DIY Mattebox with flag and side wings

Construction pics.

Construction pics.

Thanks for waiting.:smile:

Hope this encourages the cash strapped DIYers out there!

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Does anyone have suggestions on what paint to use? Teddy, you mentioned you're using an acrylic epoxy...has anyone tried something different? Maybe I'm making this difficult and it is simple and obvious, but I know my hardware store doesn't carry it. I found a company in Singapore that sells it, but I'd rather just get it stateside if possible.
 
And, by the way, thanks so much for the detailed walkthroughs! Even if money flowed freely in my house I would still find it difficult to spend the kind of $$ companies are asking for matte boxes, follow focus rigs, rods, etc, sliderails, etc. You could spend an absolute fortune...or you could have a great time building! The info here and in other threads is greatly appreciated.
 
EsseJ said:
Does anyone have suggestions on what paint to use? Teddy, you mentioned you're using an acrylic epoxy...has anyone tried something different? Maybe I'm making this difficult and it is simple and obvious, but I know my hardware store doesn't carry it. I found a company in Singapore that sells it, but I'd rather just get it stateside if possible.
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Not that I have tested it on these actual plastics/metals - I get away with this stuff for most of my projects like this.

Rust-oleum 'Ultra Cover 2x' Flat back... Bottle says its good for wood, metal, wicker and more...

If this is pretty ridged it will work pretty good I think if sanded with some 200+ grit. If it bends a lot, you might have more issues. I used the acrylic spray can from walmart which is 'made for plastics' and I didn't really find better results.
 
MadHMC150 said:
Not that I have tested it on these actual plastics/metals - I get away with this stuff for most of my projects like this.

Rust-oleum 'Ultra Cover 2x' Flat back... Bottle says its good for wood, metal, wicker and more...

If this is pretty ridged it will work pretty good I think if sanded with some 200+ grit. If it bends a lot, you might have more issues. I used the acrylic spray can from walmart which is 'made for plastics' and I didn't really find better results.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I'd be interested in a few different opinions if anyone else has their 2 bits to offer.
 
My first versions flake easily. MadHMC is right about roughening the surface, for my latest version I sanded it with 120 grit for better adhesion.
 
teddybear said:
My first versions flake easily. MadHMC is right about roughening the surface, for my latest version I sanded it with 120 grit for better adhesion.
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And the paint itself? Did you use the same paint on your first versions and the latest? is it only the sanding that has changed? Or did you try different paints as well?
 
So, I'm designing up a set of support rods. I see that they are to be 15mm, but many prefer smaller rods - I notice 9/16" is pretty close (1/2" is too small it seems), will that work? Also, if they're 60mm apart, is that measured from the rod centers for drilling the holes or is it 60mm between each rod?

To clarify: is it measured as 60mm using method A:

(x)----60mm from rods' center to center----(x)

or method B:

(o)|----60mm from inside to inside----|(o)

In case I ever wanted to use pre-made stuff on the same rods, I'm curious.

-Jonathan
 
I found this 10 litre plastic water container for just under $14 that I'm working on turning into a matte box.
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I'll put up images when it's done.
 
After a coat of flat black I used a can of textured black over that and it really gives it a professional look.

I do this with all my PVC projects too.
 
my option

my option

Hi,

It's my first post, so hello everyone.

Inspired by teddybear (thank you) I designed and built my own camera support.
I think it's fair to share. For now without a focus puller.

ok_side.jpg


ok_front.jpg


ok_back.jpg


Regards
Gregory
 
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Hi, Great post and tutorial on building a matte box!

I thought I'd contribute a bit since I have experience with the painting of plastics. If this is already posted, sorry, I missed it.

Use Krylon Fusion spray paint on the plastic bits. The fusion paint is made to bond to plastic. Here's a link to their site and info about fusion. Most big box stores sell it.

http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/
 
Sweet looking rig!

I have a mattbox made of the traditional metal but I'm opting for the plastic one in order to save on the weight. The plastic mattbox is a great idea whose time has come.
 
ReneH said:
Sweet looking rig!

I have a mattbox made of the traditional metal but I'm opting for the plastic one in order to save on the weight. The plastic mattbox is a great idea whose time has come.
Click to expand...
I'm even thinking about building lamp flags out of plastic, if it'll turn out to be cheaper.

The lights we're using for MARIANNE (from www.solljus.se ) are these really powerfull full spectrum lights made for lighting up arenas. What's great about them is that they're really sturdy, their biggest one (315W) is the equivalent to 2000W (don't ask me how it works technically), they're 150Hz and they don't generate any heat.

The only problem is that we need to build flags and find a way to mount them.

EDIT: Of course, plastic might let too much light through as well.
 
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