Filmfanatic
Active member
I'm a bit stunned at the prices of matte boxes. Has there never been a good plastic version or homemade custom creation at a much more reasonable price?
Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
- Thread starter Filmfanatic
- Start date
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
It really depends on your interpretation of "good" and "inexpensive". Usually though, to get these 2 words to work together rightly is a tough nut to crack. Jarred has been posting some pic and info on a plastic model he built. I think it was under a thread something like "Inexpensive follow focus". There's a soft matte box on a rotating banner ad on this site called "matteblox", and ebay may have some *officially* good new/used matte boxes which may qualify for *inexpensive*.
I've been looking myself for over a month and to me good and inexpensive have never came close to each other yet ;D
-Rodger
It really depends on your interpretation of "good" and "inexpensive". Usually though, to get these 2 words to work together rightly is a tough nut to crack. Jarred has been posting some pic and info on a plastic model he built. I think it was under a thread something like "Inexpensive follow focus". There's a soft matte box on a rotating banner ad on this site called "matteblox", and ebay may have some *officially* good new/used matte boxes which may qualify for *inexpensive*.
I've been looking myself for over a month and to me good and inexpensive have never came close to each other yet ;D
-Rodger
Filmfanatic
Active member
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
Roger, Thanks for the info. I'm going to hunt for Jarred's creation. I just could never understand the $700 plus for matte boxes. I get there usefullness but thats almost 1/5 the camera price. I've seen the soft version but there are so many materials that can be used to build one I'm surprised theres not a lot of choices of different quality at different prices.
Roger, Thanks for the info. I'm going to hunt for Jarred's creation. I just could never understand the $700 plus for matte boxes. I get there usefullness but thats almost 1/5 the camera price. I've seen the soft version but there are so many materials that can be used to build one I'm surprised theres not a lot of choices of different quality at different prices.
Z
Zoomforce
Guest
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
Matteblox is awesome.. make sure you get the super flag.
Matteblox is awesome.. make sure you get the super flag.
FlacaProductions
Well-known member
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
[quote author=marjamar link=board=Events;num=1078318845;start=0#1 date=03/03/04 at 05:13:58]It really depends on your interpretation of "good" and "inexpensive". Usually though, to get these 2 words to work together rightly is a tough nut to crack. .[/quote]
there's a saying:
Good, fast or cheap. Pick any two.
matteblox is a good system for the price. fills a niche nicely. i had one early on, but switched to a chrosziel 4x4 in order to get polarizer usage.
(you have to rotate a polarizer in order for it to work properly - can't do that with a matteblox system)
if you're looking for grads or ND or other non-rotating filters, matteblox is something to consider.
[quote author=marjamar link=board=Events;num=1078318845;start=0#1 date=03/03/04 at 05:13:58]It really depends on your interpretation of "good" and "inexpensive". Usually though, to get these 2 words to work together rightly is a tough nut to crack. .[/quote]
there's a saying:
Good, fast or cheap. Pick any two.
matteblox is a good system for the price. fills a niche nicely. i had one early on, but switched to a chrosziel 4x4 in order to get polarizer usage.
(you have to rotate a polarizer in order for it to work properly - can't do that with a matteblox system)
if you're looking for grads or ND or other non-rotating filters, matteblox is something to consider.
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
Could the MatteBlox handle a grad? I don't think it can, can it? By "grad" I'm thinking a 4x5.65, held in a 4x4 frame so it allows flexibility in positioning.
Heck, if a MatteBlox could handle a graduated filter, that'd be a good point in its favor.
As for a polarizer, Schneider makes a polarizer that rotates within a 4x4 frame, so you can use it in any non-rotating filter slot in any mattebox. Costs a pretty penny, but it gives you the option of using a rotating polarizer in something like the MatteBlox.
Could the MatteBlox handle a grad? I don't think it can, can it? By "grad" I'm thinking a 4x5.65, held in a 4x4 frame so it allows flexibility in positioning.
Heck, if a MatteBlox could handle a graduated filter, that'd be a good point in its favor.
As for a polarizer, Schneider makes a polarizer that rotates within a 4x4 frame, so you can use it in any non-rotating filter slot in any mattebox. Costs a pretty penny, but it gives you the option of using a rotating polarizer in something like the MatteBlox.
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
My son is setting up to build a dune buggy. He bought plans on the internet from one of the better kit makers. We already have a shop full of metal working equipment, but lack a TIG (heliarc) welder. Coincidently this is also one of 2 pieces of equipment I lack to build an all aluminum matte box.
So, I figure when he starts buying, maybe I'll buy a nice milling machine and see about making a really nice matte box with rotating filter holders. Also thinking about doing a remote follow focus for the DVRig Pro left hand-grip. Got the Zoe zoom control on the right (great BTW), so my natural instinct says the left hand-grip should have a focus attachment on it ;D
Still in the deciding stages, but it could be fun ;D.
-Rodger
My son is setting up to build a dune buggy. He bought plans on the internet from one of the better kit makers. We already have a shop full of metal working equipment, but lack a TIG (heliarc) welder. Coincidently this is also one of 2 pieces of equipment I lack to build an all aluminum matte box.
So, I figure when he starts buying, maybe I'll buy a nice milling machine and see about making a really nice matte box with rotating filter holders. Also thinking about doing a remote follow focus for the DVRig Pro left hand-grip. Got the Zoe zoom control on the right (great BTW), so my natural instinct says the left hand-grip should have a focus attachment on it ;D
Still in the deciding stages, but it could be fun ;D.
-Rodger
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
[quote author=Elvis link=board=Events;num=1078318845;start=0#8 date=03/03/04 at 19:19:06]What about a screw in grad with the matteblox? 8)[/quote]
Screw-in grads are not particularly useful because you can't adjust the grad line up and down. The MatteBlox is really just an improved lens hood for the DVX. The filter "stage" is very crude and seems more like a kludge than anything else. Not to say the DVX doesn't need an improved lens hood--it does.
At one point I was thinking of selling a $300 matte box for the DVX that would include a rigid plastic hood with hinged metal french flags and a real filter stage (although not rotating), but there wasn't much interest when I mentioned it on another DVX forum. I have a contact in China that designs and manufactures iPod accessories who was interested in partnering on the product, but the level of interest didn't warrant moving things forward.
I'm guessing many DVX users don't even know what a matte box is and most of the rest want a Chrosziel or equivalent.
Barry S.
[quote author=Elvis link=board=Events;num=1078318845;start=0#8 date=03/03/04 at 19:19:06]What about a screw in grad with the matteblox? 8)[/quote]
Screw-in grads are not particularly useful because you can't adjust the grad line up and down. The MatteBlox is really just an improved lens hood for the DVX. The filter "stage" is very crude and seems more like a kludge than anything else. Not to say the DVX doesn't need an improved lens hood--it does.
At one point I was thinking of selling a $300 matte box for the DVX that would include a rigid plastic hood with hinged metal french flags and a real filter stage (although not rotating), but there wasn't much interest when I mentioned it on another DVX forum. I have a contact in China that designs and manufactures iPod accessories who was interested in partnering on the product, but the level of interest didn't warrant moving things forward.
I'm guessing many DVX users don't even know what a matte box is and most of the rest want a Chrosziel or equivalent.
Barry S.
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
Hey, $300 for an actual usable matte box, with real french flags and a genuine 4x4 filter slot? That sounds pretty good. Did it need to ride on rods, or could it bayonet onto the lens front or something?
The lack of a rotating filter stage would be a little disappointing, but not a dealbreaker. Since Schneider offers a rotate-in-place polarizer for non-rotating filter slots, it may not even be a worry. I'd like to see the filter slot able to accomodate a 4x5.65 grad, being able to slide it into position where desired...
... and, if you make it able to attach to the anamorphic adapter (maybe have interchangeable backs on it, one for stock lens/bayonet mount, one for anamorphic/clip-on mount) then I think you'd really have something.
If it works professionally, I'd happily shell out $300 for one...
Hey, $300 for an actual usable matte box, with real french flags and a genuine 4x4 filter slot? That sounds pretty good. Did it need to ride on rods, or could it bayonet onto the lens front or something?
The lack of a rotating filter stage would be a little disappointing, but not a dealbreaker. Since Schneider offers a rotate-in-place polarizer for non-rotating filter slots, it may not even be a worry. I'd like to see the filter slot able to accomodate a 4x5.65 grad, being able to slide it into position where desired...
... and, if you make it able to attach to the anamorphic adapter (maybe have interchangeable backs on it, one for stock lens/bayonet mount, one for anamorphic/clip-on mount) then I think you'd really have something.
If it works professionally, I'd happily shell out $300 for one...
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
My preliminary design has a three slot filter stage that would accept 4x whatever size grads and filters. It's non-rotating so a rod setup (adds expense) isn't necessary. The back would have snap on adapters that fit: the stock lens setup (bayonet), the Panasonic ana, the Century ana, and a generic adapter that accepts threaded attachment rings. The box is wide enough so it doesn't vignette with the ana lenses. Metal or high-quality resin French flags on the top and sides with durable hinges. $300 would buy the matte box with one adapter.
Realistically, how many do you think I could sell? How many DVX are sold a year? How many indie filmmakers buying DVX/XL-1s/PD-150/170's? What percentage buy matte boxes? Does this projection sound anywhere near reality?
Year 1 - 100 units
Year 2 - 200 units
Year 3 - 250 units
Barry S.
My preliminary design has a three slot filter stage that would accept 4x whatever size grads and filters. It's non-rotating so a rod setup (adds expense) isn't necessary. The back would have snap on adapters that fit: the stock lens setup (bayonet), the Panasonic ana, the Century ana, and a generic adapter that accepts threaded attachment rings. The box is wide enough so it doesn't vignette with the ana lenses. Metal or high-quality resin French flags on the top and sides with durable hinges. $300 would buy the matte box with one adapter.
Realistically, how many do you think I could sell? How many DVX are sold a year? How many indie filmmakers buying DVX/XL-1s/PD-150/170's? What percentage buy matte boxes? Does this projection sound anywhere near reality?
Year 1 - 100 units
Year 2 - 200 units
Year 3 - 250 units
Barry S.
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
The best way to find "real" answers would be to go to the resellers themselves, and ask how many units they're moving. How many $1500 Chrosziel matteboxes does B&H sell, for example? Will they tell you? I don't know, but that's the way to find out.
How many DVX's are sold each year? Wild guess, around 25,000. Not all to "filmmakers" though, of course... maybe 20%, so 5000? Add another 5,000 PD150/PD170/VX2000's going to aspiring filmmakers, another 2000 JVC HD units, and another 40 or so XL1's (I'm sure someone, somewhere is still buying it, right?) and you probably have somewhere around 12,000 potential. How many of those would buy a good, high-quality, affordable mattebox? Maybe 1/10 of 1%. So yeah, maybe 120 for the first year might be realistic.
Get it in the B&H catalog, display it at WEVA and DVExpo, and you might hit your numbers. Get a good box that does something for the news/ENG/event crowd and you'll quadruple your marketplace.
And all those numbers are just SWAGs, of course... nobody really knows, except the resellers. I bet EVS's Rush or Cody could advise better...
The best way to find "real" answers would be to go to the resellers themselves, and ask how many units they're moving. How many $1500 Chrosziel matteboxes does B&H sell, for example? Will they tell you? I don't know, but that's the way to find out.
How many DVX's are sold each year? Wild guess, around 25,000. Not all to "filmmakers" though, of course... maybe 20%, so 5000? Add another 5,000 PD150/PD170/VX2000's going to aspiring filmmakers, another 2000 JVC HD units, and another 40 or so XL1's (I'm sure someone, somewhere is still buying it, right?) and you probably have somewhere around 12,000 potential. How many of those would buy a good, high-quality, affordable mattebox? Maybe 1/10 of 1%. So yeah, maybe 120 for the first year might be realistic.
Get it in the B&H catalog, display it at WEVA and DVExpo, and you might hit your numbers. Get a good box that does something for the news/ENG/event crowd and you'll quadruple your marketplace.
And all those numbers are just SWAGs, of course... nobody really knows, except the resellers. I bet EVS's Rush or Cody could advise better...
FlacaProductions
Well-known member
Re: Is there a good inexpensive matte box?
hey barry,
don't think it can handle 4x5, but i don't have one in front of me anymore. 4x4: yes - but not any bigger, but they make grads in 4x4, but you wouldn't be able to have placement flexibility.
I've seen that schneider polarizer that rotates in its frame. again - i don't think it would work with the matteblox. there wouldn't be a way to get to the little dial to spin the filter while its inside of the matteblox. good idea that i investigated, but no dice.
i could be wrong....
[quote author=Barry_Green link=board=Events;num=1078318845;start=0#6 date=03/03/04 at 18:08:43]Could the MatteBlox handle a grad? I don't think it can, can it? By "grad" I'm thinking a 4x5.65, held in a 4x4 frame so it allows flexibility in positioning.
Heck, if a MatteBlox could handle a graduated filter, that'd be a good point in its favor.
As for a polarizer, Schneider makes a polarizer that rotates within a 4x4 frame, so you can use it in any non-rotating filter slot in any mattebox. Costs a pretty penny, but it gives you the option of using a rotating polarizer in something like the MatteBlox.[/quote]
hey barry,
don't think it can handle 4x5, but i don't have one in front of me anymore. 4x4: yes - but not any bigger, but they make grads in 4x4, but you wouldn't be able to have placement flexibility.
I've seen that schneider polarizer that rotates in its frame. again - i don't think it would work with the matteblox. there wouldn't be a way to get to the little dial to spin the filter while its inside of the matteblox. good idea that i investigated, but no dice.
i could be wrong....
[quote author=Barry_Green link=board=Events;num=1078318845;start=0#6 date=03/03/04 at 18:08:43]Could the MatteBlox handle a grad? I don't think it can, can it? By "grad" I'm thinking a 4x5.65, held in a 4x4 frame so it allows flexibility in positioning.
Heck, if a MatteBlox could handle a graduated filter, that'd be a good point in its favor.
As for a polarizer, Schneider makes a polarizer that rotates within a 4x4 frame, so you can use it in any non-rotating filter slot in any mattebox. Costs a pretty penny, but it gives you the option of using a rotating polarizer in something like the MatteBlox.[/quote]