GH2 Looking for an ultra cheap matte box for my GH2

L

L1N3ARX

Well-known member
I've been looking for an ultra cheap matte box- mostly for looks to be honest. When I start doing jobs on the side, I just want to have the option of putting it on my rig to help inspire a hint of confidence in my tiny little GH2. This isn't something I'm gonna be using day in or day out or even for personal use. I just need something that's not going to fall apart essentially : ) I will be using it for run and gun, and some tripod use.


I will not depend on the 4x4 filter functionality as I don't intend to invest in these kinds of filters any time soon.


Currently I use a Heliopan Vari ND. Will it be possible to use a matte box with a vari ND attached to the lens?


The one I'm looking at right now is this > http://www.amazon.com/New-Kamerar-Matte-Box-MAX-1/dp/B009ZZLEG0/ref=pd_cp_p_2 For the price, I'm not expecting anything too amazing, but do any of you think it will at least serve its purpose?
 
L1N3ARX said:
I've been looking for an ultra cheap matte box- mostly for looks to be honest.
Click to expand...

Neither of those are going to look "professional" enough. Even in the illustrations they look like cheap "junk" to me.

L1N3ARX said:
Currently I use a Heliopan Vari ND. Will it be possible to use a matte box with a vari ND attached to the lens?
Click to expand...

It might be possible but even if you could it would be awkward reaching into the front of the "shade" to adjust it. I tried it a couple of times with the one I use and I managed to "fingerprint" the filter half the time.

A better idea might be to fit a rubber collapsible lens hood to the front of the filter. These variable ND filters often have a front filter thread that is larger than the lens filter thread and once you know that size you can order hoods to fit. Rubber hoods can come in different "depths" so you do want to be careful of lens field of view.

I use mostly prime lenses on my GH2's and I do use a matte box when I need that specific "shading". Here's the one I use:

http://www.cinetactics.com/Page.bok?template=microfourthirdscompatibility

You have to get used to the way it mounts and it does not use nor need a rail system. You can adapt it to different lenses by simply ordering the needed threaded adapter ring. It comes with a "flag" and you can order an "oversize flag" if you need it. Here it's shown with no "flag" on the DG Summilux 25mm f1.4
 

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L1N3ARX said:
The one I'm looking at right now is this > http://www.amazon.com/New-Kamerar-Matte-Box-MAX-1/dp/B009ZZLEG0/ref=pd_cp_p_2 For the price, I'm not expecting anything too amazing, but do any of you think it will at least serve its purpose?
Click to expand...

The Kamerar stuff looks very good for the price. Here is a customer review on YouTube where he raves about their cage, FF, and this Matte Box. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE1gpUCsIL0

Looks like one of the better options in this price range.
 
Bruce Foreman said:
Neither of those are going to look "professional" enough. Even in the illustrations they look like cheap "junk" to me.


It might be possible but even if you could it would be awkward reaching into the front of the "shade" to adjust it. I tried it a couple of times with the one I use and I managed to "fingerprint" the filter half the time.

A better idea might be to fit a rubber collapsible lens hood to the front of the filter. These variable ND filters often have a front filter thread that is larger than the lens filter thread and once you know that size you can order hoods to fit. Rubber hoods can come in different "depths" so you do want to be careful of lens field of view.

I use mostly prime lenses on my GH2's and I do use a matte box when I need that specific "shading"
Click to expand...

Thanks Bruce, lens shades like the cinenetics are just fine, and very practical. I however, am not really looking for a "practical" solution per se, since I do already own a velcro shade which attaches to the lens and acts as a rotatable flag at the given angle I adjust it to. What I'm after essentially is a matte box, for the express purpose of adding perceived "value" to the rig. This can be important for your average client that doesn't have a clue about video, but does recognize that professional rigs have a "square box thingy" in front of the lens. It's really just for show.

I just want to make sure that it's decent enough to hold up, and do what it's suppose to do. The cheap one you linked to, doesn't fit my requirement as it pretty much looks like something from toys r us. The one in my link, while cheap, doesn't look all that different from ones that are $300 and below. It's not to impress fellow filmmakers or video production enthusiasts... I could care less about what they think... it's really just for clientele I'll be working with in the future.
 
sigamy said:
The Kamerar stuff looks very good for the price. Here is a customer review on YouTube where he raves about their cage, FF, and this Matte Box. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE1gpUCsIL0

Looks like one of the better options in this price range.
Click to expand...

Interesting, you know it really does seem like a decent brand. It's not amazing, but for under $200, I think this is probably one of best matte box options I've seen.

What I like about this as well, is that it seems to match up pretty well with the color and design of my ginirig too.
 
wgzn said:
a lot of folks discuss this one when talking about ways to make your rig LOOK more "pro"
but personally, i think its a matter of whats more important to you:
1. making ignorant clients think you know what youre doing
2. risk of looking like a nitwit to a client (or passer-by) who actually has half a clue about gear.
Click to expand...
LOL agreed. I was just showing him what "ultra cheap" looks like/means. Only thing I can see it being useful for is blocking light(obviously) for use in a short film, or self filming talking head type stuff. Other than that....yeah.
 
Ed Kishel said:
I have this mattebox for the GH2:
http://www.amazon.com/New-Kamerar-M...e=UTF8&qid=1357836783&sr=8-2&keywords=kamerar

it's very good for what I paid for it. Pretty basic- no rotating filter stages but it does keep the flare out. ABS and aluminum- pretty stout.
Click to expand...

Nice, did you happen to check the link on my original post? Coincidence lol? Well glad to hear from somebody who has it, just what I was looking for!

Did it come with the donut rings? I wonder if you really need those... Good to hear that it's built well though, that's mostly what I was after. Do you have any pics of your rig?

Update: Looks like these are selling pretty fast, it said 20 available earlier on... I think I'm gonna go for it.
 
Bruce Foreman said:
Neither of those are going to look "professional" enough. Even in the illustrations they look like cheap "junk" to me.



It might be possible but even if you could it would be awkward reaching into the front of the "shade" to adjust it. I tried it a couple of times with the one I use and I managed to "fingerprint" the filter half the time.

A better idea might be to fit a rubber collapsible lens hood to the front of the filter. These variable ND filters often have a front filter thread that is larger than the lens filter thread and once you know that size you can order hoods to fit. Rubber hoods can come in different "depths" so you do want to be careful of lens field of view.

I use mostly prime lenses on my GH2's and I do use a matte box when I need that specific "shading". Here's the one I use:

http://www.cinetactics.com/Page.bok?template=microfourthirdscompatibility

You have to get used to the way it mounts and it does not use nor need a rail system. You can adapt it to different lenses by simply ordering the needed threaded adapter ring. It comes with a "flag" and you can order an "oversize flag" if you need it. Here it's shown with no "flag" on the DG Summilux 25mm f1.4
Click to expand...

So your saying, nylon and velcro looks professional?
 
i have the Kamerar one, it has a very solid contruction and overall great quality. It DOES NOT include any type of donuts to fill the gap between the lens and the actual Matte Box. I use a collapsible rubber lens hood for that.
 
I wouldn't consider anything that doesn't swing away. It's such a pain to be on a shoot, say your in a boat, tight quaters, you need to swap a lens. It's 1000X's easier to swing the box away, swap your lens, swing it back into to place, BAM!! READY TO SHOOT. Just saying, anyone thats used both will most likely understand waht I'm saying.
 
eiker_ir said:
i have the Kamerar one, it has a very solid contruction and overall great quality. It DOES NOT include any type of donuts to fill the gap between the lens and the actual Matte Box. I use a collapsible rubber lens hood for that.
Click to expand...

You could always go to a craft store and buy a sheet of black matte foam and cut your own donuts very easily, and for about a 1.00.
 
Might just be cheaper to get a few black T-Shirts printed with the words "Film Crew".

Do you honestly think that adding a sub $200 matte box to your camera is going to enstill confidence in your abilities from clients you don't have yet? Rather invest that money into gaining clients so you can earn income and purchase the gear needed to satisfy your client demands and earn even more income.
 
maranfilms said:
You could always go to a craft store and buy a sheet of black matte foam and cut your own donuts very easily, and for about a 1.00.
Click to expand...

Bingo. I think I'm gonna do this.

BTW, do you know what the advantage is by filling in the gap? Just to make it look good or maintain continuity between the mattebox and the lens?
 
I just bought the same Matte Box, looks great and I will be using it with some filters. There are better one, but this one is actually very good. My next step is buying some filters and when you grow you just buy better gear, everything is a process and I'm happy with that.
 
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