a standard-attachment on the mattebox, no?

mjmcauley

05-09-2005, 03:00 AM

guys...what exactly is so great about a few pieces of Velcro, goretex, and plastic masquerading as a mattebox? how is no-one on this board objecting to the $499 MSRP? a "special" at $379?

don't get me wrong...it's a nifty idea for a cheap alternative to a full blown pro mattebox...except that it's not cheap.

my $0.02...