MMB-1 review and abel shout out

[Zakaree Sandberg]

Got my MMB-1 last week. bellows, and step down to 80mm for my zeiss ZF lenses (or standards/supers..) anyways.. Amazing little mattebox.. I would put it between the lmb-5 and mb-20.
Its light weight, yet will hold 2 filters and a pola. (Kinda wish it was top load just for grad filters.. but I will just invest in some vertical grads...)

I can easily operate off of the mattebox and it seems to be sturdy.
I have discovered after about a year of intensive handheld operating, that I prefer a pad and mattebox over a handheld system, and I am happy that this mattebox allows me to do so. I had a REDROCK and that thing was flimsy beyond belief.

The CON-
unlike most swing away mattebox options, this mattebox doesn't have an adjustment to go closer or further away from the lens (MINUS THE ROD MOUNT itself)

So whats the big deal.. cant You just slide it on the rods in order to get to the lens? YES/NO
With my shorter lens (50mm zeiss ZF) I Cant really get to it.. MY FF-2 blocks the rod mount from sliding further back, and my ff-2 is slammed as far as it can go...
I don't have one to try, but I'm sure this issue is a moot point with the use of a mff-1 follow focus.. But those of us with studio follow focus units may see this as a big deal.

ALSO.. just a side note.. I haven't tried this with Abel's video to studio adapter.. it may work better than my ebay 50$ 15v-15s adapter, But I don't have one to try,nore the couple hundred bucks needed to see if it works.


Anyways.. This was my first purchase through Abel, and It was a good experience. The mattebox is really cool.
Lightweight for handheld, yet versatile enough for studio work

 

[Brigham Edgar]

Just about to buy one from Abel as well...but going the 143mm back to slide onto my 18-85mm, top load rear tray and bellows from the mb20 so to get step down rings etc. I have the RR mattebox and it has worked great but is a definate budget option and is reflected so.

Abel have been great to deal with, quick, easy and very competitive on price. I can still order things from them n the States and get it shipped to Australia, pay all the import fees and then i am still about 30% better off in price, at least!

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

It should work great with larger lenses too..
I love the low profile of the mattebox. Keeps the camera smaller and compact.

 

[Jason Osterday]

Try getting a 105mm step ring from Arri and the Zacuto donut for that small 50mm. It'll let you stretch.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

Yeah I could find all kinds of work arounds.. but its just not what I want to do...
When lens changing, I just want to change the lens.. maybe change the distance on the MB to the lens... but def not re configure the mattebox just for one lens ya know

 

[D Fuller]

Zakaree,

The Abel 15mm lightweight to 19mm studio adapter is a really quality bit of kit. They loaned me one for a couple of weeks when I got my MMB-1 because the ET 15mm rod mount wasn't in yet, and I wouldn't give it back.

Also, the MFF-1 definitely works with the shorter Nikon lenses and the matte box. Andit saves a bit of weight over the studio rigs.

 

[Tim Whitcomb]

I had a REDROCK and that thing was flimsy beyond belief.

kind of lame posting that the MB you just sold me is "Fiimsy beyond belief"
on a public board, dont you think Zak?

Not how it was decsribed AT ALL in your advert...

talk about "BUSTED" its also beat to hell.

Pretty much want to return it and get our $ back... that kind of business is just plain rude and short sighted

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

Pretty much want to return it and get our $ back... that kind of business is just plain rude and short sighted

whoa TIM un acceptable.. Our Private matter should be kept Private. You Emailed me, and I Emailed Back saying "NO PROBLEM" on the return.

What I meant was, RR is generally Not as sturdy as ARRI.. hence Flimsy as hell. I think Most People Would Concur with me on that.

I posted Photos of the Mattebox, I dont think its beat to hell... But like I said in the private EMAIL, NO PROBLEM. ill send your money back.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

kind of lame posting that the MB you just sold me is "Fiimsy beyond belief"
on a public board, dont you think Zak?

Also... show me exactly where I wrote "THE MATTEBOX I JUST SOLD TIM IS FLIMSY BEYOND BELIEF" Because I didnt once say your name or the fact that I sold you a redrock mattebox for, in your own words your "lower Budget clients"

UGGG

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

again.. PHOTOS of the mattebox I sold.. Previously posted in my for sale section.

These Photos were taken at time of listing, and the box hasnt been opened since..
Beat to Hell? come on

 

[CJ Roy]

Someone kill this thread.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

Killed

 

[Eric J. Johnston]

Bump!

 

[Ivan G]

Zak did you pick up a Pola for the MMB-1? If so what's the size and brand?

 

[Brian Broz]

I have the Schneider 4-1/2" Round Tru-Pol which rotates 360Degrees on my MMB-1.
But I believe if your MMB-1 is configured for clamp-on you don't have a rotating 4-1/2" round back. Something to check before buying.
Hope that helps!

BBroz

 

[Mitch Gross]

I have the Schneider 4-1/2" Round Tru-Pol which rotates 360Degrees on my MMB-1.
But I believe if your MMB-1 is configured for clamp-on you don't have a rotating 4-1/2" round back. Something to check before buying.
Hope that helps!

BBroz

Correct. And when using the MMB-1 on the RED 18-85 the bellows back must be removed, so no 4.5" round filter whether on rods or clamping. But there's still the rear 4x5.65 tray that rotates.