Yet another Inexpensive mattebox and follow focus thread...

[Ben Scott]

Agree with that Robert. Got the mattebox sorted now though and so now it's down to whatever doesn't get us Brits completely shafted with VAT and import duty

 

[Mike P.]

We used an FF-4 and FF-3 on the most recent shoot I was on... The FF4 broke (the marking ring shattered because it's made of plastic, whereas the FF-3s was alloy/magnesium or something more durable). One of the ACs spent his precious off-time gluing the thing back together. Just haggard. FF-3 was rock solid, but only had 19mm support (the ff-4 had 15 and 19... But the 15 clamp mechanism was also broken...) So, yeah, "you get what you pay for" doesn't seem to apply to anything anymore, and I'd rather a $200 piece of crap FF breaks than a $4000 one that's supposed to be the "penultimate" FF out there. If an AC is dissatisfied with the FF brought to set, they can ask the producer to source a better one for them, but they better not be offended if the producer laughs at them. On the flip side, if an AC brought their own FF to set, I'd definitely want to work with that person again (just for being awesome and knowing the score).

Anyway, the reason I'm reviving this thread is to see if anyone found a decently priced, functional matte box? Three trays (one rotating) would be ideal, but I'd rather not spend big bucks since the filters are gonna cost a lot anyway, and when you get above a certain point the motion mount (with cheapy-two-tray) would ultimately be more worthwhile.

 

[Ben Scott]

I'm actually back using one of these. http://cheesycam.com/konova-dual-stage-swing-away-matte-box/

along with a genus nun's knicker screwed in. It dawned on me that I really don't need anything more at the moment and after obtaining a Chroziel that was bigger and heavier and bulkier I'm pleased to be back with this very lightweight box.

As the thread has been renewed I'll also add that I just picked up the €2000 Tilta studio follow focus TT04 - basically an FF5 inspired model- brand new for €300 on ebay

 

[Adrian Weinbrecht]

Hey Ben

Have you tried 'TRUE LENS SERVICE" a couple of hours North from London ? Speak to Colin 01455 848411.

They make a lot of lens and Mattebox stuff. They are a bit like a British Duclos, Colin is actually very friendly with the Duclos's.

Anyway I was having trouble getting what I wanted in terms of a smallish Matt Box and I got Colin to add a top and side flags to a smaller Matt Box, great Job and very reasonable.

Call me directly I'd you need more Help I'm in London too.

Good Luck

Adrian Weinbrecht

 

[Ben Scott]

Thanks Adrian. Hopefully I'm just about sorted now until I make the step up to a 4x5.56 mattebox

Always wondered about TLS so good to hear recommendations for them. I'm also a fan of thelensdoctor.co.uk who does great work, is very friendly, and used to play guitar in Thin Lizzy!

 

[Mike P.]

That konova is supposed to already support 4x5.65, no?

Does the bellows hold another (series 9) filter (for a max of three)? My concern is, in tungsten I'll want to use an 80D and in sunlight I'll want to use a pola; on top of that I'll want a low-con/softening filter (HBM, CS, BPM, etc.) and ND. That's essentially par for my filter-stack (as in, I really need three). I don't use grads much, so I only need one rotating (for the pola) and 4x5.65 would be ideal.

Other wants/needs, swing-away, 15mm with the potential for 19mm (although I think they sell brackets, right, or is that an Chroziel/Arri only thing?)... and light weight... SOOOO basically, I want a really good mattebox for no money. Something that I can say, "oh you didn't rent one? well, I brought mine and it'll work.... but I'm gonna charge you a $1400/day kit fee... NAW, I'm just kidding... $1200 <straight face>."

I do think it's pretty funny that you went from a Chroz to a no-name cheapy and are perfectly content.

 

[Ben Scott]

Oops, I have the one like that but for 4x4 filters. The 15mm swing away works well.

I have a Genus Nun's knickers screwed into the back of it for mounting on my lens so the way I use it a third filter would have to be a screw-in one on the lens itself.