F55: What filters do you use in your mattebox

Hi Jason,

As mentioned on page one definitely check out the Tiffen Series 9 filters. There are loads on ebay. Most of the time you can get a diffusion filter from between $15 and $25 dollars, otherwise around $80 each. ie. pro mist, black frost, etc.. but Series 9 filters do not have threads, they are "drop in" filters so you need an adapter ring and retaining ring that holds them in place (like a sandwhich basically). Add more rings and they can be easily stacked if needed. Series 9 filters are approximately 82mm edge to edge so it will cover most DSLR lenses.

As suggested by Andrew, play with these first then once you know what you like spend the big bucks for the 4x4" or 4x5.65" filters if you feel like it.

Regarding reflections when using 4x5.65" filters you want to be absolutely sure that you seal up the empty space around your lens and matte box using those donut rings, or even additional black fabric. I like duvetyne and always have some hanging around.
 
If going the Series 9 route, you will likely need to make sure you have the appropriate size rear donut on your matte box or sunshade to fit the Series 9 adapter.

I generally use 3 different size filters in my kit depending on the need.

I have a set of 77mm screw-on filters, 4x5.65 Panavision size filters, and 138mm drop-in filters.
 
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I have a Genus mattebox with what I believe is a 85mm clamp. The Series 9 Filter holder is the perfect size fit for the clamp. I don't know if 85mm is a standard for any other mattebox, but it sure makes it nice that I can stack Series 9 filters and still use my mattebox.
 
Before I was too cheap to buy the Series 9 retaining rings I actually thought of just taping them to a 82mm step up ring since the outer diameter of the Series 9 filter is exactly 82mm. Just a thought if anyone wants to play with these and not have to invest in the retaining rings. Step-up rings can be had for dollars.

@stefan - hope you don't mind but I will add your video link to the first page where I compiled the rest of them. This way its all in one place easy to find.
 
You can actually stick the glass from an Series 9 filter into an 82mm frame. I had a couple of damaged 82mm filters and I just replaced the glass with Series 9 filters. Considering how cheap they go for, Series 9 are the easiest way to get into trying out filters. Unfortunately, you don't usually find any of the newer filters that have popped up in the last twenty years. Really, though, you can accomplish most of your goals with older filters. Most of the newer ones are just mixtures of Mists/Frosts and Softs. I just picked up some Black Satins, however, and those are definitely doing something strange.
 
just recently purchase the Schneider hollywood black magic 1/4 that i plan on using in a yoga instructional video. the location is a outdoors in a little grassy, swampy area with tall grass and cattails, etc. i noticed the wierd specs on the glass, pretty cool looking. I do use a 4x4 linear polarizer from Schneider that i love to use outdoors especially when the sun is reflecting off the leaves.

anyone know where i can get a 114mm to 72mm step down ring? my matte box only has the 114mm clamp , no rail support. and i want to purchase the 200mm canon EF F2.8 to my glass collection. I cant find anything.
 
if my camera didnt have built in NDs, i would totally and painly be using them to shoot outside wideopen
 
How are you guys cleaning your filters? I find it very painful since i want them perfectly clear and i dont achieve those results. I use a high quality glass spray and cloth. I really like the brush pen, i can get dust off without smudging the glass with the cloth.
 
Cinema filters are not coated like expensive round UV filters and polarizers. That's why it is so easy to get reflections from the glass. They should actually be easier to clean and less susceptible to scratches then round filters. Some of those filter cleaner liquids seem to have some special detergents meant to protect the coating that can actually leave a residue.
 
I use Formatt Prostop IRND's and they make a huge difference. IR pollution can be considerable over 4 stops of ND.
I also use a grad 0.6 soft edge ND for skies or window's which need to be taken down in density.
Lastly, I always have a polarizer available for reflections, skies, etc.
I own a Vocas MB-450 for big lenses, a Vocas MB-255 for my Compact Primes, and a Genus wide mattebox for small stuff.
I use Panavision sized filters (4x5.65") for most things, some 5.65x5.65" for my Cooke 20-100 and 4x4" for DSLR lenses.
Filters are important!
 
Baddgsx said:
How are you guys cleaning your filters? I find it very painful since i want them perfectly clear and i dont achieve those results. I use a high quality glass spray and cloth. I really like the brush pen, i can get dust off without smudging the glass with the cloth.
Click to expand...

Hot breath and lens tissue has been serving me well for years.
 
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