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“Whatmatte box you need comes down to what camera system and accessories you are planning to use” +3. The higher the number, the greater the strength and the closer you can focus. You can even stack them. Choosing the right matte box When choosing a matte box and filters, the format of the camera and focal length of the lenses you will be shooting with determine what systemwill work, without potentially running into vignetting. For wide-angle lenses with large-format cameras, you usually use larger filters. But you need to test each combination to make sure it works. As much as the Arri LMB 4x5 or Bright Tangerine Misfit Kick matte boxes are excellent systems, they can be quite an investment – and may not actually be the best solution. You might want something smaller and lighter, for example. But hopefully you understand everything that goes into a matte box, and can make an informed decision on which type you require for your next production.
way to block light from coming in, and so reduce unwanted flares. These are designed to be used with their specific matte boxes. Fabulous filters The massive range of large, professional- style cinema filters is a major reason to use a matte box. This is often via the use of filter trays. You put the filter in a tray, then insert it into the matte box, or via mechanisms built into the matte box, such as the clamping device. Good filter trays hold the filter securely while you handle it and prevent light leakage. Filters come in various different sizes, with common one being 4x4, 4x5.65, 5.65x5.65in and 6x6in –so you have to use a size that works in your matte box. Some matte boxes have different ‘stages’, which refers to howmany filters can be inserted at once and stacked. Filter trays can also be rotated, traditionally for graduated filters, so you can keep the horizon level with the gradient. And also for polarisers, so you can rotate them until the reflections you are trying to remove have been reduced. A rotating tray is also good for a streak filter. Diopters close-up Another type of filter that requires a slightly different set of accessories are diopters, which are close-focus filters or lenses. These are handy if you want to quickly grab a close-up without having to switch to a macro lens. These ether require their own specific trays, or some can come already fitted into standard trays. A diopter is actually a unit of measurement, even though it has become how these filters are referred to in the industry. Diopters come in different strengths – such as +1, +2 and
mechanism for speedy removal and changes, you have to just slide the matte box up and down the bars when you want to change lenses. If you are planning on mounting your matte box this way, consider the height of the bars from the optical centre of the camera and select the right size. Some universal rigs are adjustable. When using a matte box with bars, you have to ensure there isn’t a gap between the lens and the clamp around it, otherwise stray light can get in and cause reflections. Popular options to stop this are called black holes, donuts, rubber bellows or nuns knickers. These accessories are an affordable way of using one matte box across different lenses, without needing a bunch of different-sized adapters. Flags andmattes Flags or barn doors can be mounted on the top, bottom or sides of the matte box, depending on which light source you are aiming to shield the lens from. Some flags have extensions that can swing out to help cut light further. You can easily remove them if you need to run a more stripped- down configuration for lighter cameras. Mattes or Hard mattes are placed at the front of the matte box and are another
CUSTOM KITS Selecting the right matte box kit is crucial – and CVP have lots of stock and free advice!
CVP’s showrooms house lots of production equipment – ready to see and evaluate. Choosing the perfect combination of accessories - like matte boxes and filters - is what our experts are on hand to advise on. To book a demo, talk to an expert and explore the Creative Space or Newman House showrooms, call +44 (0) 208 380 7400, email demo@cvp.com or visit cvp.com BUILD YOUR PERFECT RIGWITH CVP
DROP GOAL Loading filters is easy, as they can be fitted inside a frame and dropped in from above in many systems
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