As we all know a matte box is used for blocking light into the lens and to be able to use filters. But I found many, many times, especially on rookie sets, that they don't use a proper donut ring so there is a big space between the matte box and the lens. Would that be totally useless for a mattebox? Are they just using it for cool looking? I just don't get that. Maybe I'm missing something?
Using a matte box but without a proper donut ring?
- Thread starter au8ust
- Start date
Darren Levine
Veteran
think about light, it travels in a strait line unless something alters it's course, so a matte box without a donut can operate just find so long as the front of the lens is sticking through the rear of the matte box a bit, the most problematic light that MB's keep away are the ones coming from in front of the camera which can get a solid hit on that front element and flare you up like an Abrams movie
David W. Jones
Veteran
Like a filter mounted in the matte box reflecting the stray light entering the rear of the matte box back into the lens!
For best results always use the proper size ring to fit the diameter of the lens you are using.
Derek Chingwell
Well-known member
More to do with JJ's anamorphic lens obsessions - and getting extra maglites pointed towards the camera (and built into sets) at obtuse angles to cause flare mayhem
little bobby
Well-known member
Also known as "nun's knickers." I have one on my matte box as mine doesn't use those donut rings. It is very easy to use except on some large diameter glass. My Fujinon lens and the Rokinon Cine 35mm can't fit inside the one I have....but its not a big deal because they fit the mattebox opening perfectly.
The other thing that's great about the nuns knickers is that you don't have the fumble with an assortment of different donut rings.
Michael Carter
Veteran
The first time you see your focus gears reflected in your footage, you'll pay more attention to light sealing with filters!
I've got the knickers, but the model I have is a giant pain and really a problem with DSLR lenses where the focus ring rubs on the elastic - the elastic will actually bounce the focus back the way it came.
I've become very fond of using collapsible rubber lens hoods, and keep the biggest ring on the matte box. You squeeze the rubber up against the ring and you're sealed.
Some rubber rings fold out too long - just trim 'em down. Only good with internal focus lenses though, but most good glass is, at least in my experience.
I've got the knickers, but the model I have is a giant pain and really a problem with DSLR lenses where the focus ring rubs on the elastic - the elastic will actually bounce the focus back the way it came.
I've become very fond of using collapsible rubber lens hoods, and keep the biggest ring on the matte box. You squeeze the rubber up against the ring and you're sealed.
Some rubber rings fold out too long - just trim 'em down. Only good with internal focus lenses though, but most good glass is, at least in my experience.