Matte Box - Arri MB-20 & microMatteBox Bundle... are the 2 comparable?

[Jeetu Chawla]

Well, budget is an issue but not at the cost of quality & efficiency...
So i was wondering, what would be the "cons" of using a microMatteBox Bundle for Red One camera over an Arri MB-20, especially from a DoP's perspective.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

rent ability...
circle pola (only in arri)

 

[Jeetu Chawla]

thanks Zakaree... but can you please elaborate on Circle Polarizer? Its application?

 

[Curran Giddens]

The Redrock mattebox can't fit a 138mm round filter. It is possible to attach an Arri Bellows adapter to the Redrock. Some people (like me) already have a 138mm round pola and would prefer to use it instead of buying a square pola. Stubborn? Yes, I know.

Check out these threads:
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?p=420338#post420338
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=25780

Note: Don't confuse round and circular. You can buy a circular polarizer in a size that is 5.65"x5.65" square.

 

[Jeetu Chawla]

Oh kool... i get it now @ round/circle pola :thumbsup:

Any other suggestions... thoughts?

 

[Carlos Prio]

Don't you want the Pola to be on the outside instead of the one closest to the lens???

 

[Eric J. Johnston]

Oh kool... i get it now @ round/circle pola :thumbsup:

Any other suggestions... thoughts?

Possibly a linear polarizer? Only round in shape.

 

[NateWeaver]

So i was wondering, what would be the "cons" of using a microMatteBox Bundle for Red One camera over an Arri MB-20, especially from a DoP's perspective.

From a DP's perspective? Strictly speaking, not much. They both hold 4x6.65 filters, they both attach with the same methods. The Redrock can even be modified to take 138mm rounds on the back.

From an AC's or an owner's perspective, the difference is great. The Redrock is much simpler in construction. There is some slop in the swing-away mech, mine flopped a couple MM fore and aft, which was somewhat annoying.

Tucking the donuts in on lens changes was fiddly and took practice to do efficiently while shooting.

That said, the Redrock is a godsend for the folks without tons to spend, it's the first mattebox at it's price that can certainly get the job done.

The Arri on the otherhand, has many more parts, and the tolerances on all of it is much tighter, resulting in something that feels better to work with day in and day out. Based on my 8 years experience as an AC, Arri gear will hold up over the years much better (but certainly can and will break).

Is the MB20 worth 8 times more? Maybe, if you expect to rent your gear a lot, forsee it getting beat on, or are have already worked with Arri gear and are picky. If you are a hobbyist or aspiring filmmaker with a limited amount of shoot days per year, don't go into debt for an MB20, got a Redrock.

 

[Jeetu Chawla]

Nate, thank you for your reply

Well, yes i intend to rent it out a lot & my local DP friends have suggested almost what you've advised.

Seems like i'll have to stretch my finances to accommodate the MB 20

Thank you, everyone for your suggestions!

:beer:

 

[Dave Blackham]

If the pola is an issue buy one of the rotating polars in a 6 x 4 frame which is a much better solution. Fit the RR with a third stage. The arri belows also fit the RR matte box.

The RR is well made and good solution we have no problem hiring the RR to customers.

 

[Mitch Gross]

Abel has a special Group Buy promotion on the MB20 through the rest of June. It is about $1000 less expensive than standard pricing. It's a great deal that expires soon.

 

[Jeetu Chawla]

Thanks Mitch! Yup, i am ready to order the MB 20.

I've Contacted your Sales team & look forward to their mail.

 

[Jeetu Chawla]

Mitch, sent you a PM