Matte Box for canon 5D II, for ND filters and gradated ND filters Options

[billy]

I just ordered a red rock micro rig for my 5D and was going to purchase their Matte Box as well but it is very expensive. Is there a reason why I couldn't use a Cokin or Lee system? I am using this for video only, but why couldn't i use a 'still' version of a matte box and ND filter kit? Is there a reason people are using those cinema dedicated matte box / filter kits?

[John-S]

The benefits of any matte box are greater flare protection with optional french flags and side flags, using 4x4 ND filters so you can change lenses quickly and the filters stay put. You can rotate 4x4 polarizers in the matte box filter trays. It's a tool used for and by the movie industry. Don't feel you have to have one. It adds a lot of weight depending on the brand you buy.

The RR matte box is so big with the 5DII and similar cameras, it's almost a joke.

I use the Indifocus matte box which is literally half the size of the RR and it still allows 2 - 4x4 filters.

I also use several Kenko 4x4 filter holders I bought from ebay years ago which work just as well and weigh a lot less.

If using ND filters is your main reason for looking at matte boxes, then consider using something like the Fader ND, it's basically two polarizers attached that give 8 stops of ND filtering: http://lightcraftworkshop.com/site/page1000.aspx

Singh-Ray makes one as well: http://www.singh-ray.com/varind.html

I think for HD-DSLR use, the large cine matte boxes are just silly. DVcity.com has a special on their matte box kit for $110: http://dvcity.com/dve/product_info.php?cPa...products_id=339 This this is essentially what Indifocus is using along with a swing away design which is what I like about it. The dvcity version is not swing away but for the price, I guess who cares.

I've ordered lens gears from them and it went well. They make decent "knockoff" gear of the bigger name cine makers.

I just ordered a red rock micro rig for my 5D and was going to purchase their Matte Box as well but it is very expensive. Is there a reason why I couldn't use a Cokin or Lee system? I am using this for video only, but why couldn't i use a 'still' version of a matte box and ND filter kit? Is there a reason people are using those cinema dedicated matte box / filter kits?

This post has been edited by John-S: Nov 5 2009, 10:01 PM

[billy]

hey thanks for that reply, great info there. I ordered the matte box from DV city, now need to look for affordable 4x4 filters..........

The benefits of any matte box are greater flare protection with optional french flags and side flags, using 4x4 ND filters so you can change lenses quickly and the filters stay put. You can rotate 4x4 polarizers in the matte box filter trays. It's a tool used for and by the movie industry. Don't feel you have to have one. It adds a lot of weight depending on the brand you buy.

The RR matte box is so big with the 5DII and similar cameras, it's almost a joke.

I use the Indifocus matte box which is literally half the size of the RR and it still allows 2 - 4x4 filters.

I also use several Kenko 4x4 filter holders I bought from ebay years ago which work just as well and weigh a lot less.

If using ND filters is your main reason for looking at matte boxes, then consider using something like the Fader ND, it's basically two polarizers attached that give 8 stops of ND filtering: http://lightcraftworkshop.com/site/page1000.aspx

Singh-Ray makes one as well: http://www.singh-ray.com/varind.html

I think for HD-DSLR use, the large cine matte boxes are just silly. DVcity.com has a special on their matte box kit for $110: http://dvcity.com/dve/product_info.php?cPa...products_id=339 This this is essentially what Indifocus is using along with a swing away design which is what I like about it. The dvcity version is not swing away but for the price, I guess who cares.

I've ordered lens gears from them and it went well. They make decent "knockoff" gear of the bigger name cine makers.

[John-S]

I use 4x4 Opti-Flex filters and have for 10 plus years. B&H has them: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=o...itialSearch=yes
Opti ND filters: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=o...itialSearch=yes

hey thanks for that reply, great info there. I ordered the matte box from DV city, now need to look for affordable 4x4 filters..........