Anyway's, Today we will check out the Matteblox.

IN THE BAG: If you order the complete package (left) from Cinetactics, you get quite the selection of items. The Matteblox Hood is very convenient as it folds flat (right)

The Included Bags for holding everything. The build quality of the main bag (left) is out standing... Definitely deserves the Tactical implications.

To mount the Matteblox, you first attach the Adapter ring, which is basically a 72mm to 8?mm step up ring, but without exterior threads. The Matteblox simply slides onto the adapter ring and is held in place by 4 rubber pieces with little fingers. You then Yank the exterior velcro "noose" to tighten it all together.

The lens adapter (left) and the inside view of the Matteblox and Mounting pads (right)

View of the velcro strap that tightens the Matteblox onto the DVX

At this point, The Matteblox is mounted and ready to roll as a nice replacement to the standard square DVX hood. The Matteblox is made of some pretty solid reinforced Ballistic Nylon, and on the exterior is the cinetactics logo on each side and a nice metal badge, which has no other purpose than looking good and telling you where up is. There is also a strip of velcro wrapping the top and sides as too attach the Flags.

The standard Flag (left) and the Super Flag (right)

The Matteblox (without flag) provides roughly the same light control will a little wider scoop than the OEM panasonic hood. The standard size Matteblox adds a few inches more of light control, and the huge oversize flag really cuts the lens well with enough of a scoop to not get vignette into the frame. I highly recommend getting the Super flag if you are considering ordering the Matteblox.

A few angles of the Matteblox without the Flags (above).

Here is a front view of the Matteblox with the Standard Flag (left), and the Super Flag (right).

Now onto the Filters. The matteblox has a very unique method of putting glad in front of the lens. You slide the filters into nylon holders, then, via velcro, "push" the filter into the Matteblox. Although it seems to work, obviously if you are using circular polarizers or angle specific filters you may have some inconsistencies.

The filter system works by sliding the filter into a nylon and velcro holder

That said, you can stack filters in the pouches so the glass is even closer than a stage-style filter and that should give better results. The negative to this is that if you have any dirt on the filters, sliding them against each other may increase the risk of scratching, although it is very unlikely as there is a little piece of fabric seperating the two filters, and this should aid in sweeping any dirt off upon insertion.

Some views of the Matteblox with Filter and the Standard Flag (left) and Super Flag (right)

Conclusion:

The Cinetactics Matteblox is a very affordable mattebox/filter system for the DVX100. It not only works well, but it also looks sharp. The setup is very quick and folds down for fast transport. For a run and gun shooter or videographer, it is a very rugged product that you don't need to worry about breaking in harsh environments and movement. The only faults we found was the filter system is a little hit and miss, atlhough it is a very fast filter system.

Visit www.Cinetactics.com to purchase or find out more information

Update: Cinetactics Just released an All black version. It also comes with an updated Adapter ring that makes mounting much more secure.