Matte box without an adapter

B

Bobonli

Well-known member
At the risk of starting a "Survey" type of thread, I'm wondering about the practical application of a matte box if you do not use a 35 mm adapter. I see them all over this forum in front of adapters but rarely without. Some people don't even have them in front of their adapters which makes me wonder if they are truly necessary.

Who is using a MB solo, without an adapter?

I understand what they do: filtration and shading, but am trying to determine whether it's worth the investment or just another add-on that will rarely get used.

My situation: EX-1, no adapter. Shoot outdoors about 45% of time. Have screw-in polarizer and ND filters, but that makes it impossible to use the stock Sony hood so I don't get any shading. Will having a MB simplify my life or noticeably improve the image when outdoors?

Thank you all.
 
I always have a Matte box on. 35mm or without. I love being able to quickly switch filters in and out.(nd's, grads and pola.) I shoot a lot of stock with out my Letus and filters add that little extra. Plus it make my HVX look even better ;)
 
It does the same exact thing, adapter or not. It's purpose is to allow you to block stray light from hitting the lens. More advanced models allow you to stack filters and even rotate them easily, but light control is the principle purpose. You could do the same thing with a bit of foam core board and a c stand, of course, minus the ability to hold filters. It depends on what environment you shoot most often in, and how much control you want. If you aren't sure about it, there was a DIY post here somewhere, the guy made it for a couple of bucks. Try that out first.
 
In my opinion, a matte box is needed when shooting outside, especially in bright sunlight. Should it be a law? No. It really helps when you need additional ND filters & polarizers, etc. You'd also be surprised at how many passers by will go around you instead of in front - it looks more professional to them.
 
Without a Matte Box you'll get constant lens flare, and not always the cool kind. It will show itself as annoying lines of light all the way through the frame which is caused by praticals.

Solutions can be found at every budget level, from blackened cardboard gaff taped to the lens, to cheap solutions under $100 USD that attach via a filter thread and allow use of smaller filters, to big honking things that require the use of rails and various support.....it should be a no brainer for anyone looking to avoid unwanted light.

Strap some cardboard on, or invest the big bucks, but always remeber to correctly film your shots according to your personal creative vision.
 
Thanks everyone. I got to thinking about this from a still photography point of view, where NDs and polarizers are frequently used but without the benefit of a matte box. In that situation, you either have the lens hood or the filters but not both.

Why do you think using a matte box is more "important" or more common in film/video than in still photography? The same lighting and flare issues impact both, no?

I'm over-analyzing, I know, but I'm prone to over-accessorizing too, so I don't want to buy something impractical just because it is available. I was watching some behind the scenes clips from discovery and travel channel and didn't see a single MB. Is this just a shooting style issue?

Thanks again
Bob
 
The reason is simple:
control

In the still photography world you can set things up and eliminate all problems....this of course isn't completely true, but you hopefully get the point.

In the Cinematography world you have objects moving around that may either produce light or reflect it, numerous lighting sources, and then to top it off the camera itself may pan, tilt, roll, and move. This all adds up to the need to ensure against light flares...we could go one way and adjust all the lighting to be in perfect unison with the location of the camera, but this would of course take so much planning, labor, equipment etc. that it just isn't an option...or you can just stick a big black thing around the lens. Problem solved
 
Nick hit it on the head. Still photography is just that, the subject is usually posed, and you select the shot you take. Usually. Motion photography, whether it is film or video, there is action you are following, allowing more opportunity for the stray light to hit your lens.
 
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