View Full Version : Matte boxes and FF
I'd be interested in hearing opinions about the need / benefit for MBs and FF for use in EFP.
I've never used either, but I'd like to up my game and wonder to what extent they are relevant to non-cine genres. In my specific case I plan to shoot mostly tripod mounted, mostly with long teles, and am not massively concerned about weight.
As far a MB is concerned, I'm thinking mostly about using ND filters (perhaps stacked) in outdoor situations where I would normally just stop down and / or increase shutter speed. Is a MB needed for this, or are the lightweight clip-on filter holders up to snuff?
Not having used FF units, I can't judge how useful they might be for me. I do shoot with 35mm tele lenses most of the time (f2.8 or higher) and seem to manage OK just rotating the barrel manually, although I wonder whether using a FF might help reduce the slight camera shake I sometimes to get with very long lenses.
Any thoughts welcome.
dalemccready
05-08-2007, 12:53 PM
If you are working alone, you still may find working off the barrel useful in my opinion.
As for matteboxes I'd recommend one straight away for 2 reasons. Firstly the convenience of using drop in filters opens you up to not just using NDs but also tons of effects filters and grads, and secondly the matte box also serves to cut extraneous light from your lens.
I shoot without a mattebox occasionally (on film and video) but only if I intended to lift the base exposure or to get flares for an effect.
JD Holloway
05-09-2007, 08:28 AM
In off topic, you may find little elves are planning a little something for you...
tj williams
05-09-2007, 10:30 AM
Moir, nice penguin!
When shooting FP ie spots, docs, some reality I use my matte box and sometimes my light weight follow focus. I find that with longer lenses I can pull focus with less disturbance of the shot. The matte box with eyebrow and side wings helps prevent backlight in the lens. I like backlight. I like it close to the frame....
When shooting run n gun I usually use the wide lens and camera hood only because of issues about the fragility of the box. This is mostly in natural light or camera light and backlights are not so much an issue.
Steve Gibby
05-09-2007, 02:14 PM
I usually don't use a MB and FF in run 'n gun EFP work - heavy, bulky, and don't fit in tight spaces. If I do use a MB in those situations, it's a lightweight snap-on kind. RED One won't have internal ND filters, so to add ND you either have to screw them onto the lens or drop them into a MB. If you'll be in lighting conditions that vary, then constantly screwing/unscrewing filters from the lens end will slow you down. If you'll be in consistent lighting needs for an ND, then a screw-in filter may suffice. For EFP, I generally haven't used a MB because for EFP I've been using a lot of 2/3" HD cameras which have internal filter wheels. With RED One there will be times I use a MB and times I don't.
As for FF, shooting EFP with 2/3" HD Zoom lenses, my right hand is through the grip for controlling the zoom rocker, and left hand is racking focus on the barrel itself. All HD ENG zooms have switch beneath the lens where you can adjust them for manual/servo zoom use. They also have a switch on top of the zoom to switch from manual to auto iris, but only manual iris will work with RED One. On RED One the power zoom will be enabled with 2/3" lenses, and with a SuperGrip some other camera parameters can be controlled. Since 12 volt power is available to power 2/3" HD ENG zooms, then a servo zoom remote handle can be used with those lenses, on the shouder brace handle, or attached to the tripod handle. It attached to the multi-pin bus on the bottom side of the lens.
If by some chance I have to do run 'n gun with cine or 35mm still lenses, I'll use a lightweight clip on MB a FF or the SuperGrip and RED Motor combo.
I'll know more about the possibilities when #8 ships and I can test out the EFP capabilities at length.
tj williams
05-09-2007, 07:49 PM
Hi Gibby, one thing I've found on the shoulder, that the light weight follow focus also locates my hand to reach the manual iris easily with my thumb. Maybe not for everyone but I often use the auto iris to jump into a new space, then fine tune as we start to work there. So I'm often tweaking the iris with my left hand. Fortunately I am left handed! I also find the light weight support rods excellent to brace my left hand for more stability. I'm waiting to see a render of the light weight support adapter that is promised!
Thanks all for the comments. It's great to get opinions from experienced pros.
It sounds as though it is worth investing in both, even if they aren't something one would use all the time.