Depth of Options
The microMattebox is compatible with any camera system, and has rod support brackets for both 15mm and 19mm (for the RED or other large format cameras). It has standard 4X4 and 4X5.65 filter trays, which are infinitely stackable to meet your needs, and can rotate a full 360 degrees. One of the upgrades from the original concept is the swing-away arm, that allows easy access to the lens. It’s all metal construction (with the exception of the lens shade and lens adapter, which are high impact ABS plastic to keep the weight down.) The microMattebox also comes with your choice of red, blue, or grey accents, and comes in three separate bundles.
Position screws allow for 360 degree filter tray adjustment.
Performance
The most exciting and useful thing about this mattebox is the swing-away arm. It is unheard of in this price range, and a welcome addition, as it allows for quick lens changes and lens cleaning. The interchangeable mattes are very easy to apply, as are the neoprene donuts. The donuts were the only red flag to me when I assembled the mattebox, but it turns out that they work like a charm.
The microMattebox is compatible with both 15mm and 19mm rod supports.
Having done a successful test of the microMattebox on the HVX200 with Nikon lenses, I decided to try it out on the Red One. It definitely passes the “Kiefer Test” but there are a few issues. The mattebox is incompatible with the Red 18-50mm lens, and many Angienoux zooms as well as Cooke S4s. The inner diameter of the matte box just isn’t large enough. Plus, many of those lenses actually require 6X6 filters. Keep that in mind when deciding on your mattebox. I guess if you are having these problems on these more expensive cameras, you can afford the larger Arri Mattebox, because those are some expensive lenses!
The locking knob for the swing-away function has been upgraded after consumer suggestions.
