Anyone used Cavision Filters?

mickeloaf

Well-known member
Anyone used Cavision Glass Filters?

They have a Set of 5 - 3mm thick 4x4” Glass Filters - Polarizer, Soft Mist Black (or Star), G. ND, G. Blue and G. Orange for $200.

I'm pretty pleased with some of the hardware products they make, but not sure about the filters. I don't want to buy junk, but maybe it's a deal...
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

It's the one I have and use.

Here's the deal:

For me they work as I cant justify at this point in my 'so called film life' to spend anymore; after the Mattebox, the Tripod, the Stabilizer, the NLE, the, the, the, the....

They work fine for my purpose; shorts films and learning the craft.

When the time comes that I get so serious I'm going to 'make the feature' I'll invest or rent some tiffen or schnieders.

(The Orange and Blue Grads are kind of lame though; don't get the star; totally lame). See if you cant sub one for a soft effects.

Anyway, for the Ca$h; it's a good deal.
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

Hey thanks for the feedback John. I was kind of thinking the same thing, when I shoot a serious production, I will beg borrow or rent, but for learning and dinking around, this quality should be good enough.
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

I have the 3 X 3.

It is a nice piece of work minus one thing:

Can't rotate the rotating stage (DVX built in Mic gets in the way); but I've learned to deal with it (for the price its right)
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

sorry man, IM STUPID! ???
Could you give me all the info on it? who makes it, which model price, etc. etc. Thanks, Tim.
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

I cant even remember how much I exactly paid for it; wasn't that much. I think, with filters (5) it was like 400 something?

MatteDog.jpg


Key Benefits:
* Fit on 2/3” broadcast ENG to mini DV camcorders
* Adjustable bellows or hard sunshade available
* 100mm original clamp on mount
* 98, 95, 93, 90 and 85mm adapter rings optional
* Available as clamp on or supported on rods
* 2 trays adjust vertically, one also rotates
* Removable flag optional
* Highly affordable
* Single or dual hand grip(s) available

I did not get the rods as I can get them at a later date if need be. The rotating stage is for polorizers and grads. Again, it wont rotate without hitting the MIC. I can however, insert a 4 X 3 filter from the bottom and do it that way.

Anyway; I do like the product but if I were you, I'd get the 4 X 4

http://cavision.com/Mattbox/Mattebox.htm
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

I have the 4x4 with rods, and I'm quite happy with it.

Cavision has some very nicely priced products, but just be aware they are not Chroziel, Rycote, or other super-high quality brands. They seem good enough for the part-time filmmakers.

I just wish they had better distribution network, I see a few products at B&H, otherwise you pretty much have to call, email, or fax them to order anything, very inconveniant.
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

Well said and I agree; their prouducts are great at my 'wannabe filmmaker' level. When that time comes Ill rent or upgrade.

I agree on the shipping issue. And, I had to pay separate fedex! LOL
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

Thanks ;D
You say you don't need the rods...Aren't the rods needed to support the wheight or are the rods used for something else?
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

This might be the dumb question of they day but forgive me I've never used a matte box... :-/

What exactly is the difference from John's $400 gear and the "high end" matte boxes? What do you get for 4 times the cash? When I look at the various matte box pictures they all look like they do the same job... Hold filters and shade the sun. ... what am I missing ???
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

The rods for the 3 X 3 are not needed except for the 'hand held' grips. Im not sure of the 4 X 4; maybe with the 4 X 4 they are needed in the event you add a follow focus? Both are snap on as far as I know. Mine has been snapped on since day one and has not budged at all (except when I removed it for stabilzer action). Its a solid fit.
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

Dakotapod,

If it's any consolation, you're not alone...

Anyone? Anyone?

Bueller?
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

Both of these are a steal and much better than that 'MatteFloppyBloxythingy' that was available. Dakota, your guess is as good as mine on the differences between a Mattebox costing thousands compared to something like this.

My guess is the materials are probally high tech? Carbon Fibre? Hell, I dont know. If it holds a filter properly Im stoked!
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

It's the only thing I can think of - Have to pay for R&D and the production costs because it's not selling mass quantities like the George Forman grill. :-/

I just can't see why some are so expensive. What is better about them? ???
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

[quote author=Dakotapod link=board=news;num=1101443796;start=15#16 date=11/29/04 at 21:46:22]I just can't see why some are so expensive. What is better about them? ???[/quote]

No idea. It holds filters, and blocks the sun. For that matter, what's the difference between a Mattebox and a Sunshade? The use of filters?

I'm thinking the Formatt or the Cavision is as good as it gets without spending obscene ammounts of cash.
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

A matte-box (as the name implies) is also used for matte's. The matte in the shape of a pair of binoculars, a keyhole, or some other piece of glass with artwork that could integrate with the live scene.

They also look very cool! ;D
 
Re: Anyone used Cavision Filters?

Ok - Then I add this... And again, please forgive my ignorance as I am clueless in this area. :-[

I've seen posts from people who have switched from one brand of matte box to another and stating a preference. Why? What functionality does one model poses over another?

The matteblox for example is basically the lowest priced. It shades the sun and can hold filters. It's made of canvas or whatever so I clearly see the difference to the Century or Cavision models. My question is still... If it's only purpose is to hold filters and shade the sun, what justifies spending an extra grand or so? :-/
 
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