Matte Box Kit, what's the best for HVX?

[eMJay]

Whattup HVXers,

Need some advice on a Matte Box system. What can you recommend? Bellows or Hard Shade? 2 filter trays or 3? 4x4 or 4x5.6? What's the difference? Where can I learn more about the pros and cons of both?

I'm checking out Cavision because of cost, but would welcome any and all advice on this.

Thanks!

eMJay

 

[JimiK]

I found these.Anyone any info?


http://www.cinetactics.com/StoreFront.bok

http://indiesnap.com/hd.html

JK

 

[fritz]

I bought this one: http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/...003DVXK1&Category_Code=2A3D1&Product_Count=27 for my DVX and just bought an 82mm filter so I could attach it to my HVX. Can't speak to how well it will perform on the HVX but it's been a little champion on the DVX. Also, it always slightly vignetted on the DVX, but now that I'm shooting in 16:9 that's no longer a problem.

 

[hotchkiss]

hard shade, two slots, and 4x5.65

While the bellows shade allow you to fine tune the coverage, I suspect this feature is more hassle than the benefits you may derive from it. Also, the additional moving elemnets just provides one more opportunity for structural failure. Side wings and a French flag on a hard shade will give you ample lens shading.

Given post production processes now availible, few people will ever have the need for a third filter slot. If so, then add it on later. The most glass I ever have on the front of my camera is a ND and a Polarizer.

I like 4x5.65 because I can use a Polarizer and Wide angle more easily.

I had a Cavision 3x3 "wide angle" several years ago. It was OK except for one glaring problem- it vignetted when I had a wide angle on. This was a major design failure IMO. Maybe they have improved their product since then, but I would be wary of buying one sight unseen. They are definitely a budget manufacturer, and the old maxim still applies- you get what you pay for. Again, maybe they have improved their product and my criticism is moot.

Since owning the Cavision, I have bought a Chrosziel and a Petroff. Both are a quantum leap up from my experience with the Cavision. The same could be said for Century Optics matte box as well.

If your are just looking for simple lens shading then these may be overkill, but if using filters, follow focus and a wide angle lens, I suggest stepping up paying the piper and springing for a tried and true matte box system. The difference in durability, tolerances and operational ease of use can be substantial.