Straight forward french flag or full matt box
 

l was wondering if anyone had used a traditional french flag...traditional meaning that in my old film days about 17 years ago, we use to use a french flag that was attached to the camera via a flexible arm. I did look into the full on matt box but the price here in Australia is ludacris. I well ok, you pay for what you get and some of those matt boxes are pretty cool but we are talking 2 grand and the triditional french flag system l mentioned before is about 100 dollars and works amazingly well l might add. So having said that, some feedback would be muchly appreciated...( muchly, now is that in fact a word...??) Regards Michael
P.S. I am using a PD-150 as l am sure your thinking that right about this point...!!

Good question but one that belongs in the lighting forum where this is headed right now.

Everyone, please consider the general issue of your post before you decide where it belongs. Not that the earth will shake if it is mis-posted but you may limit the quality and quantity of replies if you post a lighting-related question in a camera forum.

Try the Flare Buster for a simple solution. Inexpensive too.

http://www.multiclip.com/

Michael,
I use a french flag I bought at Filmtools (great guys at a little hole-in-the-wall, in Burbank). I clip it onto my tripod handle. Works great.

http://store.yahoo.com/cinemasupplies/clamfrenflag.html

Best of luck,
Marcia

That looks nice. About the same construction as the Flare Buster but twice as expensive. The flare Buster normally mounts on the light shoe on the camera.

How big is it?

Mike, the flag itself is about 11 1/2 x 7 1/2. The shaft (inc the clamp) is about 18". The clamp is 4 1/4 x 2 3/4 plastic with a rubber tip that won't mar whatever you fix it to. The whole thing is very light, but sturdy. Not cheap, admittedly, but very useful I'm finding.

All the best,
Marcia

Thanx to all at this stage....so thats two......
 

Thanks Mike, having it in lighting would be a better idea and sure to get more replies and thanx Marcia, definately be checking that, as thats what l was thinking in my mind when l think of french flags...l will also post any more info l get on them....for future reference...regards Michael

Flarebuster review
 

For a quick review on the Flarebuster, go to http://www.digitalprods.com/flare.htm
They also have a new model with clips on both ends. These gadgets are incredibly useful.