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Step up the quality of your footage on your next video shoot by selecting the right matte box and matte box adapters for your camera setup.
A matte box is a three-dimensional box with an open front that attaches to your camera lens. Similar to lens hoods, matte boxes block the stray light that causes lens flare and aberration to improve the overall look of your footage.
Matte box adapters serve as the connection point between the matte box and the camera lens. Because there are so many different types of cinema cameras and matte boxes on the market, matte box adapters deliver an appropriate fit no matter which combination of gear you use.
There are a few common adapter types for creating a secure connection between your camera lens and the matte box.
Clamp adapters use an adjustable clamp to attach the matte box to the lens. They can accommodate a range of lens diaphragm sizes, so just one matte-box clamp adapter should work well with several of your lenses.
Most clamp adapters feature a threaded rod that tightens or loosens the mount opening for a perfect fit each time.
Step-up and step-down rings adapt sizes in fixed increments. To use a step adjustment ring, select the measurement of your matte box mount and the measurement of your camera lens. Then, use one or more threaded rings to adapt the difference between them.
Step adjustment offers a precise fit but can be tedious when bridging larger measurement gaps because you may need to stack multiple rings.
Flex rings are adjustable adapters for your matte-box connection. They usually feature a fabric sleeve that you cinch down in place around your camera lens. Some flex rings are made of a rubber or silicone bellows connector instead.
Flex rings are ideal when you don’t want a rigid connection between your matte box and camera lens.
When assembling a rig for videography, it’s important to invest in high-quality equipment from reputable manufacturers. Brands like Bright Tangerine, Cavision, Chrosziel, Genus, Movcam, Tilta, and Vocas are well known in the motion picture industry for providing easy-to-use, well-built gear.
Prioritize quality materials and designs for important gear like matte box adapters and ensure each video shoot goes according to plan.