So basically you're saying the price Cavision gave me for the matte box (445 with several adapter rings and a french flag) will be increased? Maybe I'll just stay in the US.

They gave me a price of $25 for FedEx 2 day. I get the cheapest, even if it's like a week.

Hard to find used Matte Boxes (especially bellows style)

I am getting one for my XL1S rig as soon as the next job completes.

<<<-- Originally posted by Josh Bass : So basically you're saying the price Cavision gave me for the matte box (445 with several adapter rings and a french flag) will be increased? Maybe I'll just stay in the US.

They gave me a price of $25 for FedEx 2 day. I get the cheapest, even if it's like a week. -->>>

It all depends on how strict your customs people are at assessing taxes. At worst, you will have to pay whatever sales tax you would normally pay for your state. (unless you go UPS, see above)
At best, you pay nothing extra.

Cool. Thanks.

I've got the cavision bellows mattebox with flag and grips. Whenever I pull this camera out, people know I mean business.

I won't go into the inuendo associated with it, but from afunctional level, it works great. One professional film guy laffed his ass off when he saw it hooked onto miniDV, saying he has to get a rig like that now.

With the 14x and 2.35 A-lens/or wide angle, this is a professional looking and handling rig. The one big problem with teeny cameras is the swimmy handling as supporting a camera at your wrist introduces all kinds of rotational motion. First it needs some weight. The mattebox, rails and grips add at least 3 pounds to the rig, and the grips if moved into proper position, eases the XL1's front heavy design and allows for steadier shots when used with a proper shoulder support. As a direct result, the decisiveness of of movement within a shot is improved greatly, much more like a 16mm camera or a small 35mm.
The bellows mattebox does a wonderful job of eliminating glare from almost all places in a set or location, thus improving contrast and resolution, in addition to minimizing stray dirt particles from landing on the lens or filter. The flag performs even better ghost and flare protection. Most of those cowels that come stock with cameras are next to useless in comparison. And then there is the filter trays if you use WA converters without filter rings, or want to get into gradient ND filters (which are my fave on lock offs).

The moral of the story... there is a reason to get this equipment other than looks.

Adrian

Please tell me I don't need the rods! I thought that was only for the 14x lens and others whose front element rotates. I mean, I know I can literally get away without them, but will the box be unwieldy and try to slip off? My friend build me an additional handle that attaches to the pistol grip bracket of my PGL, so now I have handgrips, though they are located almost in the center of the camera, rather than more forward. I like this better though, because it allows me to rest my upper arms against my body, rather than having them stick out. I was interested in the handgrips until this, now I feel I don't need them, and the rods alone add another $180 to the cost of the system!

I just looked up that cavision thing...

that is WILD!!!!!!!!!! i dunno what possible use i could really find for it, unless i was in a really bad sunlit area... but baby! I have to get one... because something that big and imposing will really give the actors some confidence in a professional looking production.

kermie

Kermie, You'd be surprised how much light a good mattebox cuts out.

I've seen a lot of people spraypaint cardboard black, then tape it onto their cheapie hoods that come with their cameras. Give it a whirl to find out how much crisper images can look.

Why do you think every 35mm motion picture camera has such a beast attached. DV needs every bit of sharpness it can lay its hands on. ;)


Josh, I don't see why you couldn't get by without the rails. A good step ring and tightening the clamp should work.

Adrian

Adrian,

Kewl, i have/am getting this week my own xl1s with a 16x manual lens on it. (ohh baby).

What would u suggest in purchasing...

do you know the prices on these buggers?

kermie

ps. i am not concerned with owning the coolest brand on earth or anything, just something that works. Ohh the bigger the better, just for that wank factor.

I'd say try the cardboard method first. It's cheaper than buying spendy accesories. That way you can determine for yourself if you need a pro mattebox. That out of the way....

It all depends on your shooting. If you're going to be in a studio, with glaring lights, or in mild outdoor weather, then go for the bellows and rails. That way you can always add a follow focus, since you seem to have deep pockets and are serious enough to go for a great piece of glass.

If you're outside a lot, and in inclement weather, go for a slicker and a smaller 3x3, maybe with a flag.

And last but not least, always use a UV filter. Protect that expensive piece of glass at all costs. And get a carry-on size Pelican case. Costs a bit more, but worth every penny. I can sit on the edge of mine... handy when waiting for luggage at the aeroport baggage claim.

adrian,

Cool, good advice, my pockets are not deep in the slightest... but the bank seems to like me, and i found an xdemo xl1s with the 16x manual on it, so i got it.

I will be shooting shorts... we'll be outside a bit... and also in practical locations, such as super markets and so on with all the fun of the full blown lighting.

My camera is comming with a uv filter.

I would like something to fit over the end and block unwanted lighting. Dosn't really matter if it is a smaller version so much of something, but with this beautiful equipment i don't want to start sticking pieces of paper on it and such.

kermie

I've got my XL1 covered with electrical tape, velcro and any other adhsive I can get my hands on to hold cables, alankeys, and battery packs securely. Believe me, I tried the cardboard mattebox, but got tired of making new ones all the time, and the fumes from fresh paint would give me headaches.

Not a flame, but remember the image inside the camera is what counts.

Adrian

Adrian,

I dunno, i am just always neat with my equipment, and prefer not to even do stuff directly to it, unless i deem it an absolute.

I would not use cardboard on my camera... seems almost pointless... i could make something from plastic that would look nice if i really had too...

kermie

"They gave me a price of $25 for FedEx 2 day. I get the cheapest, even if it's like a week."

As I wrote and was obviously not read. The premium courier service includes the brokerage. Taking the cheapest way will result in a courier charge and a brokerage fee.

Anyone use the Cavision Matte Box with the 16x Manual Lens?

I hear you don't need the rods with it (although I will get it with the rods so I can use the pistol grips.

I just ordered mine. You don't need the rods for the 16x manual if you get the the HARD SHELL version of the box, if you get the bellows one you do. Perhaps this was common knowledge to most people, to me it was not.

* * MATTE BOX RULES * *
 

Just talked to CAVISION...

Thinking about the possibilities of having a magnet like that attached to my camera, enhancing crisp images.

You attach one of those lovies to your camera, you had better be ready to seal the deal when Betty-Sue comes a walk'n up to you.


Ditto on pasting post-it-notes all over the camera, Kermie. That would definately deture da lovelies coming your way. Maybe you could light it on fire. It'll would get some attention that way. Maybe you could burn yourself and find yourself in the hospital in the company of a beautiful nurse.... AH... I digress...


Cheers!

Derrick

Just got my box today. That thing is HUGE. What a monster! I need to do some tests to see when I experience vignetting with my various lenses. I'd rather not have to carry my LCD monitor around all the time.

What lenses do you have John Bass?

Just the stock and manual 16x, with a century .6x Wide Angle adapter.

Just a note to let readers know that this was split out of a much larger topic. The matte box discussion got way off topic, hence the reason for the split. I'll remove this note in a few days.

Jeff

Matte boxes really prove their usefullness when you go wide. So I probably will go with the bellows and rods and pistol grip set up for the 16x manual and 3x wide.

Another point for a professional matte box or sunshade, is that imagine doing a really good scene, where everything went right,

action was right
dialog is right
light is right
Focus is right
Chance Background elements are right

Light seeped in from the side from a sloppy flag job, or jury-rigged cardboard matte box. You are looking at 3 takes of a scene that are subpar, and one excellent one with a flare.

I would have to have to pick between those scenes for the final product. :(

Anyone have tips on keeping those 4X4 glass filters clean? I've just been wiping down my lens with a microfiber cloth recently. Everything else I use leaves crap on it (lens pen, compressed air, ROR). This so far give me what looks like the cleanest lens, but I don't know if it'll work on those filters.

I'll be doing some tests with my matte box tomorrow.

Could you use the Cavision matte box with whatever Panasonic plans for an anamorphic adapter for the AG-DVX100? I know this may be hard to say but for someone who has used neither a matte box nor adapter before, I was just wondering if you have to take one into consideration for the other - for example, if you had the $$ to buy a Cavision, would that rule you out of a 16:9 later??

>>Anyone have tips on keeping those 4X4 glass filters clean? I've just been wiping down my lens with a microfiber cloth recently.<<

Josh, I go to Wal-Mart in their eyeglass section (Usually up front) and get the microcloths for litte money. They also have eyeglass cleaning solution with free refills. Those cloths were the same as the expensive ones sold at camera stores. They are washable too. The fluid doesn't leave any residue as far as I can tell.
I also carry some disposable ones as backup.

Cleaning Solutions
 

I've been wary of generic lens cleaning solutions, not because of residue, but fearing damage to the lens coatings. Does anyone know what ingredients to look for (or to avoid) to insure the solution will not degrade coated lenses?

lyd

This stuff called ROR (residual oil remover) is allegedly the way to go. It's been recommnded for cleaning filters and lenses.

MY eyeglasses are coated with UV resistant stuff. The people at the vision section said the solution was safe. Still if Wal-Mart scares you, then don't user their stuff.
My eyeglasses cost 400.00 with frame, I don't take cleaning them lightly.

Following the praise the CaVision matte box has, I may get one. It sounds like everyone hear purchased their boxes from CaVision directly, am I right? Where did you purchase yours?

Just a note on using the matte boxes. Make sure they are screwed on tight. Dylan and I did a shoot a couple weeks ago and the matte box was a-thumping through all the motion shots .. actually the entire shot was motion!

I've got a feeling it's going to jiggle even if it super tight. That's the bellows style. The hard style won't have that issue.