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MB-16 vs. RedRock MB

Yousuf Abbasi

Yousuf Abbasi

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I don't mind spending the money for an Arri MB-16, but is it THAT much of an advantage over the RedRock MatteBox?

Anyone that has used both, can you tell me why MB-16 is worth that so much more than the RR from a functional standpoint, aside from it having the "Arri" name and "holding its value."

My dilemma is that I can either have a really good MB or a really good FF (can't afford both). So I was thinking about getting a RR MB and an Arri FF5HD. But of course your advice is appreciated.

Thanks.
 
When I am faced with a decision like this, I go with what makes the biggest difference on screen. Go for the better FF.
 
Definitely go with the better FF, a fudged focus pull will haunt you much longer than a few minutes of matte box frustration
 
And I dont think you want an MB16, I think the MB20 or MB14 is much better for Red
 
Have to say that after recently working with a 1 year old RR mattebox, it makes more sense than ever why people shell out for the Chroziel and Arri gear. It was basically worn out. All the screws were either untight or worn out. The side flags were basically unuseable, and gee do I miss that place for the cirkulating pola and the extra stage...

But get a decent FF... too...


And... What Shawn said...
 
we had to do a fair bit of user modifications to our mattebox, including hack-sawing off some material from the side wing attachment to make a better connection. still working, but a good FF is way more important
 
Gunleik Groven said:
Have to say that after recently working with a 1 year old RR mattebox...It was basically worn out. All the screws were either untight or worn out. The side flags were basically unuseable,
Click to expand...

I saw that coming with my RR after 6 months of use. Glad I was able to sell it.

BUT, it was a GREAT thing to be able to buy for the few dollars I had available when I got it, if that makes sense. A lot of people will never want for more.
 
Yes, stay away from RR FF, unfortunately some, like me, had to learn it the hard way. Last week shooting in the mountains the gearwheel from my 6 months old RR followfocus suddenly dropped off and is now gone forever...but what makes me feel really angry there is no help from redrock, no answer from support since one week....
In a professional bussines having a professional support is more important than a lot of others...redrock is not there.

bg
alex
 
NateWeaver said:
I saw that coming with my RR after 6 months of use. Glad I was able to sell it.

BUT, it was a GREAT thing to be able to buy for the few dollars I had available when I got it, if that makes sense. A lot of people will never want for more.
Click to expand...

Plan to sell mine too, what do you think an alternative great MB for RED ? Let's not mention ARRI for now, that is the best. What's other alternative to 5,65, x 5,65 MB ?
 
There will be a very nice matte box on the market soon :wink5:
 
I don't really know that much. Significantly less than an MB20 and as good, if not better.
 
Yousuf Abbasi said:
So I was thinking about getting a RR MB and an Arri FF5HD. But of course your advice is appreciated.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Try to find an used Arri or Chrosziel MB. I have an old MB19 which is still in heavy use and is more than 10 years old. Looks worn but not worn out. Regarding FFs: the FF4 is more versatile than the FF5HD and AFAIK even a bit cheaper.



Hans
 
The RR is usable. Be aware that the filter trays can fall through the bottom of it so it's an idea to keep the bars extended under it if possible. The doughnut system is awful and can waste a lot of time. If it makes you feel any better, the MB20 isn't perfect either. It's a little over complex.
 
Hans von Sonntag said:
Try to find an used Arri or Chrosziel MB. I have an old MB19 which is still in heavy use and is more than 10 years old. Looks worn but not worn out. Regarding FFs: the FF4 is more versatile than the FF5HD and AFAIK even a bit cheaper.

Hans
Click to expand...

Seems like MB19 isn't a bad choice. I'll mainly be using Zeiss speeds so I need to figure out best MB option that won't kill my wallet. I'd like to go Arri or Vocas... MB19 is 4x5.65 2-stage with 138mm rear, swingaway style - correct? can other filter sizes aside from 4x5.65 be used?

You're right FF4 is cheaper, but why is it more versatile than FF5HD?
 
Irri said:
The RR is usable. Be aware that the filter trays can fall through the bottom of it so it's an idea to keep the bars extended under it if possible. The doughnut system is awful and can waste a lot of time. If it makes you feel any better, the MB20 isn't perfect either. It's a little over complex.
Click to expand...

re: donuts--

for those that don't know it, don't waste your time fitting them into the mattebox, simply jam them up against the mattebox. Ends up being quite quick and keeps the light out.

that said, looking forward to your better mattebox Irri.

p
 
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