Cavision Matte Box at DVinfo.net

Mike Stevens · April 23rd, 2008, 07:31 PM

When I said I was going to get the Cavision matte box a while back Bob and a couple others asked me to post my opinion of it. You may have seen I said some time back that I had had problems with the company getting timely service and this delayed my getting a working box. My problems with the company are now resolved and I can comment on the matte box as it works with the EX1.

Cavision sells a matte box that they say is specifically for the EX1. This description is a little deceptive for while their matte box (the MB4501 or the MB45m2-BFI which they tell me are exactly the same?) does fit on to the EX1 using the Arri 77 to 100 step up ring and Cavision's matte box clamp, the LCD of the EX1 can not be flipped open while the matte box is attached.

BUT there is good news! With a little machining that took me no more than seven or eight minutes it can be made to fit perfectly and why Cavision has not done this I do not know.

What is required is to machine about 1mm from the top of the farthest backwards circular plate of the matte box and to machine about 2mm from the backside of the plastic clip that is part of the french flag attachment.

So the bottom line is I am very happy with my $500 Cavision matte box even though I may well be the only person in the world that has one that fits the EX1.

Mike

Jason Bodnar · April 23rd, 2008, 09:15 PM

Mike, can you post some Pics please...

David Elkins · April 23rd, 2008, 10:51 PM

Yes, pics please! I am very interested in this matte box and your feedback is very helpful.

By "machining" do you mean with a metal file or did you actually use a grinder to take off this extra material?

Dean Sensui · April 24th, 2008, 01:01 PM

I got my matte box to fit... until I installed Sony's 0.8x angle lens.

Mike Stevens · April 24th, 2008, 03:35 PM

If it is like the wide angle for the Z1 Sony does not put a thread on the front! try to exchange it for a wide angle with thread and with a new adapter ring you may be OK.

Mike Stevens · April 25th, 2008, 06:20 PM

Here are two pictures of the minimal machine work (or simple hand filing) that allows the LCD to flip in and out with the Cavision matte box.

David Elkins · May 8th, 2008, 01:03 PM

Is anyone using the Cavision MB and the Century 1.6 tele? I am curious how it might all fit together, or if it does. Can you still place filters in front of the glass? If anyone has pics of this set up that would be great too.

April 23rd, 2008, 07:31 PM	#1
Mike Stevens Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 75	Cavision Matte Box When I said I was going to get the Cavision matte box a while back Bob and a couple others asked me to post my opinion of it. You may have seen I said some time back that I had had problems with the company getting timely service and this delayed my getting a working box. My problems with the company are now resolved and I can comment on the matte box as it works with the EX1. Cavision sells a matte box that they say is specifically for the EX1. This description is a little deceptive for while their matte box (the MB4501 or the MB45m2-BFI which they tell me are exactly the same?) does fit on to the EX1 using the Arri 77 to 100 step up ring and Cavision's matte box clamp, the LCD of the EX1 can not be flipped open while the matte box is attached. BUT there is good news! With a little machining that took me no more than seven or eight minutes it can be made to fit perfectly and why Cavision has not done this I do not know. What is required is to machine about 1mm from the top of the farthest backwards circular plate of the matte box and to machine about 2mm from the backside of the plastic clip that is part of the french flag attachment. So the bottom line is I am very happy with my $500 Cavision matte box even though I may well be the only person in the world that has one that fits the EX1. Mike

April 23rd, 2008, 10:51 PM	#3
David Elkins Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 147	Yes, pics please! I am very interested in this matte box and your feedback is very helpful. By "machining" do you mean with a metal file or did you actually use a grinder to take off this extra material? __________________ www.elkinseye.com

April 24th, 2008, 01:01 PM	#4
Dean Sensui Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 2,054	I got my matte box to fit... until I installed Sony's 0.8x angle lens. __________________ Dean Sensui Exec Producer, Hawaii Goes Fishing

April 25th, 2008, 06:20 PM	#6
Mike Stevens Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 75	Here are two pictures of the minimal machine work (or simple hand filing) that allows the LCD to flip in and out with the Cavision matte box. Attached Images

May 8th, 2008, 01:03 PM	#7
David Elkins Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 147	Matte Box + 1.6x tele Is anyone using the Cavision MB and the Century 1.6 tele? I am curious how it might all fit together, or if it does. Can you still place filters in front of the glass? If anyone has pics of this set up that would be great too. __________________ www.elkinseye.com

April 23rd, 2008, 09:15 PM	#2
Jason Bodnar Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 376	Mike, can you post some Pics please...

April 24th, 2008, 03:35 PM	#5
Mike Stevens Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 75	If it is like the wide angle for the Z1 Sony does not put a thread on the front! try to exchange it for a wide angle with thread and with a new adapter ring you may be OK.