So ummm whats a matte box? at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Open DV Discussion

Open DV Discussion
For topics which don't fit into any of the other categories.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old February 4th, 2005, 10:23 AM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 242
So ummm whats a matte box?

I feel stupid for asking this question. I see people talking about them all the time. I've even seen pictures of them.

What do they do?
__________________
Brandon Greenlee
Brandon Greenlee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 4th, 2005, 10:33 AM   #2
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 3,840
In their simplest form, they act as a lens shade, keeping glare off the lens. Some will allow attachement of "flags" on the tops and sides, to extend this shading capablility. The good ones allow for "trays" that hold filters in front of the lens. (Polarizing filters, ProMist diffusion, graduated filters to name a few.) The better ones will have revolving or 'geared' trays that can rotate or elevate one or more filters.

The cheaper one will mount directly to the lens. The more expensive and complicated one will attach to the camera body/tripod with a system of rods that hold the matte box in place. Additionally, the rods can be used to mount focus pullers and zoom controllers that connect to the geared barrels of the lens.

Oh yeah, they make your camera look cool...
Richard Alvarez is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 4th, 2005, 10:45 AM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 242
Hrmm. Thanks alot for the reply.

I guess I've never done any intensive outdoor shooting when it was very sunny so I've never really had any glare on the lens.

What does it mean when they are like 4x4 matte boxes and such?
__________________
Brandon Greenlee
Brandon Greenlee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 4th, 2005, 11:01 AM   #4
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Posts: 8,314
4x4 is the size of the filter they hold.

http://www.cavision.com/Mattbox/4x4&Canon.htm

It's the big black doohickey on the front of the camera lens (in case you haven't seen one before)
__________________
Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC?
Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com
Dylan Couper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 4th, 2005, 11:05 AM   #5
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 3,840
Brandon,

Of course, glare from the sun outdoors is a big issue, but on a film set, quite often the lighting from different angles will also throw glare on the lens. If the light itself cannot be shaded, or a "Flag" set up on a stand nearby, to stop the flare, then the flags on the mattebox will do the trick.
Richard Alvarez is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 4th, 2005, 11:19 AM   #6
Major Player
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 242
Ok. I understand it now.

Nice to be finally figuring out all of these things I hear about, but don't understand.

Thanks alot for the help!
__________________
Brandon Greenlee
Brandon Greenlee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 4th, 2005, 12:07 PM   #7
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 3,840
And by the way, the term "Matte Box" originated because in the old days, it was a structure that also held "mattes" in front of the lens. Think cardboard cut-outs in the shape of ovals, keyholes, binoculars... etc. (And yes, you can still put them in the filter holders!)
Richard Alvarez is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 4th, 2005, 10:58 PM   #8
Major Player
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: NYC
Posts: 649
An' chicks dig 'em!
__________________
Mark Sasahara
Director of Photography
Mark Sasahara is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Open DV Discussion

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:04 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network