cavision mattebox, etc
- Thread starter ulisses
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Re: cavision mattebox, etc
I've got the Cavision 4x4 and have used their filters. The box can be used using Cavision's well-machined clamp-on 72mm to 85mm adapter, which is fairly rugged in my opinion, or using 15mm iris rods and support plate.
My only observation on the matte box is that there is a little slop in the rear, rotating tray. Theirs is a two stage box, with only one rotating stage. The trays themselves are quite rigid. I have, when not using an underscan function monitor, had the rear rotating tray encroach on some shots - predominantly in the lower left corner. This is my error more than Cavision's - it most often occurs when I haven't properly set the right side set screw which secures the rear tray.
Filter complaints are: limited selection of basic filters - e.g., ungraduated NDs, color correctors et-cetera; the paint / ink Cavision uses to label the glass itself comes off very easily.
Well it isn't a huge detail because it is easy enough to tell the difference between a coral and twilight grad - it might be a little more tedious to quickly differentiate between a polarizer and say a .3 ND or UltraCon. Again, kinda a moot point because they aren't producing these basic pieces of glass yet. The glass is good quality - with thoughtfully machined edges and graduations where applicable. I've not had any abberations or inconsistencies with their glass.
I'll post a picture of my set-up... if I can just find that digital camera!
Cheers,
e
I've got the Cavision 4x4 and have used their filters. The box can be used using Cavision's well-machined clamp-on 72mm to 85mm adapter, which is fairly rugged in my opinion, or using 15mm iris rods and support plate.
My only observation on the matte box is that there is a little slop in the rear, rotating tray. Theirs is a two stage box, with only one rotating stage. The trays themselves are quite rigid. I have, when not using an underscan function monitor, had the rear rotating tray encroach on some shots - predominantly in the lower left corner. This is my error more than Cavision's - it most often occurs when I haven't properly set the right side set screw which secures the rear tray.
Filter complaints are: limited selection of basic filters - e.g., ungraduated NDs, color correctors et-cetera; the paint / ink Cavision uses to label the glass itself comes off very easily.
Well it isn't a huge detail because it is easy enough to tell the difference between a coral and twilight grad - it might be a little more tedious to quickly differentiate between a polarizer and say a .3 ND or UltraCon. Again, kinda a moot point because they aren't producing these basic pieces of glass yet. The glass is good quality - with thoughtfully machined edges and graduations where applicable. I've not had any abberations or inconsistencies with their glass.
I'll post a picture of my set-up... if I can just find that digital camera!
Cheers,
e
ulisses
Well-known member
Re: cavision mattebox, etc
Thanks for the reply,
I like the cavision look, I read the review here but nothing better than an user opinion.
I know century and other great matte box, but my budget is low and I can't spend more than US$ 800,00 in a matte box, so I'm between formatt and cavision. Suppor plate + rods looks very good, but not sure how practical it is in a small camera like the pana.
Thanks again,
Ulisses
Thanks for the reply,
I like the cavision look, I read the review here but nothing better than an user opinion.
I know century and other great matte box, but my budget is low and I can't spend more than US$ 800,00 in a matte box, so I'm between formatt and cavision. Suppor plate + rods looks very good, but not sure how practical it is in a small camera like the pana.
Thanks again,
Ulisses
Re: cavision mattebox, etc
I've used Panavision and Chrosziel boxes, so I'm spoiled when it comes to this accessory. When compared with the Chros lightweight sunshade system, the Cavision holds up pretty well.
I don't know anything about the Formatt boxes - do they offer iris rod support? The Cavision 4x4 box is pretty light even with the rods. When I go handheld or on a stabiliser, I prefer to swap in the screw-on set-up instead.
I've used Panavision and Chrosziel boxes, so I'm spoiled when it comes to this accessory. When compared with the Chros lightweight sunshade system, the Cavision holds up pretty well.
I don't know anything about the Formatt boxes - do they offer iris rod support? The Cavision 4x4 box is pretty light even with the rods. When I go handheld or on a stabiliser, I prefer to swap in the screw-on set-up instead.
Re: cavision mattebox, etc
lemme try to post an image here...
lemme try to post an image here...
Re: cavision mattebox, etc
That's the 4x4...
That's the 4x4...
Re: cavision mattebox, etc
I have the CAvision 4x4 aswell.
overall - happy with it - here are the negatives:
the clamp on feature sucks and is unusable - you WILL NEED the rods for reliable mounting.
same comments about the sliding tray - it is not very well designed and can come out of alignemt when you try to rotate it. you need to keep a jeweler's screw driver with you to tighten the screws that hold the frame together and keep that rotating stage in it's tracks.
even on a good day, it is stiff and intermittently sticky and hard to rotate with one hand... but once you learn to "deal with it" you can make it work.
I have the CAvision 4x4 aswell.
overall - happy with it - here are the negatives:
the clamp on feature sucks and is unusable - you WILL NEED the rods for reliable mounting.
same comments about the sliding tray - it is not very well designed and can come out of alignemt when you try to rotate it. you need to keep a jeweler's screw driver with you to tighten the screws that hold the frame together and keep that rotating stage in it's tracks.
even on a good day, it is stiff and intermittently sticky and hard to rotate with one hand... but once you learn to "deal with it" you can make it work.
ulisses
Well-known member
Re: cavision mattebox, etc
[quote author=overlandfilms link=board=Links;num=1103539432;start=0#7 date=12/21/04 at 18:47:08]That's the 4x4...[/quote]
But the 4x4 isn't this one:
http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/CV44/
Thanks again,
Ulisses
[quote author=overlandfilms link=board=Links;num=1103539432;start=0#7 date=12/21/04 at 18:47:08]That's the 4x4...[/quote]
But the 4x4 isn't this one:
http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/CV44/
Thanks again,
Ulisses
Re: cavision mattebox, etc
Cavision's site doesn't make it too clear, but you can order the 4x4 hard shade box, base plate, iris rods, follow focus and french flags for the 100(a).
I'm not a huge fan of the bellows matteboxes - too many places for dust to accumulate. Suppose there is a reason why some folks still like the old style bellows?
I just want to say one word to you - just one word.... 'plastics.'
Cavision's site doesn't make it too clear, but you can order the 4x4 hard shade box, base plate, iris rods, follow focus and french flags for the 100(a).
I'm not a huge fan of the bellows matteboxes - too many places for dust to accumulate. Suppose there is a reason why some folks still like the old style bellows?
I just want to say one word to you - just one word.... 'plastics.'