Things that are wrongly over/underpriced
 

I've got two on my list:

Matte boxes, and follow focus systems.

I congradulate Dan on producing a great FF for a good price, but nobody's managed to machine a good-quality matte box (aluminum or what have you) for under $300. Anyone have anything to add to the list? I think we've crossed off "35mm adapter" :)

Yeah, you are right about that.
We need to start working on some other projects that are beneficial to all Indie movie makers.

If you have any sketch/info on this, I will talk to a machine shop to see if they can do it. I wonder if how many people interested on buying this at under $300?

Quyen

Quyen, If you can machine a matte box with french flags preferably rod-mounted for around $200, I'd buy it without thinking. $300 would make me mull it over for a really long time. I'll see if I can find you any information, but I do know that 16:9 would be preferrable.

consider this post my pre-order.

Well, there is Formatt in UK here, with a lens-mounted Matte box for around 100 GBP (c.170 USD). Opinions vary as to its pros and cons, but at that price, it's got to be one of the best value.

These come up on eBay regularly around that price.

Before you go ahead and start building on your own “god knows what” just for the sake of cheap prices, check with me, please. I have been looking at matte boxes for some time and I might have a good idea what should be there and what not.

Specifically for SLR lenses but good for plain camcorders as well (keeping in mind the more and more popular 16:9 ratio).

Design for a percentage of the revenue. Plain and simple.

Look at "other interpretations" of the real things from big companies on the market. Cheaper than anything else. Good? You know better, and if you don't you'll learn paying. I have my hands full with FF, no time for MB, but at least, if something comes out of it, I am sure you’ll be happy.

BTW.
If anyone wants to SEE the gears and FF, I made a DVD (intended for customers only).
I can send it to you, so you know what to expect up front if you will need a FF ( and not just for the lower price).
Pay Pal me $5 (to cover the DVD, Pay Pal commission and postage) and decide for yourselves.

$200 for a decent (not even talking good here) matte box is not a realistic price. We all want more affordable gear, but asking for quality at ridiculously low prices is just that, ridiculous. Just my opinion.

Finally........ words of wisdom!

I think $200-$300 is reasonable for a dumb bent piece of metal. I know you guys want rotating filter holders or whatnot, but all I want is the shade and the french flags with two holes in the bottom for rods. Get any higher and you might as well buy the Formatt FM 500.

hii
 

Matte box and Follow focus for under $300 and I'll buy two.
:) jimi

Haha, agreed.

How about camera jibs and cranes? I know there are lots of DIY plans floating around, but something more professional and sturdy would be really interesting. Most of the really good mid-range jibs (Jimmy Jib Lite $2700+, Porta-Jib $2700+, EZFX $1200+, etc.) seem to be way overpriced and require a number of expensive accessories to be truly useful.

Cranes are easy to build, but very difficult to get just right. It is like Dan said, you can build all of these things at home cheaply, but if you want it perfect (and one with servos, tilting mechanisms etc) - it takes alot of time and effort (r & d) and therefore the person will not sell it very cheaply. But having said that, cranes for shots require about $50-100 worth of material for the aluminum, pulleys, tripod, wire, L bracket etc.
Most importantly is trying to do these things yourself. Like Oscar said, information should be freely available and that info should really enable us! Try it FIRST yourself, then seek another method if you can't do it.

While all the elements in a human body are worth about $7-8. Some price to pay.. hey?