Lens flares are like the videographers' / cinematographer's mosquitos; annoying and hard to get rid of. Matte boxes with flags and other shades are somewhat effective but outrageously expensive.

I found this little product last year. The Flare Buster is a handy little gizmo that attaches to the camera's shoe. It's basically a flexible "goose-neck" device that features a clamp to hold a flag/shade at the free end. In my opinion it's more versatile than a conventional French flag. Best of all, it's extremely inexpensive, lightweight and easily packed. Although it's designed with the 35mm still potographer it's a very handy gadget for us videographers, too.

Take a look:

http://www.flarebuster.com/

p.s Don't tell them you're using it for videography. They'll prrobably multiply the price ten-fold. ;-)

Which version did you get Ken? Did you order online through their
secure site?

I bought the "standard" 15" (FB-98XL) through their Web site, Rob.

We've been using the flare buster, or French flag as some call it, for most of our shoots. One point of caution - be sure to check the image on an underscanned monitor. If it wasn't for me (as director) looking at a monitor that shows the full frame most of our shots would have ended up with part of the flag along the top of the frame. The same holds true when using black tin foil which has the advantage of being a lot more adaptable than a rigid flag.