DIY Mattebox with flag and side wings

Thanks Charles,

Does HBS have a category for this thing? :-) Would like to share it there If you like cuz I noticed there are also diehard HBSers that dont cross over. Also a lot that of guys there that like to make stuff.

Ted
 
Sure. Com'on over and post it in the 'Camera & Stabilizer Accessories' forum. You should also make a link for me to put up on the main website as well. That's if you have your articles on a website or such. If not just send me the articles and I'll fix a web link and page for you. :)
 
I'm building teddy's mattebox and should have it assembled and painted by the end of the week. I finished cutting the sheet metal yesterday and took some pictures. Expect a build log/tutorial from me in the future. Definitely go with the heaviest gauge sheet metal you can cut through, that stuff will bend pretty easily. Special thanks to Ted for staying up until 3:00am to get me the template in time :dankk2:
 
Heres some detailed pics on a new version DIY rail block/clamp.

1254981308.jpg


Hope this helps.

Ted
 
Last edited:
I really like your ideas. I've had video sitting around for awhile that I've meant to publish/edit for creating a cheap matte box with filters, which I think is still viable, but I think some of your designs can be incorporated for a much better approach.

Mine uses a Cokin P filter adapter/top flag that can be purchased online, which I extended with model making supplies to filter out all light, along with velcro and DVD case plastic to make side flags...it works great but is designed to attach to the end of a lens, which is heavy and unpractical in many situations....I'll post further in the future.
 
pix2pixels,

Thanks! Just sprayed it with acrylic epoxy. I sprayed both sides so if one side is scraped off theres still another coating on the other side.

Ted
 
Thanks man! This matte box is awesome. I printed out your outlines, resized them a bit to fit the tupperware I used and started building. I used sheet metal I bought at Home Depot for $6. The tupperware cost me $5 (I bought a really good one extra strong plastic and microwavable too :o) ). I used a Dremel tool with a cutting disc to cut the metal pieces, since I don't have a full metal shop or anything. I made due with what I had. I bought the screws, lock nuts and wing nuts all for about $4. I went through allot of cutting discs. I probably used the wrong ones, but it worked. So my pack of cutting discs was $10. These are all Canadian prices, so in the U.S. it would be even cheaper. So, for under $20 I built this baby. I still have to put a mount on it, but I'm going to finish up another project (The Rod Support System for the Camera) before I'll settle on my exact mount.

Here are some pics...

matte_box_1.jpg

matte_box_2.jpg

matte_box_3.jpg

matte_box_4.jpg

matte_box_5.jpg

matte_box_6.jpg

matte_box_7.jpg


Thanks again!
 
Oh.. and I'm going to plug that hole where the light can come through, but I'm just going to modify the triangle flag piece rather than rebuild the whole side flags. I only noticed the leak once it was built, but no big deal. I still love having a nice Matte box for under $20. :o)
 
Did you sand or primer the tupperware...or both? I've had a hard time painting tupperware because it flakes off if bent or hit.
 
Great designs here, I was experimenting with a wooden picture frame, but the tupperware idea is great. You guys are massively over-paying for tupperware though... just go to a bulk grocery store and buy one of those huge tubs of magarine. Sure, it's pricey, but by the time you've eaten the margarine, the tub is free! ... right? ;-)

Interested to know where everyone here is getting their sheet metal though. Absurdly expensive one sheet at a time at the hardware store... is there a better way?
 
I'd rather stay away from 1kg of transfats, emulsifiers and other nasty stuff. Found a set of 2 lunch boxes for $2.45 AUD in one of these cheap asian imports shop.

If you find the sheet metal pricey, I think a good ideea would be to use some 3mm corrugated plastic sheets. Very sturdy and light. I have seen a lot of serious fluoro light fixtures that use them very successfully and getting many years of use out of them.
 
NEW VERSION with ROTATING FILTER HOLDER

NEW VERSION with ROTATING FILTER HOLDER

OK, here's the new version of the DIY mattebox, this time with rotating filter holder and removable flag.

1260034291.jpg



As usual, the construction pics and how to do it follows shortly..:smile:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top