18Oct Budget Gear: Pro Compact Matte Box
Ryan writes in and shares another Video Matte box with dual 4×4 filter trays that has become available for budget shooters [Thanks Ryan]. It’s listed as a ‘Pro Compact Matte Box’, but it should probably be re-named to ‘Very Basic Matte Box’. On higher end Matte Boxes you will at least find a quick release clamp system or even swing away arm to make lens changes easier.
The inexpensive matte box comes with 15mm rail clamp, removable top and side flags, and various neoprene donuts. One listing states that at least one of the filter trays is rotatable for a polarizer, but it’s hard to tell from the generic photos online. The matte box starts from $140+, found via eBay (click here).
Matte Box Dual 4×4 Filter Tray Flags 15mm Clamp
Like 
Subscribe 
Follow
14 Comments
Leave a Comment
>> Continue Reading More Articles <<
October 18th, 2012 at 10:43 am
That looks better than the economy matte box I have which has filter holders which don’t rotate. I may get that one in order to have a complete second rig for the occasions when I rent a B camera.
October 18th, 2012 at 10:51 am
@Bruce Philpott – I have only seen one listing state it has a rotating filter, I can’t seem to verify this through the generic images. If it does, that would be great.
October 18th, 2012 at 11:54 am
Hey guys, don’t forget that this seller (link delight) a big fraud liar. Just remember their sale – http://cheesycam.com/15mm-rail-base-set-quick-release-tripod-mount/ and take care.
October 18th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
@Roman – There are other sellers for this item also, updated link.
October 18th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
I really hope this is a good one. I’ve been needing a matte box but haven’t decided on a good (non expensive) one. Are you gonna be getting one Emm?
October 18th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
I just want a small sunshade/matte box. Any suggestions for something small that would mount to rails?
Thanks for any help!!!!
Rob
October 18th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
The filmcity matte box looks good too and is only $107.00 or best offer!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Filmcity-Matte-Box-Sunshade-For-Canon-5D-MK-II-7D-GH1-GH2-60D-550D-PD150-Cameras-/370603913209?
October 19th, 2012 at 7:37 am
I got mine here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/320967387269?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Now, I can confirm that it has one rotating filter holder. The one I received does accept 4mm filters from Cavision, Sneider, Century, etc. I have heard comments from people on a YouTube review of this, (don’t have link hndy just Google it) that it will only accept 3mm filters. When I emailed this seller, he confirmed that it was able to accept 4mm. Before you click the link and buy it, make sure and email the seller to confirm that you are getting trays that accept 4mm, these things are cranked out in batches so you never know. The quality is solid, the aluminum parts and ABS are high grade, it doesn’t look like junk. Like Emm pointed out though, it lacks a swing away arm and the quick release system. For the money, it is awesome, we shot last weekend in Palm Dessert, and the conditions were dirty and rough, it held up great and after I wiped it down it still looks new, so, I have zero complaints and can totally reccomend the seller link, BUT, be sure and email him your questions ahead of time.
October 19th, 2012 at 8:18 am
Emm, Is this not the exact same one as your blog post 38 days ago?
http://cheesycam.com/cheap-compact-pro-matte-box/
Or are there subtle differences?
October 19th, 2012 at 8:24 am
@HD-tography – Hmm, you’re right could be. I don’t own this one so it slipped my mind.
October 19th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@ HD-tography
Yes it is the same and I have that one. Only one filter rotates. The design is simple and excellent quality.
October 22nd, 2012 at 9:42 am
@Roman
I ordered from their website before and didn’t have any problems.
Anyway this mattebox looks like a decent deal, not the cheapest out there but it seems to be decent quality.
October 25th, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Bought one. You can see a picture of it attached to a rig here:
http://www.michaelalthaus.com/private/GH2ShoulderRig.jpg
It’s definitely decent quality for the price.
The only complaint I have is that the filter trays are plastic and week and don’t lock in very well. Furthermore, there’s a tiny cap between the filter trays which could be an issue if the sun is shinning straight onto it (some gaff tape will fix this).
It’s definitely a pretty good value at $140…
November 16th, 2012 at 8:45 am
For those in the NYC area. Adorama seems to be selling these under the Flashpoint brand name for around $250. Don’t buy it there obviously if you can get it online, for cheaper, but it presents an opportunity to go in and “touch it”. I’m a fan of touching it first whenever possible.