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Home: Video University Forums: HDV:
Question for DSE... Matte Box and Focus Control for Z1

szerangue
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Mar 5, 2005, 5:33 PM

Post #1 of 5 (2700 views)
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Question for DSE... Matte Box and Focus Control for Z1	Can't Post

DSE,
I noticed on the Jody clip he mentions the necessity for the focus control and the matte box. Could you please give some details about these options? I don't recall seeing those options available from any of the suppliers. Thanks.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

DVman
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Mar 6, 2005, 2:50 AM

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Re: [szerangue] Question for DSE... Matte Box and Focus Control for Z1 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Before Douglas answers your question in detail, I would tell you that matte boxes and focus controllers are quite popular with professional cameras. They are interchangeable for cameras as long you get the proper adapter. Since the Sony FX1 / Z1 have a quite common 72mm ring you can easily mount a Chrosziel matte box with rails. B and H sells them I believe. However, any pro camera distributor will have them for you. Same for the focus controller.

Check this out: http://www.chrosziel.com/

Chrosziel matte boxes -and focus controllers- are not cheap. Expect to pay as much as $1500 for a Chrosziel matte box with french flag, and the barn doors I believe are extra.

One much cheaper alternative, however with reduced features and performance, is the FormatT mattbox by Manfrotto. Just $300 including french flag. B & H have them. The ring adapter is about $30 (additional)
I had one for my PD-170 and it fits perfect on the camera. It is a three stage filter with one rotating. It's a good looking unit, fabricated from aircraft aluminum alloy. Made my camera a lot bigger and "sexier" . The FormatT matte box will also fit the Z-1 or FX1 with a 72mm ring adapter, however, to place a 4x4 filter it is a bit ackward because you have to unmount the whole matte box for this purpose. It is kind of a self defeating purpose of using a matte box this way.

The problem is that the built-in stereo mic gets in the way because the way it is positioned on the Sony HDV cameras. However, removing the Manfrotto matte box is not a big deal and it is still a lot faster than screwing a filter in front of the lens. Go with the Chrosziel if you have the money ...

Formatt matte box info: http://www.mvsvideo.co.uk/equipment_formatt.htm

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(This post was edited by DVman on Mar 6, 2005, 3:11 AM)

szerangue
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Mar 6, 2005, 9:59 AM

Post #3 of 5 (2668 views)
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Re: [DVman] Question for DSE... Matte Box and Focus Control for Z1 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the info. I have little experience with filters other than using some tiffen filters a long time ago with a 35mm camera. I have never used any with my wideo work. Without the use of filters, what part does the matte box play with the barn doors? I read somewhere about how it is used to regulate light?
The focus ring is a nice option also, but thinking about spending another 2k - 3k on these accessories is daunting. I really hated to hear Jody talk about these accessories as critical.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

DVman
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Mar 6, 2005, 11:15 AM

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Re: [szerangue] Question for DSE... Matte Box and Focus Control for Z1 [In reply to]	Can't Post

If all you are doing is weddings maybe you don't have to worry about. For pro cameraman who make a living shooting on the field for others, these are really necessities as Jody was saying. Doing lighting setups where you would need several types of filters, in combination or not, can only be accomplished with a matte box. Same for outdoor situations where you would want to modify the light going inside the camera in a specific way or provide a specific look to your footage. For broadcast type of work I don't see how one could do it. There is software out there that allows you to do some of that but not quite. Plus the benefit of flagging the light hitting the lens much more carefully. About the focus controller. This would also depend on the type of work you do as there are different types.

Barn doors was not a good term to use. They are actually called side wings and they are described in graphic detail in the link previously posted www.chrosziel.com . If you picture bardoorns for a light (I am telling you this way since you are familiar with them), the side wings are the flaps that attach to the side of the matte box and they are expensive and not included when you buy the matte box. They are really not necessary unless you are in a studio with all sorts of lights. They provide extra control.

A real necessity for a camera of this type is a really good tripod. And not just a Bogen type. Plan on spending at least $1500 on a DV type of tripod like the Sachtler or Vinten brands. It does make a difference. But again it all depends on how serious you are with your work.

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DSE
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Mar 6, 2005, 3:20 PM

Post #5 of 5 (2648 views)
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Re: [DVman] Question for DSE... Matte Box and Focus Control for Z1 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sorry I came late to the party...
I don't personally see how the mattebox and follow focus would be beneficial to the live wedding shoot, but can see a lot of benefit as you build packages or sequences for intros or other related footage. Butterflies or side doors aside, the matte box with a french flag can be unwieldy, and other than mounting filters, it's probably more a PITA than it's worth. Follow focus is great for doing racks, but with the shot transitions on the Sony HDV cams, it's not as important. However, it's easier to pull focus from the side vs using the focus ring, and is less jarring to the camera, plus you can do a chest pull while keeping both arms anchored.
You'll also need a rail system to not only mount this on the tripod head, but you'll also need a standoff, which is often included.

Douglas Spotted Eagle
Author, producer, composer
www.vasst.com
"I enjoy music, long walks at sunset on the beach, and poking dead things with a sharp stick."