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Mattebox Flexible Donuts

Steve Sherrick

Steve Sherrick

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In an ideal world, our lenses would never extend when we focus them. All focus would be internal. However, sometimes we want to use glass that just so happens to extend and if we want to use a mattebox with these lenses we need a way for the lens to extend without resistance. So, in my case I have an Oconnor O-Box and I have been using a Chroziel rubber donut. It's okay but has some issues. Wondering if others are in a similar boat and have a preference for a particular brand and model. Here is the list that I know of.

[FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif]- OConnor Universal Ring 114-55 Threaded[/FONT]
[FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif]- Chrosziel AC-450-20 Flexi-Ring Flexible Step-Down Ring[/FONT]
[FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif]- Genus Universal Donut "Nun's Knickers" Adapter Ring[/FONT]
- Universal Lens Donut[FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif] from [/FONT][FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif]Redrock Micro[/FONT]
[FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif]- Cavision Matte Box Donut Adapter Ring[/FONT]
[FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif]- Zacuto Z-UD[/FONT]
- Universal Stretch Donut (144 mm)[FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif] from [/FONT][FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif]Movcam[/FONT]
- 114mm Flexible Cuff Adapter Ring[FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif] from [/FONT][FONT=OpenSans, arial, sans-sarif]Vocas[/FONT]

The features I'm looking for are:
- Easy on/off
- No light leaks
- Flexible material that is long lasting
- No resistance against lenses to avoid messing up focus mechanisms
- Fits the Oconnor mattebox (which shouldn't be tough considering the large opening that can be stepped down)
 
This is really the only one you need to look at.

http://www.brighttangerine.com/product-detail/143-mm-black-hole-donut-_-diameter-58mm-_-143mm.-conical-shaped-for-lenses-that-travel-_-upto-2.ring-for-138mm-round-filters-.-arri-compatible./340/2/4/21

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Tom Greenberg posted his experience with it here: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?119301-Bright-Tangerine-quot-Black-Hole-quot-flexible-variable-donut&highlight=
 
Thanks Matt. Hadn't seen that one. With the proper step down 150-143 I'm looking at $285. A bit pricey but it seems to check off everything on my list. I can save about $30 and get the Bright Tangerine step down (which i assume works perfectly with the O-Box). Unless someone is able to make an argument for another solution, this seems like what I'll order.
 
I like to think of it as a better option as well since it has the 138mm rotating filter ring. So you really get that bonus that the others don't offer. The Bright Tangerine stepdown ring should work just fine, they make them industry standard size. If you contact BT directly they can answer your question for sure.
 
I have the OConnor Universal Rings and they work well.

One thing I like about the Bright Tangerine Black Hole though is the fins, which allow you to get an easy grip on the donut. It's useful when changing lenses and having filters in there because you can easily lift the ring around the lens from the rear without much hassle.
 
Nice one, Bob! That's the black hole donut I ordered and am waiting on.

I worry about how it might work in a crew situation though. Is it rugged enough or possible to tear easily? Seemed like its tough enough from your review. But I'd also like to have an alternate inexpensive version - just a set of donuts like the ones from Redrock that are good for rougher conditions. Anyone have recommendations?
 
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I've seen Panavision supplied "homemade" ones made from stiff neoprene (about 7 or 8mm thick I think) which actually work really well. The trick is to make the hole a bit smaller than the lens so that the donut flips into a cone shape.
 
The Black Hole from BT stays on my VIV almost 100% of the time now. It is plenty durable...mine has seen regular rental use and still looks new.
 
Mine arrived today and I have to say seems like a very nice solution. It's a thinner profile than the Oconnor bellows ring while still allowing for a 138mm round filter. I think I'm going to like this.
 

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Steve Sherrick said:
Mine arrived today and I have to say seems like a very nice solution. It's a thinner profile than the Oconnor bellows ring while still allowing for a 138mm round filter. I think I'm going to like this.
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Glad your first impression is positive. The 138mm rotating filter tray is a huge bonus. It makes it far more versatile than a traditional donut.
 
ericyoung said:
I've seen Panavision supplied "homemade" ones made from stiff neoprene (about 7 or 8mm thick I think) which actually work really well. The trick is to make the hole a bit smaller than the lens so that the donut flips into a cone shape.
Click to expand...

Thats what I have done, just find or make a ring that fits the mattbox and cut a piece of neoprene and glue it to the ring with rubber cement / same glue you use to fix holes in your wetsuite.

This one works perfectly on everything from 80mm diameter up to 148mm.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/107237384@N04/14155732456/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/107237384@N04/14155732106/in/photostream/

The only trick part is that you want the neoprene bit to be cut like the texture for a cone. So it's kind of a banana shaped to it. I made a cone shape in 3D and printed it out to get it right. Then offcourse it needs to be a little bit smaller than the wanted diameter to get a snug fit and 3mm neoprene is more than enough thickness.

So if you got that old wetsuit and a pair of scissors :)
 
Björn Benckert said:
Thats what I have done, just find or make a ring that fits the mattbox and cut a piece of neoprene and glue it to the ring with rubber cement / same glue you use to fix holes in your wetsuite.

This one works perfectly on everything from 80mm diameter up to 148mm.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/107237384@N04/14155732456/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/107237384@N04/14155732106/in/photostream/

The only trick part is that you want the neoprene bit to be cut like the texture for a cone. So it's kind of a banana shaped to it. I made a cone shape in 3D and printed it out to get it right. Then offcourse it needs to be a little bit smaller than the wanted diameter to get a snug fit and 3mm neoprene is more than enough thickness.

So if you got that old wetsuit and a pair of scissors :)
Click to expand...

The Panavision ones don't need gluing and are really quick to put on and take off. Next time I see them, I'll take a photo and post here. The foam may not actually be neoprene - it's kind of like soft mouse mat material.

I still think the Black Hole is a great universal solution though, but not that cheap.
 
I'm really liking my "new" R1 setup. Besides adding the Black Hole, I've also switched over to 15mm LW setup and I just received the Zacuto Universal VCT baseplate. This has a comfortable shoulder pad built in and now I can go handheld to sticks easily. Also, even with mattebox the rig is 18lbs give or take depending on lens. Using it to film on a boxing documentary tomorrow, so I'll know how comfortable it is after a few hours. But to me, this is the best I have had the R1 configured in terms of run and gun style.
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Steve Sherrick said:
Mine arrived today and I have to say seems like a very nice solution. It's a thinner profile than the Oconnor bellows ring while still allowing for a 138mm round filter. I think I'm going to like this.
Click to expand...

Grrr… my Bright Tangerine donut arrived today after a long delay from B&H and it had a small tear in the inner edge (about 4mm long). Taking it back to the store tomm to see if they have a replacement in stock. Not a great start and a bit concerned it was torn like that.
 
Nikhil Kamkolkar said:
Grrr… my Bright Tangerine donut arrived today after a long delay from B&H and it had a small tear in the inner edge (about 4mm long). Taking it back to the store tomm to see if they have a replacement in stock. Not a great start and a bit concerned it was torn like that.
Click to expand...

I guarantee you it would never come from Bright Tangerine with a tear in it. Try ordering it directly from them and tell them what happened with B&H. They would not be happy that their product would be shipped in such a state. You can tell Rob I sent you.

rob@brighttangerine.com
 
Matt Ryan said:
I guarantee you it would never come from Bright Tangerine with a tear in it. Try ordering it directly from them and tell them what happened with B&H. They would not be happy that their product would be shipped in such a state. You can tell Rob I sent you.

rob@brighttangerine.com
Click to expand...

I ordered it from B&H as I get a small corporate discount from them. I'm going to swing by tomm and return/exchange it if they have it in the store. I'm hoping its a one-off occurrence too.
 
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