4 Reasons You NEED a Matte Box

[@TheWaitingRoomTWR]

Thank god! A normal videographer, no stupid intro, no million cuts, no corny music, just a human being talking - subscribed!

[@Crimsonengine]

Ah! That’s why all those other guys have a million followers *buys transition pack* :)

[@SocialAsteroid]

Haha... you're right, it does raise "production value", which if you're shooting downtown or public spaces can draw attention - So if you don't have a permit to shoot in certain areas leave the matte box at home ;)

[@Photographicelements]

I'm not saying I've done that, but I have.

[@nic12344]

Or just use a lens hood!

[@spo5egy]

So... A permit for a matt box 🤣

[@BloodSugarS3XMajik]

true but if you’re shooting on a job where ur getting $3k plus on exterior productions you’d be a fool to not have a permit. If ur shooting run and gun as an independent the matte box probably doesn’t even need to be considered as an option.

[@winfilms3681]

It does make you look more professional! as an amateur wedding filmmaker, my clients are always asking about the matte box!

[@kubajastrzebski9310]

lol

[@jerryinthevan]

I think you are absolutely correct on you last point for impressions. Imagine paying 4000 dollars for a joiner to come and fix your house. The joiner comes with a grocery shop bag and a screwdriver wearing flip flops. This has happened to me before and I was angry! I always make sure that my rig looks like a great tool because that makes me more money!

[@jlippencott1]

My primary reason for using a matte box is the 'filter for all lenses' benefit. Good filters are very expensive and if you use mostly prime lenses with different thread diameters it can run into considerable cost. Aside from that, I have discovered over time that your last comment regarding top gear has a lot of value, and although mentioned last, may be one of the best methods of giving you an image of professionalism, authority, and especially legitimacy. I use a GH-4, which looks insignificant alone, but set up with my Rokinon primes and Sachtler matte box, it almost always draws attention. I have actually gotten a few offers for work that I'm sure would not happen if I were just using my camera in "tourist" mode.

[@moeshickenyay]

Joseph Lippencott Yes someone else who still using their GH4, haven’t found a reason to upgrade to GH5, mostly money, but can’t really justify it until there is a significant image improvement in the camera.

[@eastbaystreet1242]

[two years after your comment] Still using the GH4 because of the 10.2.2 bit out to the Atmos Ninja V. Great combo. Added a quality matte box for exactly the same reason as you did. Love it.

[@beachbum4691]

best de-facto demonstration of flare costing contrast and colour I've yet seen - Thanks for posting :)

[@Crimsonengine]

Pleasure!

[@beachbum4691]

​@@Crimsonengine There was only a few moments of flare costing contrast and colour but it really was a pistol-whipping moment., "Wow" --- I have to watch the whole Vid' again, there is still stuff in it I need to embed in myself... Cheers

[@SidelineMediaCo]

Just bought the new Smallrig matte box yesterday! thanks for the video dude

[@Lionrisesproductions]

I bought mines today. How are you liking your Matt box ?

[@SidelineMediaCo]

@@Lionrisesproductions sickkk! i’m lovin it. it was a great investment for sure. it really gets me more clients if you know what i mean😂

[@Lionrisesproductions]

@@SidelineMediaCo awesome! Happy to hear this. I’m doing some outdoor shooting soon. So I needed one. Plus like the author of the video stated it looks amazing once the camera is set up to be a camera system.

[@SidelineMediaCo]

@@Lionrisesproductions that is true! super useful, and it makes the rig look so much better! haha

[@testowykana1763]

I really need to get a Matte box. I have a 77 VND filter on my lens and outside, even without sun in the frame I get this glare on top part of the image. When I put my hand trying to mimic what the mattebox, the contrast improves greatly.

[@johnmuniz328]

As always, great review. The blue light in your background is reflecting an unusual glare on your elbow. Thanks for the tips... always appreciated.

[@pacificostudios]

Coming from a DSLR background, I have a UV filter on every lens. I have never broken or scratched a lens, because the filter takes the damage. A sunshade does a lot of the same work as a matte box, but when you want to look professional, a matte box and rail system will do that. It's now on my shopping list.

[@rickraub5448]

I just purchased a Smallrig lightweight mattebox with rail attachment. I'm very impressed and it was only $112. Looks great and not overly large.

[@matgeek]

As always great content on your channel. Thanks also for being a contributing part to the fact I’m buying a C200 today.

[@Crimsonengine]

Thanks! Checked out your videos: they're awesome!

[@ActionMediaProductions]

Matgeek I concur, I’m so glad I found this channel; love everything about his delivery, content and overall look.

[@Crimsonengine]

You guys are too kind :) thanks for the support!

[@BGHMTech]

are you satisfied with your purchase?

[@stephencox9507]

Nice, no BS review Rubidium. I don't normally use one on my C200. I have considered buying my own from time to time and in one extreme late day occasion had to resort to the use of a gaff-rigged, folded plastic lid of an ice-cream container. It worked, but I can assure you it was the opposite of sexy. Fortunately the client didn't really care. I sort of did, and so I might consider buying one if I can put up with the hassle. And you are dead right about protection. Just last week I was working on a basketball set for music video (not me shooting) with an Alexa/Steadicam combo. A stray ball came hard at the camera and broke the $600 Matte box and an ND, but didn't damage the vintage anamorphic Kowa lens . . . I have to say that I am impressed with the way your C200 has been so nicely kitted out in SHAPE-ware. It really is some nice gear. Keep up the good work, you are running one of the most straight up, experience based channels on the filmmaking web . . .

[@kembalsado1]

LOL, I absolutely LOVE your comment about aesthetics and telling it like it is. Super cool video, thank you.

[@DavidBubarYT]

This is one of those really odd videos that I keep watching over and over again even though I'm not looking to buy a matte box, its just such a good video

[@rickraub5448]

True confession. I just bought a mattbox for the looks! Then I thought....I'd better see what additional benefits it can offer using filters... you know, what its actually designed to do.. Thus, viewing your video. Thanks for the info.

[@collinmclaren6608]

Can definitely agree with you on aesthetic appearance. I'm currently studying video production and my fall-on video camera has become the EOS M6. Unfortunately just looking at it everyone always views it as a dinky little point 'n shoot. So in the fall I've started investing in a cage system; partially to add a little more mounting real-estate and modular customization, but mainly just to give it more of a beefy professional look. Now I regularly get people asking me what kind of camera I'm using. The other half of your points I was keep saying to myself "why don't you just use a lens hood?". But depending on the lens you're working with, a big matte box definitely gives more of a professional cinematographer vibe.

[@honestview]

Why are matte boxes so expensive though? I want the aesthetics like you mention in 6:45 there are no cheap good looking versions out there, I would have imagined that china would make a plastic version for $5

[@honestview]

Same goes for teleprompters... You can make both the matte box and teleprompter out of cardboard black paint and some ducktape which will accomplish the exact same effect.

[@pixelmoviecompany2396]

Me: DONT WATCH IT DONT WATCH IT DONT WATCH IT My bank account: Watched it...

[@GDoggProductions]

Thank you for explaining that box to me , seen a few people use them and i had a very strong feeling that reasons behind using it was 80% for looks lol ! which is fine , im just glad i wernt the only person thinking that great video

[@neilruedlinger4851]

I agree that a Matte Box looks cool and raises 'production value', but if I need to use a high quality rectangular graduated ND filter, how else would I be able to mount it in front of my lenses? Another benefit is that a film maker, on a restricted budget, only needs to purchase one set of large diameter filters, that will still work with smaller diameter lenses. Especially if like me, you drool after a good quality Variable ND filter; will take me some time to save up my pennies to afford just one of these beauties, and I may spend a bit more to buy a larger diameter filter. I saw a different YT video comparing B+W, Hoya, PolarPro, Tiffen and other well known variable ND filter brands. Here's the link if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o32Qc6uehtuXf6c

[@reanetsemoleleki8219]

Interesting use of gaffer tape, there.

[@RhythmicEye]

Brilliantly precise explanation. Thank you!

[@cefgil3905]

Great vid! One of the best ones out there in regards to explaining the reason for a matte box.

[@jameszond8805]

Thanks so much Crimson for great explanation of the Matte Box

[@Crimsonengine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RobertWedderburn]

Great video! And yes, I agree most creators buy matte boxes purely for the esthetics of the camera so thanks for mentioning the most important reason why people buy matte boxes! :D I have just subscribed and look forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks!

Really great video, you demonstrate the uses of the matte box really well. (What´s with the turning of the camera this way and that way all the time? hehe)

[@fellawhofilms7760]

I have used GOPRO with matte box.

[@RomboutVersluijs]

I wonder why use a gradient as physical device rather than in post?

[@Crimsonengine]

To keep the sky from blowing out completely. If it goes beyond the dynamic range of the camera, there is nothing to correct in post.

[@RomboutVersluijs]

@@Crimsonengine OKay that makes sense indeed. Im no photographer nor filmmaker. Just like to watch these kind things. Always interested in this subject, even the ough I do nothing in that world

[@Dez_Blanchfield]

this was a fantastic "Fireside Chat" style introduction to the entire topic and all related topics et al.. great stuff.. also love your studio setup .. amazing lighting and focus.. would love to learn what you shoot on and your set / rig for the youtube vids? cheers from Sydney

[@Crimsonengine]

Thanks Dez! I do try and up the production value on each video, if only to challenge myself. Cheers from LA!

[@Dez_Blanchfield]

well just know that it's working and I'll freely admit I tend to watch your stuff multiple times, as I get something new from them every time, and I lust after your rigs - the C200 is on the top of my list of things to "save up for" and "migrate to from DSLR" platforms ;-)

[@OkeechobeeFlorida]

So I'm going to put a HUGE Matte Box on my GoPro Hero and charge $2k day rate!

[@kubajastrzebski9310]

Shit talking, everyone just have mattebox because it looks more pro and cool :)

[@michaheinrich9919]

Yes and no. I need one of those especially in interview scenarios, when the baclight sometimes flares on specific setups. But I won't deny the cool factor. Pozdro

[@martindeleon9863]

I only ever use a matte box when I’m out in public for promotional purposes. For whatever reason it just adds that “cinema look” to it. I’ve gotten so many jobs cuz of it.

[@jfilmzstudio3470]

I know this sounds silly but can you put a canon 90d camera in this cage? Yes I'm aware its for c200 but he mention how he can put Gh5 in that cage so I had to asked. Thanks

[@NathanYounghusband]

I agree that a matte box does make you look more professional. Whether you use it for what it's meant for is another thing! The great thing about the C200 is the built-in NDs, so a matte box isn't needed... unless you need to add even more ND on.

[@nwphoosh]

Matte Boxes don't only carry ND's... it's needed when you need diffusion, polarization, or other effects/looks with particular filters. A matte box should always be needed.

[@VyasAnand]

nwphoosh it is not “always needed” at all - “Unsane” by Soderberg was an iPhone. Come on

[@rawmintvideo]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@MajorGeneralHavoc]

thx for the info man :)

[@Planetaristov]

the main reason - it looks esthetic) like it!

[@luivillaruz-officialaccoun6458]

This is very helpful! Thank you! What's your thought about shooting a full length film using 5DMarkIV or 5DMark iii? Thank you!

[@Crimsonengine]

Totally possible, but you'll start to see why cinema cameras have the features they do. Things like XLR audio, internal ND, better form factor, but most of all a much more forgiving and high quality codec. If I was you, I'd look at hiring a c100m2 for the shoot - its a great camera and you can get them for less than $100/day most places, or $300/week. It will save you a lot in the long run.

[@BEACHYz]

Fantastic lesson Rubidium. Thank you!

[@Crimsonengine]

Thanks Jon! The plan is to keep them coming.

[@stevecooksley]

Nice film - I'm off to put a spoiler on my road car!

[@akhilsudagani9979]

Wow Explanation is on point Thanks man!

[@computerjantje]

I love the honesty about the esthetics as a reason to place a matte box. I would like to add that this goes totally wrong when one places a 15 dollar plastic Chinese matte box just for the looks. In such case better do not place a matte box at all :) Look what a bit of rig did for my consumer camera :) www.janvalk.nl/video/cam.jpg

[@RomboutVersluijs]

WHere is the camera ;) .... oow wait I think i found it :)

[@androstern]

It looks terrible man

[@computerjantje]

@@androstern Thank you :) And I made it even worse kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6TWd5ywmKiLoJI

[@orangerecords_studio]

that means, in a proper, and prfessional sightletup, indoor, you dont NEED a mattbox. If the main argument is ; " to look professional ", then its quite selvexplainatory .

[@geoi88i]

You hear that folks! reason #4 fake it til you make it... Imma get me one of them polar pro boxes and start charging more

[@sweetthirty2]

superb plzz make video on post production stuffs

[@Crimsonengine]

Will do soon

[@Dstonephoto]

Are you telling me there’s a matte box with a higher sticker price than a Red Komodo?

[@Crimsonengine]

Yes indeed! Arri's one is about 6k fully loaded.

[@Dstonephoto]

@@Crimsonengine That's gangsta-level genius! Here I am trying to decide between a 7$ cable and one that's $7.30 but for 20cm of additional length. BRB, I have some soul-searching to do.

[@saemranian]

thanks man for your sharing

[@haddonhousefilms]

👍👍👏👏great video

[@VilkanVisions]

That's helpful, thanks :)

[@mahmodbebo501]

Which one to buy for canon m50???! Can you make a buy guide !!?

[@markraines8138]

Probably displaying my ignorance, does the lens hood provide the same?

[@Crimsonengine]

In some ways, yes. I protects the lens from damage and flags from the sun, but the flags are not adjustable and cine lenses don't have lens hoods.

[@TheJijiSama]

so informative

[@ip6474]

When he's talking about a $1000.00 GH5 and attaching that inside the cage with external battery and matte box... is he talking about the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 mirror less camera?

[@frost8503]

That was good thanks!

[@fabiobus7671]

Hi. Good video. Wich matte box are you using in this video? I need to find a matte box that may contain three or four filters at the same time (nd, polarizer, mist, ...) for dslr lens as yours.

[@pacificostudios]

An lamp going into a camera lens at a flat angle has to be as destructive to photo quality as the sun. When shooting on a set, I think a matte box could be helpful.

[@moeshickenyay]

Is there such a thing as a variable ND FILTER?

[@kubajastrzebski9310]

Yep lol

[@Musiquedecor]

Tilta mini mattebox review 🙏 please

[@stuartcook2464]

Hi , could you advise what follow focus device you are using?

[@mediaapexproduction5245]

Thanks for Matte Box video! I have a side question, i am very interested in the C200 but want to feel out the new work flow in Premiere, is there a way i could have you send a link to download a few RAW files, like some random b roll stuff. It would be much appreciated if so. Thanks and love your videos!!

[@Crimsonengine]

Media Apex Production no worries at all! I’m at NAB until tomorrow night but will look for some clips I can Dropbox.

[@mediaapexproduction5245]

That would be so great! Thanks! Lets touch base after NAB!

[@mediaapexproduction5245]

Hi, checking back in about that RAW C200 sample files. Let me know if there is a good way to contact you or how we can do that. Thanks

[@Crimsonengine]

I'll send you a dropbox link tomorrow :) send me an email at [e-mail]

[@ODeniranFilms]

Good video

[@Seanonyoutube]

How come still photographers don’t use matte boxes? Aside from the last point, all those reasons seem to apply to still shooters as well?

[@Crimsonengine]

Too heavy. Most just use lens hoods when shooing into the sun.

[@Seanonyoutube]

@@Crimsonengine come to think of it (as a stills photog myself) I think I wouldn’t mind the weight but I would mind the odd bulky shape that wouldn’t pack very easily in my shoulder camera bag...I guess you video bunch are just used to transporting bulky gear more so than stills people.

[@HelselMark]

Ballpark how much does the camera weigh with the cage, battery and matte box added? I'm trying to make my camera heavier for a more cinematic handheld look

[@MW9X12]

ridley scott made graduated filters famous??

[@mehlek23]

What rig do you use?

[@mimailperso4424]

Hello I need this Mattebox how and where to buy it

[@JeffBourke]

Australiamerican???

[@iliazbektashmatov8066]

I like 4th one moree. 😀😀😀🤙

[@Ghostviperz]

that is a sexy rig!

[@CameraMasterFilms]

Expensive lens hood?

[@Brett.Hatfield]

Bro. What’s on your left arm

[@stuconry3745]

Doesn't that camera have built in ND filters?

[@MontanaMetalYT]

Yes.... just not a circular polarizer, or a graduated ND, or a color correction, or any of the other filters outside of the straight ND.

[@zanin.lindsay]

Hey, what would Matte Box would you recommend for the Zacuto Recoil Pro Rig (w/z-drive follow focus and tornado grip)? My package includes the C200, Rokinon 24,35,50,85 and 24-70mm 2.8.

[@tidave1984]

Hey, i made this rig :)

[@TheCuttyBrown]

Make me one

[@davidharris9451]

How to you store your matte box when not in use?

[@Zz-vu2pf]

Hello, what about the lens hood, isn't it enough to avoid the flair?

[@Crimsonengine]

Most of the time, yes. If you’re shootings right into the sun or have a light just out of frame, a matte box is the solution.

[@Zz-vu2pf]

Crimson Engine thanx

[@marklitherland888]

Hi I'm looking for a Matte Box that will take my LEE100 Grad ND filters - you showed the same Lee filters, did you try them in the Shape Matte Box?

[@Crimsonengine]

what dimension are they?

[@marklitherland888]

@@Crimsonengine - they're 100mm x 150mm. My main concern is how I would be able to mount them in portrait orientation and then slide up and down to adjust where the graduation sits on the image. Thanks

[@theunofficialcollector]

so it cost like a mercedez c200 ?

[@daslolo]

6th reason you use a matte box is as an extra handle

[@aestheticstudios3148]

another tip top video.

[@drydockstudios]

00:55 you're welcome.

[@egnogra]

What is that on your shoulder?

[@aurelienachache3785]

Since the c200 has built in ND, doesn't the lens hood do the same job ?

[@Crimsonengine]

Pretty much. If you using a set of a set of primes, a matte box lets you use one filter (like a polarizer) across the whole set rather than swapping the filter each time you swap a lens.

[@VyasAnand]

Aurélien Achache yes

[@hmacc]

Do you have tennis elbow?

[@Crimsonengine]

I did! It was actually from pulling arrows out of an archery target. My elbow was really sore for 8 months and I finally managed to tape it long enough for it to heal.

[@VideoBelser]

1. Reduces Flares: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3uZqHutrtKdg8k 2. One filter can be used for many lenses and you can adjust the height of graduated ND filters: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3uZqHutrtKdg8k 3. Lens Protection: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3uZqHutrtKdg8k 4. Professional Look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3uZqHutrtKdg8k

[@Zz-vu2pf]

Hello, does the c200 have a 10 bit 4-2-2 output?

[@Crimsonengine]

Yes. Only 2k and only over sdi

[@Zz-vu2pf]

Crimson Engine, then we are stuck in raw, many 512gb cards are needed... Thank you

[@Crimsonengine]

@@Zz-vu2pf I have a couple of these: amzn.to/2BEwJUy - I can shoot all day no problems.

[@ElectricLabel]

Ridley Scott made GND filters famous??

[@utopiandawn]

Something tells me he meant Kubrick (The image he showed might be from the film "Barry Lyndon")

[@bomaryniuk3639]

When I will ask you to film something for me, I will ask you to get rid of your madbox, so I can pay you less. :-P

[@gautamkumarrairamessur4453]

Matte box *

[@lincolncrooks8901]

Dude ur elbow is blue. What happened there?

[@Crimsonengine]

I think it was K-tape from an archery injury. I pulled an arrow out wrong and 6 months later my arm still hurt :)

[@lincolncrooks8901]

@@Crimsonengine sorry to hear bud. Be careful

[@1htimsgiark]

why is there tape on ya elbows?

[@Crimsonengine]

Archery injury. Took forever to heal