What do you guys think of this matte box?

Jay Rodriguez

Jay Rodriguez

Coffee Member
I'm only asking because I really need to get something and the Chrosziel line seems like wallet homicide.


Cavision 4X4 BELLOW MATTE BOX KIT f/DVX-100/XL2

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=402967&is=REG&addedTroughType=search


402967.jpg
 
I think I remember Jarred doing a review on several matte boxes and I think that this is one of the ones he reviewed... I can't remember though and because I'm at work I can't go searching through the archives to find the post (I have to type this reply in my email box and copy and paste it).
 
Jay-

Overland has that mattebox and swears by it. When I was looking for my mattebox I came across a very strong endorsement from him. Also, Barry Green was using that one for a while...I don't know if he still is. The point is, these guys have a fantastic rep around here and if its good enough for them, I am sure it will suffice and be a great bang-for-the-buck option.

Rick
 
Rick, Overland has the hard-shade version and it's much better. But if you're going the Cavision route, Jay, then I'd get this one. Hard Shade, 4x5.65 and 3 filter stages for the same price. Although B&H doesn't seem to carry 'em.
 
Hey Vic-

Thanks for the heads up. I don't have this mattebox myself (I lucked out and got a great deal on a Vocas from EBAY) but I was wondering...I've heard that the 3 stage mattebox causes some serious vignetting and that its just best to go with the 2 stage. Have you heard this? I ask for Coffee's sake...so he can make the right choice...

Rick
 
Now that you ask, I'm not sure how the 3-stage box would perform on DVX. Maybe someone else can chime in? In any case, there is the same model available with 2 stages, so if 3rd one is a problem, that's the one I would get.
http://www.cavision.com/matteboxes/4x5hs/4x5hs.htm

I don't have a mattebox myself yet. I wanted Chrosziel 411-53 and ordered it from B&H some time ago, but it was on backorder and apparently still is. So I also turned to ebay and got myself another Chrosziel for some $500, but never got to use it because it's some weird model for external-focusing lenses... So I might pick up Cavision myself, as their full range is available here from official dealer.
 
This is the one that is recommended for the DVX100a and Sony Z1 as a two-stage model (three stages in this pic). We plan to stock and package this as the recommended HVX model as well.

Parts for both the Sony Z1 and Panasonic AGDVX100(a/b):

RS15IIm Universal Riser System $180
MB4169H2-M 4x5.65 Hardshade Mattebox (incl. 2 4x4; 1 4x5.65 holders) $450
AR8572 Conical Reducer $40
ARR1385 Rubber Light Boot $15
RS15HD Dual Handgrips (optional) $95
MBF5P French Flag (optional) $55

MB3169e.jpg



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jay you might want to look into one with the filter holders if u wanna mix filters for a shot, not sure if tahts in your budget, or what your looking for, i like the cavision though, i've heard good things.
 
TheYankee, thanks man. I found the link to that article and read up on it.

Chris, I was looking into that one for a while but decided to grab something more professional. Ya know, just in case I ever land a real paying gig. lol


Hey Rick and Vic (hey that rhymes), Thanks alot fellas. Your type of responses are exactly what makes a good forum great! Seriously. Well that pretty much applies to everyone who respoded here because all of your input was awesome.


overland, you sell these or something?

Joe, the only filters I really ever use is a polarizer
 
Jay, that mb in Overland's post is the same one I was talking about. Best bet for the money. And, if overlandfilms is selling 'em now, you can't go wrong with it.
 
I have had an old Lee Filters filter holder and hood ("mattebox" if you wish) laying around from the pre-digital photography days (for mamiya 67). I just had to invest 25$ for a 72 mm lens adaptor and voilá: pro mattebox for DVX100practically free.

Many photography studios have these gathering dust, ask around or check shops selling second hand photo gear.

Even new these are cheaper than video versions, new Lee Filters hood & holder & adapter is less than 200$ at B&H. See under photo gear.
 
Yes, looks like the one. Of course it does not have the fancy rack wheels and french flag holders, but if you find one cheap, it works: keeps out the stray light and holds 4x4 filters.

I added a 4:3 mask to it by cutting one from black cardboard and taping it to the front. Real pro look...

Yo need 3 parts: 72 mm lens adapter, filter holder (there are different ones for 2-5 filters or so, you can build a pack for the number of filters you want) and the hood pictured. There is also a rotating holder for polaroids, but I have not tested that yet for vigneting.
 
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