cheapest of the cheap lens shades

[wheatgrinder]

OK I wont call them matte boxes as they have no matting, or places for filters.. that said.
there are these really cheapo "lens shades" on ebay that would work with my rig.

It would be a step up from the cardboard box I have now!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Matte-Box-1...595?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e867d99b

Anyone here have experience with this junk? I'm sorta broke for fear, Im saving up for my next short film in June, so under $50 is a must.

Thoughts?

 

[Zensteve]

I have what appears to be that exact matte box.

It came with my el-cheapo follow-focus rig : http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-RIG-Follow-Focus-KIT/dp/B005UF3G2Y

The parts can also be bought individually.

It's an okay matte box. The hinges won't last forever (held in place clip-on style, with plastic clips) and will strip themselves with enough moving around simply by virue of being ridged plastic rubbing against more ridged plastic.

The description on your link suggests it's easy enough to attach filters with a rubber band. That is not really the case. Might as well duct-tape 'em on for a more secure fit.

It does fit easily onto the 15mm rails;
it adjusts up & down in height, to accomodate different sized cameras;
it looks pretty legit, to a non camera-nut;
functions just as well as a similar one made of metal for $100 more

Works great for the price.

Edit: Oh, I see the filter thing mentioned involves some other optional rubber ring. I dunno anything about that.

 

[wheatgrinder]

maybe $50 for a gobo head and a flag would be a better use of the money?

 

[Zensteve]

maybe $50 for a gobo head and a flag would be a better use of the money?

If you have a stand, then yes. Far better off. You can then trim lighting elsewhere, if not needed to shade lens.