Official Mattebox / Matte Box F.A.Q.

I actually have used Geardear mattebox intensively for a full lenght movie (dvx+m2). I love it. Coming back I would probably not buy sides and french. 99% of the time masks are effective and I'm quicker with some cinefoil and gaffer tape, if I really need french flag. I also preferred to double rods mount to achieve better stability. This depends on how many stages you're using. Just talk a lot with Gerhard before ordering. Nice guy.
 
Pricing is on the Geardear website. I have not found any light leaks so far. Mine came configured with the HVX mount so I actually have it mounted to HVX lens and then secured by the rods, as in the pictures above. One thing to note is that it definitely covers the white balance sensor, so make certain to use a pre-set or do a manual wb... and keep ATW off.

Ned
 
I have the exact same set-up, and I am very happy as well. It is a very solid matte box, very well constructed and engineered piece of equipment.. I have been using it with and without the M2, works very well. The shipping from Germany was about $50.
 
I was not assessed any customs/duty from Germany. Generally, things which go through the mail tend not to have duty. Anything through FedEx, UPS, etc always gets you nailed.

Ned
 
maybe you post it in the wrong area?
maybe you try the lovely word "search"?

I know this helps!
 
Last edited:
Id suggest the Hysonfilms.com mattebox, the old one kicked ass, and the new one is scheduled for middle of this month according to the site.
 
Good Mattebox System 4 the HVX

Good Mattebox System 4 the HVX

I am wanting to get a good matte box that I'll eventually use with the M2 setup. What matte box do you recommend?
 
I have seen and tried a lot of matte boxes, the one I ended up buying for myself is the Petroff matte box. If you want to spend less money, you should look at the Greadear matte box. I have one as well and am very impressed as well.
 
I have both a Petroff (on loan) and a Geardear for review. I'll be writing up something about the Geardear, but I want to say even before the review that for the money you cannot beat this product. In many regards it even beats the Petroff since, as a high precision piece of equipment, the Petroff seems a little fragile. The Geardear is lightweight and modular. I am writing from O'Hare now, enroute to London and then to Tel Aviv. The Geardear mattebox is broken down into a few modules in my checked bag. Can't do that with a Petroff. The one thing so far I haven't really liked is the rotating stage. I'll know a little more when I use a polarizer in this rotating stage on the upcoming shoots this week. But from just a few uses and from showing it to other users, this product is a winner.

Let's see-- $337 for 3-stage Geardear; $1700+ for Petroff... hmmmmm

Ned Soltz
 
nsoltz, not sure where you get your prices, but Petroff is $1395 at Zacuto, and come with french flag. Also you seem to forget the $50+ that geardear charges for shipping from germany, and the $337 3 stage doesn't have any flags. Also the Geardear is very big and wide, and front heavy when used with the french and side flags. And when all the pieces of the Geardear are taken apart, the whole pkg takes more room than the Petroff with side and french flags.

Also it is incompatible with certain follow focus design, such as the Chrosziel DV FF.

I do think the Geardear is by far the best mattebox in it's price range, but I don't think it compare to most $1k + matteboxes. Also I don't think the Petroff is fragile at all, not sure why you would think that... The Petroff is widely rented out by many film equipment rental houses, where equipment is often abused, and have yet to hear about a Petroff breaking.
 
Be sure to check out the www.Hysonfilms.com mattebox, his old one was great and only 250 bucks. He has a new one that is supposed to debut middle of this month. has 3 rotating stage 4 x 4 filter holders according to the site.
 
If I am to spend under $600, the Hyson or GearDear is a good product then? Between the two (Hyson and Geardear), what are your preferences and why? Between a unit like the PETROFF - GEARDEAR etc., is there any noticable differences in the end image? What is the biggest reason for the price gap?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top