To matte box or not to matte box with BMPCC? at DVinfo.net

Ryan Jones · April 12th, 2014, 08:44 PM

Hi all.

I've finally ordered a Speedbooster and Samyang 8mm for my BMPCC, and plan to add the Sigma 18-32 and some extra primes in the next few months.

So far to date I've been using a Variable ND on the Panny 12-35 and got decent results, but now that I'm adding lenses of a variety of sizes, and the 8mm which can't have a screw in filter, I'm thinking of adding a matte box to use NDs, rather than buying step up rings and bigger variable NDs - you can get a decent set of IRNDs for the same price as a good vari ND!

The issue is I've never used a matte box before. Before the BMPCC, I've always used cameras with built in NDs. I've read as much as I can find on them and still aren't totally sure.

Will a matte box and a set of IRNDs sort this out for me?

Is there a need to have two filter holders? I like to future proof, guessing I might want to stack a polarising filter and IRND later?

Other than the physical size difference, why would I choose a 4x5.65" over a 4x4"?

Is a matte box the only solution to achieve what I'm trying to achieve?

Thanks for helping a matte box n00b! :)

Craig Chartier · April 12th, 2014, 09:01 PM

A good matte box is always a good investment. The Vocus system 225 I think ? is a cleaver 4x4 box. It has one stage that clamps a filter in front of the box and one rotating stage in the back. You can have step up threaded rings and clamp it on or add a rails adapter.

April 12th, 2014, 08:44 PM	#1
Ryan Jones Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 124	To matte box or not to matte box with BMPCC? Hi all. I've finally ordered a Speedbooster and Samyang 8mm for my BMPCC, and plan to add the Sigma 18-32 and some extra primes in the next few months. So far to date I've been using a Variable ND on the Panny 12-35 and got decent results, but now that I'm adding lenses of a variety of sizes, and the 8mm which can't have a screw in filter, I'm thinking of adding a matte box to use NDs, rather than buying step up rings and bigger variable NDs - you can get a decent set of IRNDs for the same price as a good vari ND! The issue is I've never used a matte box before. Before the BMPCC, I've always used cameras with built in NDs. I've read as much as I can find on them and still aren't totally sure. Will a matte box and a set of IRNDs sort this out for me? Is there a need to have two filter holders? I like to future proof, guessing I might want to stack a polarising filter and IRND later? Other than the physical size difference, why would I choose a 4x5.65" over a 4x4"? Is a matte box the only solution to achieve what I'm trying to achieve? Thanks for helping a matte box n00b! :)

April 12th, 2014, 09:01 PM	#2
Craig Chartier DVi Contributor Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 374	Re: To matte box or not to matte box with BMPCC? A good matte box is always a good investment. The Vocus system 225 I think ? is a cleaver 4x4 box. It has one stage that clamps a filter in front of the box and one rotating stage in the back. You can have step up threaded rings and clamp it on or add a rails adapter.