matte box options

KingVidiot

KingVidiot

Well-known member
Like many of you, I would like to get a matte box, but damn if they ain't expensive!

Obviously the Chroziel is numero uno, with Century coming in second, but what else is good (or at least good for the money)?

The Formatt (made in UK) FM-500 seems OK (I know, no rails). It has 2 static and 1 rotating filter slot. They also make some nice filters.

I think I'll only need rails for a rack focus unit, which I'll probably never get. Otherwise, rails seem to be a bit overkill since the few units I've seen aren't really heavy.

Comments and/or rants are always welcome.
 
What about the lowly Cavision 3x3? Unlike the Formatt, it actually fits the DVX100, and the owner of DVXuser worked out a deal on pricing a while back... Something like $199, or $299 with rods if I recall. The 3x3 filters are cheaper, too. Although, there are certain colors unavailable in 3x3 size. Do some homework first, but the Cavision sounds like a killer deal to me!
 
I appreciate the brand listings, but what about opinions?

Have any of you used these? Pro's and con's are greatly appreciated.

I looked at all of the mentioned types before I posted my initial questions.
 
The CAvision 4x4 is a pretty decent deal. It's big, has rods, 2 stages (one rotating), can take 4x5.65's, can be loaded from the top, doesn't vignette, clears the microphone, and costs about $660 totally set up. Mine's a little bit "delicate-feeling" as compared to a $1700 Chrosziel, but then again it was 1/3 the price. The 16x9 2-stage is the way to go, the 3-stage vignettes according to CAvision. Rush at EVS can get you hooked up with the right parts to make it work well on the DVX (and HVX and HD100).
 
I am using a Cokin filter holder attatched to black matte board (hood). The Cokin holder has 3 stages, and rotates. It's 100% guerilla, and 100% efficient. Cost: 50$ before filters
 
I have been using an Arri MB-19 4"x5.65" Production Matte Box for quite a while, and I find it be one of, if not, the best matte box available. I have it configured for four filters (ie. two 4"x5.65" filters, one fixed, one rotating, and two 138mm round filters), and it is ideal. The box is a little heavy for hand-held use, but it is prefectly suited for tripod / dolly use.

Another option is the Arri LMB-5 4"x5.65" Lightweight Matte Box, which does not swing away like the MB-19, and can only hold two (2) filters (one fixed, one rotating). I also use this box, for hand-held / steadicam work. With this box on the DVX, it seems more balanced (front to back), than when the MB-19 is attached.

I have found that 4"x4" filters are a little small, depending on how heavily you use grads. And if you are using the Century 0.7X Wide Angle or the Panasonic Anamorphic adapter, forget using 4"x4" grads all together. For your info, I replaced a Chrosziel 411-53P 4"x4" matte box, with these Arri units. As good as the Chrosziel's are, they still seem to flex quite a bit, and there is no comparison to the Arri unit(s) in regards to construction and build quality.

Respectfully,

-intro2trig
 
No one has mentioned the VOCAS Matte Box yet. I've had one for over a year now and its more robust than the chrosziel. It has a patentened Eyebrow system for flagging flares built into the box itself. It takes 2 4x4 filters (both rotate) and 2 4x5'6 filters (panavision size). The complete set-up including Light Weight Support bracket, Side Flags and Top Flags is around £400 GBP Cheaper than a similiar Chrosziel.

If you go to my web site you'll see some image of the set-up in the pictures library.

www.steadicams.com
 
Rush,

Vocas makes several models for broadcast cameras. In the DV range, they make the original MKII (the one in your picture) and the newer MKII Wide, both which are also sold through Century Optics.

DV.com did a review on the Century Optics MKII Wide matte box this month and the article is available online. Also, this is the matte box mounted on the HVX200 in the newest product photo's...

Brian
 
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