Slimothy
03-07-2006, 10:12 PM
http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/indisnapfinal3.jpg
As young aspiring filmmakers we have very limited choices when it comes to an affordable mattebox. I always find myself teetering between a purchase I “need” and a purchase I “want.” This is especially the case in regards to a mattebox. Can I really justify spending $500-$1000 on a mattebox? Sometimes I feel like I need to in order to get one that gets the job done technically and (of course) aesthetically. For instance, I like the price of the cinetactics matteblox, but I don’t care for how it looks. I like the looks of the Formatt 500, but I don’t care for the way it mounts to the front of the lens (I’ve never heard of definitive problems with the mount, some people just aren’t comfortable having that much weight on the front of the lens). When choosing between purchasing a nice microphone or a nice mattebox, I just can’t justify going for the mattebox. Finally, we as consumers have another reason not to file bankruptcy, and it comes in the form of the indie snap! mattebox with french flag/side flags. If you are looking for a mattebox that looks good, holds filters and is relatively pro-looking, then the indie snap! is a damn good choice. Priced at $189.00, it’s kinda hard to go wrong with the purchase. Below are some descriptions of the things that this mattebox is/isn’t good for.
Installation to the camera:I read the directions, but anyone with a brain will find it very easy to install. You basically slide the box, upside down onto the adapter ring that comes with it, spin it around until it is upright then tighten the screws to secure it. The unit is very light and I am not worried at all whether the lens can handle the weight or not.
Filter holders: I received some 84 mm filters w/ the unit (sold separately), and they fit very nicely into the filter holders. They feel very snug, which is important to anyone who has spent some money on some nice filters.
French Flag/Side Flags: The French flag that comes with it is mounted via 2 star knobs that screw directly through the flag and into the top of the unit. The knobs are a bit big, but really don’t inhibit anything. The French flag is NOT adjustable. Since it is screwed on, there is no swivel action. I would like to have seen an adjustable flag, but doubt it is very plausible at this price range. The side flags are mounted the same way, and also do not adjust. When ordering, you have a choice to buy the mattebox w/ just the French flag, or with the additional side flags for $209.00. Personally, I don’t think I would spend the extra $20 for the extra side flags, but that’s just because I don’t think I would use them.
Durability: The indie snap! Is made of aluminum, so if you are a clumsy sasquatch, then this unit might not be for you. It will not handle the weight of you stepping on it! That being said, most matteboxes that cost a lot more wouldn’t either. You don’t need to treat it like a newborn, but some care will go a long way in ensuring the longevity of this unit.
Aesthetics: Your camera will definitely receive some instant edification when you put the indie snap! on. It really does look pretty cool/expensive. If you’re looking to impress clients/actors, I think it will do the trick. If you’re looking to impress girls, you need to remember that you’re a film geek, and girls care less about your new mattebox.
Overview: You really can’t go wrong at this price range. I am really surprised more people haven’t gotten into inventing affordable units like this. For aspiring filmmakers, wedding videographers, music video directors etc, this unit will be a great compliment. If you have been around the block, want a top of the line product that’s built like a tank, you need not bother. If you’re looking for a decent product to add to your arsenal at a decent price, I’d definitely recommend it.
As young aspiring filmmakers we have very limited choices when it comes to an affordable mattebox. I always find myself teetering between a purchase I “need” and a purchase I “want.” This is especially the case in regards to a mattebox. Can I really justify spending $500-$1000 on a mattebox? Sometimes I feel like I need to in order to get one that gets the job done technically and (of course) aesthetically. For instance, I like the price of the cinetactics matteblox, but I don’t care for how it looks. I like the looks of the Formatt 500, but I don’t care for the way it mounts to the front of the lens (I’ve never heard of definitive problems with the mount, some people just aren’t comfortable having that much weight on the front of the lens). When choosing between purchasing a nice microphone or a nice mattebox, I just can’t justify going for the mattebox. Finally, we as consumers have another reason not to file bankruptcy, and it comes in the form of the indie snap! mattebox with french flag/side flags. If you are looking for a mattebox that looks good, holds filters and is relatively pro-looking, then the indie snap! is a damn good choice. Priced at $189.00, it’s kinda hard to go wrong with the purchase. Below are some descriptions of the things that this mattebox is/isn’t good for.
Installation to the camera:I read the directions, but anyone with a brain will find it very easy to install. You basically slide the box, upside down onto the adapter ring that comes with it, spin it around until it is upright then tighten the screws to secure it. The unit is very light and I am not worried at all whether the lens can handle the weight or not.
Filter holders: I received some 84 mm filters w/ the unit (sold separately), and they fit very nicely into the filter holders. They feel very snug, which is important to anyone who has spent some money on some nice filters.
French Flag/Side Flags: The French flag that comes with it is mounted via 2 star knobs that screw directly through the flag and into the top of the unit. The knobs are a bit big, but really don’t inhibit anything. The French flag is NOT adjustable. Since it is screwed on, there is no swivel action. I would like to have seen an adjustable flag, but doubt it is very plausible at this price range. The side flags are mounted the same way, and also do not adjust. When ordering, you have a choice to buy the mattebox w/ just the French flag, or with the additional side flags for $209.00. Personally, I don’t think I would spend the extra $20 for the extra side flags, but that’s just because I don’t think I would use them.
Durability: The indie snap! Is made of aluminum, so if you are a clumsy sasquatch, then this unit might not be for you. It will not handle the weight of you stepping on it! That being said, most matteboxes that cost a lot more wouldn’t either. You don’t need to treat it like a newborn, but some care will go a long way in ensuring the longevity of this unit.
Aesthetics: Your camera will definitely receive some instant edification when you put the indie snap! on. It really does look pretty cool/expensive. If you’re looking to impress clients/actors, I think it will do the trick. If you’re looking to impress girls, you need to remember that you’re a film geek, and girls care less about your new mattebox.
Overview: You really can’t go wrong at this price range. I am really surprised more people haven’t gotten into inventing affordable units like this. For aspiring filmmakers, wedding videographers, music video directors etc, this unit will be a great compliment. If you have been around the block, want a top of the line product that’s built like a tank, you need not bother. If you’re looking for a decent product to add to your arsenal at a decent price, I’d definitely recommend it.