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Matte Boxes; RED's vs. O-Box vs. Redrock Micro

Jason Honeycutt

Jason Honeycutt

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I'm putting together my Scarlet rig and I need to get a matte box. I know there are various topics about matte boxes but it seems, from what I've gathered, that these three are everyone's favorites and I haven't seen a current discussion. I'm totally open. I've used some knock-off Indian brand on my DSLR that did a decent enough job of holding the filter in front of the lens but it's constant maintainece. I don't need a matte box to show off my rig on Facebook, I just want something that works.

I think the Redrock has everything I'm looking for; 15mm, swing-away, 4x4 and 4x5 holders. I guess three stages would be cool but two is fine. I'm leaning to the Redrock spec-wise since RED's doesn't have 4x4's and doesn't swing... but yeah, I agree with most people that it does look bad ass, but that doesn't matter. And the O-Box, I've used it briefly and it's definitely solid and I know everyone loves the build of it. I wish it'd swing-away though.

I've read that some people don't like the build of the Redrock... saying it's cheap plastic. Is that true? I've never used it. That'd be a dealbreaker for me I think.

Or, if there's one I'm missing, I'd love info. I'm looking to keep it around $1K-ish and under.
 
If I were to start over in buying a mattebox, I would take a look at the Bright Tangerine. It really looks like a great setup, But, it's way over the price point you mentioned so with that in mind, I'd recommend the OBox. I've owned all three you mentioned and the OBox is my favorite. It's compact, well-made and in the ballpark price-wise. The RR is fine, but not compared against the OBox. The RED mattebox was peculiar. It's large, and I didn't care for the flag mounts because they wouldn't stay tight when adjusting a flag. They'd come loose and the flag would flop down, pretty annoying.

The BT looks great, just the price is pretty close to the ARRI matteboxes from what I've read.
 
You don't really need swing away.

It's like buying a good car.... buy once.

OBox is the Tank, the Hummer, the what have you. Strong as hell, mounting points for your cinetape / noga arm / 50 cal gun, etc.

Arri is the Mercedes. Strong and sleek, with swing away; 4x5.65 or 4x4 awesomeness for $2,500 without accessories. I love my MB-19, everything just ****ing works. If that price point is too high have a look at the MMB-1 (2 stage plus 138mm back for a third filter!) or MMB-2 (mad light, mad cheap, Arri quality with mounting point like the OConnor). You could always add a Chrosziel or Zacuto swing away bracket.

Red Rock is the Kia. Cheap plastic. You pick it up and it feels like it will break. I can't tell you how many times I've whacked a mattebox into a wall, a stand, a person--then checked and everything was OK, and it was, because it was an Arri or Oconnor. The mattebox is the one line of defense between your lens and camera...
 
If you don't need swing away then the clip-on, or rod mounted, Bright Tangerine VIV matte box is the same price as the OBOX. Check it out and watch Curts video review to see why it is awesome!
 
Matt I love your fevered support of the BT matte box. It's inspiring to see someone give such constant praise just out of pure love and appreciation for the design. It must be an incredible device.

One of the main reason I went with Arri is because.... it's Arri. I have used MB-19s that have seen a decade or more of rental abuse and they perform the way my brand new one does. Perfectly.

I know the BT guy was an Arri engineer. I can imagine him coming up with the collapsible trays idea, showing his managers, all of them shaking their heads. "We want clients to buy a lightweight, production and studio mattebox, not an all-in-one."

All of that aside, I just couldn't have a mattebox that had the name of a citrus fruit branded across the top. He could call it whatever he wants, I wish it just wasn't so... orange.
 
Given your budget range it I would go O BOX.

However you need to be aware with the O Box if your running 15mm rods @ 60 spacing, your rotating filter tray will not work . You will need an adapter or similar to lift the O BOX clear of the 60mm rails . This isn't a problem with 19mm or 15mm studio spacing. Having said that this is a great MB apart from this one inconvience

With the Redrock if your buying jump on ebay & pick one up 2nd hand that's hardly been used for not a lot.........so........... what does that say ; )

P.S. LOL @ Ryan just read your post .......with brand names at the moment its either fruit or military or an "I" inspired.
 
Great advice so far! I honestly have never even heard of the Bright Tangerine. I was checking the prices based on these great reviews, I could only find the three stage VIV and that was $2,250. The review seems great though.

I've never used the RR but I keep hearing how cheap that it so I'm scratching that. The RED's one, I heard that was front heavy too. The OBox I just checked out the other day and I agree... definitely was built like a tank, no wobbly parts from what I could tell. Relatively cheap too. I'm curious if there's a BT around $1K.
 
Just wanted to point out that Mike's comments about 15mm LW rods interfering with tray rotation is true of any mattebox. It's a limitation of the 15mm height...
 
Ryan De Franco said:
Matt I love your fevered support of the BT matte box. It's inspiring to see someone give such constant praise just out of pure love and appreciation for the design. It must be an incredible device.

One of the main reason I went with Arri is because.... it's Arri. I have used MB-19s that have seen a decade or more of rental abuse and they perform the way my brand new one does. Perfectly.

I know the BT guy was an Arri engineer. I can imagine him coming up with the collapsible trays idea, showing his managers, all of them shaking their heads. "We want clients to buy a lightweight, production and studio mattebox, not an all-in-one."

All of that aside, I just couldn't have a mattebox that had the name of a citrus fruit branded across the top. He could call it whatever he wants, I wish it just wasn't so... orange.
Click to expand...

Hey Ryan,
Yeah I'm sure it gets old hearing me praise BT, but honestly it's the best matte box I've ever used. I've used everything from Arri down to cheap Redrock and no name brands made in India. I don't get paid to advertise, spread the word, or sell products. It's just my honest opinion.

I agree the name is silly. But the color scheme looks great. The matte box is hard core, solid, has cool features, and Andy is a great guy. I was going to buy an MB20II but decided to take a chance on the Strummer. I'm glad I chose BT.

As for price, Curt one of the distributors posted this in another thread: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?80235-Bright-Tangerine-Mattebox&p=1059417&viewfull=1#post1059417

"My understanding is this after glancing at their site for 3 minutes:
Strummer = MB20 II that can swap for 6x6 trays giving you an MB20 and MB28 in one package for under $4K. Comes in 15mm LWS (2 or 3 tray), 19mm or 15mm Studio (2 or 3 tray)
ViV = MMB1 or 2 / O-Box. Same as above for the kits. Can be a clip on but no 6x6 trays. Only 150mm
Misfit = LMB5 / 15 in one (side/top flags incl). No 6x6
Blacklight = LMB4 but with side/top flags and 3 stages

Pricing seems to be competitive. I say if you're in the market for a $3000+ piece of equipment take two seconds to make a phone call. Otherwise just go with what you're comfortable with from the big blue four letter company and avoid confrontational unconstructive posts regarding business models. It's tough enough taking on the famed Arri MB's as it is, I give these guys a lot of credit."

"CURT PAIR:
Jason is very close in his observations!

I'd like to make a few points of clarification: VIV is more than just 150mm... that is the LARGEST lens it can accept. There are rings down to 80mm. Strummer and VIV can accommodate a Cooke S4 14mm in 4:3 on an S35 sensor. Blacklight is a 162mm back ring, ready to go for Optimo 24-290mm; no need for adapters. It will go as wide as an Arri 8M. It has the ability to use flags too.

Bottom line is correct: Strummer starts at $3200. VIV starts at $1650. Misfit starts at $1800. Blacklight starts at $2300. They are indeed competitively priced."
 
If you are on a budget, the Redrock Micro works just fine.

I have one, and although it's not the best quality, the build is fine, swing away rules, and it gets the job done.

A mattebox needs to hold filters and block the fucking sun.

If you are just trying to do those two things, then go for it.

The Car analogy works, but you also have to take into account, do you want to buy a Hummer or a Mercedes to get from point A to point B and spend a lot of money for that. Or get a Kia and save money for other things.

It's all personal preference and what you truly need it for.
 
Jason Honeycutt said:
Great advice so far! I honestly have never even heard of the Bright Tangerine. I was checking the prices based on these great reviews, I could only find the three stage VIV and that was $2,250. The review seems great though.

I've never used the RR but I keep hearing how cheap that it so I'm scratching that. The RED's one, I heard that was front heavy too. The OBox I just checked out the other day and I agree... definitely was built like a tank, no wobbly parts from what I could tell. Relatively cheap too. I'm curious if there's a BT around $1K.
Click to expand...

They are a brand new company who just started shipping units in August.
 
I'd like to hear some more feedback on Red's own matte box. Just curious what your reasons are in choosing others' over Red's.
 
Well put Michael. Sorry to knock the Red Rock. I hit a patch of oil once and flipped 360 on a highway ramp above a river--and survived--because the Ford Explorer didn't crumple when I hit the median at 60 miles per hour upside down.

If you are careful with your gear the RedRock could last a century. If you have a tendency to work fast handheld with no rehearsal, sending the matte box into unfortunate collisions, you want it to take the impact and translate very little to the lens or camera. I am sure the RedRock could withstand a few beatings as well! It's just about what works long term with how you shoot.
 
Ryan De Franco said:
Well put Michael. Sorry to knock the Red Rock. I hit a patch of oil once and flipped 360 on a highway ramp above a river--and survived--because the Ford Explorer didn't crumple when I hit the median at 60 miles per hour upside down.

If you are careful with your gear the RedRock could last a century. If you have a tendency to work fast handheld with no rehearsal, sending the matte box into unfortunate collisions, you want it to take the impact and translate very little to the lens or camera. I am sure the RedRock could withstand a few beatings as well! It's just about what works long term with how you shoot.
Click to expand...

Don't be sorry! I didn't mean it as harsh.
Just stating, that sometimes Redrock isn't too bad. Also, sometimes I do want to upgrade to an O'Box or Arri.
 
I have the Movcam MM2 and so far so good.
And the 15mm rods doesn't get in the way of the rotating tray.
 
Matt Ryan said:
Hey man , look into the Bright Tangerine line-up!
http://brighttangerine.com/index
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?85427-Bright-Tangerine-VIV-Mattebox-Review&highlight=Bright+Tangerine
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?80235-Bright-Tangerine-Mattebox
http://matthayslett.com/bright-tangerine-matte-boxes/

Everyone who purchased one loves them. Seriously, check the threads here. I love my Strummer which sounds like the system your looking for.
Click to expand...

Agreed, Bright Tangerine is very good.
 
Avoid the RedRock mattebox like the plague. As with most of their products - it is cheaply built, poorly engineered, and simply will not last. Bright Tangerine is brilliant, and obviously you will get a quality product from either Arri or O'connor. You get what you pay for.
 
Roy Gregorio said:
I'd like to hear some more feedback on Red's own matte box. Just curious what your reasons are in choosing others' over Red's.
Click to expand...

I like the red matte box but it's not complete as it is today. it needs the following:

New screws for the flags, Those come lose all the time and is positioned in a way so they are hard to tighten and they come loose easily... sadly to me that looks like one of those cad designs that has not been battle tested before it gone further into mass production.

No swing away so far... When renting out the camera our clients always pick our arri clamp on or go for another mattbox due the this. Since the red mattbox is quite big I would say it's not so suitable to clamp on smaller lenses, especially if you use vantage glass that could easily break if you put on to much weight.

No donut so far. If your lens travel when you pull focus then the red matte box when mounted on rods will need a donut to keep back light from bouncing in on your filters.

So please red make:

1. Cheap rubber donuts / sleeves for each and every lens diameter available. would be great if there was a replacement for the whole clamp on thing and so that everything behind the filter tray was rubber.

2. A swing away.

3. Remake the fixating mekanism for the flags. We also have lost several of the screws holding the flags since those untread and fall out from vibrations from our milo.
 
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