Speaking of Matte Boxes....
 

The one accessory for the Z1 I've decided to go for is the matte box. I have settled on either the Vocas or the Chrosziel. I would get the rod support as I envision attaching the unit and leaving it on rather than the on/off routine if possible. So the questions are:

Is this realistic as the photos show these gizmos to be quite large. Does one need a case that would also carry a small VW? The fantasy is leaving it on - ready to go mode - is this "doable"?

The side flaps (barn doors) as these are an option on the Chrosziel are they worth having or will the "flag" handle about 90% of what is affected?

I'm leaning towards the Chrosziel - but is the Vocas as good/better?

I would like to get some comments/feedback before I pull the trigger. The old saying ask one who owns one.

George

I have the Chrosziel, and I have a separate Porta Brace MB-1 case for my matte box
as you can see http://207.44.158.19/~admin3/images/Camera%20004.jpg
It's not that big, but big enough that it won't fit in my camera case with all my other crap. Also the rod system makes it difficult to store with it attached to the camera unless you cut some foam specifically for it. I just keep a small screw driver in the MB case for removing it quickly. The MB1 case is meant for a large Mattebox, but that leaves lots of room for 4x4 filters and anything else you may want to lug about. It's obviously not a run and gun sort of deal.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...list&sku=93155

Its really not safe to leave the matte box inside the camera. Its bad for the threads on the screw and the camera. So I've heard...

If you use the mattebox on a rial support you can leave it on the camera when stored in a bag.
Did you know the Vocas mattebox has a built in fold away shoulder support?

Pictures:

http://www.vocas.com/image/MBS100typeG2animation.gif

http://www.vocas.com/image/followfocus.gif

Thanks for the feedback - John I was unaware that a case was available for it - solves that issue - it'll match the other Porta Brace for the Z1.

Cheers!

Hey Bas
 

I didn't notice your post (sorry - it's 4 AM). It would appear that's EXACTLY what I'm looking for - found your dealer - next challenge the size of the suitcase or trunk for this rig. Again thanks for your post!!

George

Upon request the dutch company alphatron/camrade made a special bag for a Z1 equpped with a chrosziel mattebox. They have it in their catalog now. I leave the mattebox attached all the time. You can use it as a normal bag. a shoulderbag and as a rucksack.

It's coming together!! I suspected that if the rods were permanently attached that it should work! Great to avoid the on/off hassle. I'm partial to the Chrosziel but the Vocas offers a support solution as part of the unit (neat idea) - so I'm on the fence as to which one. It strikes me that either would be a good choice.

I can't seem to locate that company on the case you recommended - I used Google (what do they know) - could I ask you to give me another clue?

Also thanks for filling in the missing piece!!

I´m using Z1 with the vocas Wideangle and railsupport.

It fits perfect in portabrace DV02
http://www.portabrace.com/product_detail_A.php?id=2561
with the additional divider kit you are the king
http://www.portabrace.com/product_detail_C.php?id=2539
The bag is small enough for easy carrying and tall enoughfor
3 diff. Mics/Wideangle/Filters/AC/DC/Charger/Cables/ Sachtler Reporter75/6,8"LCDMonitor/Clamps and still some room for others...

Question to BAS Ladru:
Is this a Vocas FollowFocus or the Chrosziel one?

alex

I have the Vocas 350 with my Sony and it's sensational. Make sure you have 15mm rods to attach it to. Works a treat. I don't have the side barn doors, but so far have never had the need for them.

Ok george here they are:
links: alphatron.nl ( big company )
their division that makes Z1/mattebox bag: camrade.nl

good luck

Getting There!
 

Jane - found them - thanks for the follow up.

Steve - why the 350 and not the smaller 310 or 320? Actually that's the one that caught my attention and am interested in. May I ask the size of the unit? Are there any issues with an external shotgun mic attached - low enough to clear the top and in changing filters can the mic remain on? Going with the Vocas - the rails with the shoulder support and the top flag would be the route I would go. I believe they're called "eyebrows" - nice feature.

Alex - great question on the follow focus! Nice to know if it's available should one decide to "add on" further down the road.

Coming up to third base!

That follow focus is ours.
It will be available at the end of Januari.
Nice feature; it will have a hard stop built in, to provide you a hard focus stop at invinity.
Price will be about 900 to 1000 euro's.
The build quality is on the "film" level, yet the price and compactness is good enough for use on DV camera's.

Regards,

Bas

I'm using the Petrol PCUB-1
My Z1 with a Century Optics / Vocas matte box, rails, and a 1.6x or .7x Century Optics lens fits in this bag, without taking anything apart (snug fit). The only thing I have to take off is my shotgun, due to sitting 4 inches higher than the handle of the camera. The bag is built like a tank, and is extremely comfortable as well.