Rails, matte boxes etc

[AMcBroom]

Hi

I'm a professional photographer making the jump to DSLR video and I have spent the last few weeks amassing gear. I have one pressing question though. Why does everyone use a rail system underneath the camera? Is it purely to attach other equipment like matte boxes, follow focus etc or does it serve some other purpose like additional stability?

I have opted for the screw in nd filter as at the minute I can't really see the need for any other filters. It wood seem though that everywhere I look people use matte boxes. I guess I'm having a hard time coming to terms with the lack of portability.

If someone could give me a basic outline of why the two different systems are employed then I'm pretty sure I could work the rest out for myself, but like I say, I'm a noob to all of this.

Thanks in advance.
Al

 

[diegocervo]

I would say that a follow focus is mandatory, thus you need a base plate and rods as well. Personally, I don't use my mattebox anymore and opted for cokin filterhood with hoods.
Best,
Diego

 

[Kit Hannah]

I would say that a follow focus is mandatory, thus you need a base plate and rods as well. Personally, I don't use my mattebox anymore and opted for cokin filterhood with hoods.
Best,
Diego

I don't think a follow focus is mandatory unless you're doing racked shots for film. If you're trying to go for a mobile setup, focus from the lens is fine and even preferred by myself and others, especially if you're used to it. I came from using large shoulder mount ENG cameras and I am very used to manual focusing via the lens. Most people that use a system with rails are trying to accessorize it, some for function, some for looks. Some people are under the impression that if you don't have a pro "looking" setup that it may make some leary, which in some cases may be true. A screw on ND filter is fine. I did have a Redrock Micro rails and matte box system for awhile, didn't ever buy any filters for it so it was somewhat pointless... A good lens hood does the same thing without filters as the matte box without filters (reduces lens flare). I did like the rails system though for mounting on an audio recorder and mic. If you're doing handheld, you're better off investing in some sort of small rails and stabilizer, whether it be a glidecam style stabilizer or a small shoulder rig. Although very expensive, check out some sites like Zacuto and Redrock Micro, they will give you a good idea of systems and how people use them. There are a lot of budget manufacturers out there too.

Making the jump can be a very profitable and rewarding addition to the photography. Usually good photographers make the best DP's because they understand the basics of framing a shot properly, and many of the techniques in photography are pretty similar if not identical to video... It's a great base point to start and you definitely have an edge. Good luck!
Kit

 

[AMcBroom]

Thanks guys. I guess the way forward is to try and work with what I have already and if it becomes obvious with time that it isn't working, then look at alternatives. Matte boxes and barn doors do seem very cumbersome but I'm sure they exist for a reason. A simple shoulder mount might be useful though. I saw somewhere that someone had used a Kessler Dolly as a quick and dirty shoulder mount.

Anyway, back to the Merlin Steadicam and a bit more practice. I don't know why so many people complain about it being hard to set up. Fifteen minutes and I was good to go. I wonder though, is there a way to stop the mounting plate from sliding about on the dovetail plate on the Merlin. It's not a question of if the camera will slide off, but when. I did a fairly vicious forward/backward motion today and was very lucky that it just about managed to stay on the Merlin.

Looking forward to my first commission. Oh and I can't believe I spelled "would" as "wood" on my OP.