Using still lenses with matte box

L

Lor

Well-known member
I have encountered the problem of different Nikon lenses have different size. For example a 24mm up to 50mm f2.8 Nikon lenses have a 52mm to 54mm thread and then the 180mm f2.8 is 77mm thread. Not to mention the fact that the lens barrel also moves back and forth or longer and shorter when focusing. How does one compensate for these types of problems when using these type of still image lenses with matte box? I have seen some matte box have foam type lens adapter or a cloth like that goes from the matte box to the lens. However, I was hoping if there is a way or a lens hood similar to these that I can use on many of the Nikon lenses (24mm, 28mm, 50mm, 85mm, 135mm, 180mm, and 200mm) that can adapt from, let's say, 52mm thread to 77mm and allows the lens barrel to get shorter/longer and turns as it is being focused. If this is not possible, how does one use a Nikon lens with a matte box?
 
The lens hoods you linked to do almost nothing but keep the very very off angle striations of light from hitting the lens.

What is wrong with using a mattebox? If you are worried about the lens shifting in length when focusing, shorten your barrel all the way and line it up with the mattebox. Now when it extends the mattebox is still ok. Your lenses shouldn't extend far enough to render the mattebox ineffective. Another good idea is what you already mentioned: doughnuts or a black cloth to keep any spills of light from coming in the back of the mattebox.

It's no big deal.
 
I couldn't find any doughnuts that will work with the variety of lenses I have. I used the black cloth method but the problem is, when the lens barrel turns, the cloth came off. My 180mm lens will get about one inch longer when fully extended or focus infinity. Shorter lenses like the 24mm, 28mm, and 50mm have more problems with the cloth coming off of it.
 
Hoarp001, I already have something like that (I made it my self costing about $10). The problem as I mentioned above is, if the lens barrel turns and shortens/lengthens, this stretchy donut will come off of the lens especially for my 24mm up to 50mm lens because the space in front of the lens for the donut to snap on is only a couple of millimeters.
 
Hoarp001, that is a good idea. At least it will keep the stretchy donut from falling off. The problem is that these end-lens hood only have have size (55mm) only. I have several different size.
 
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