FOTGA DP500 III Mattebox REVIEW - can it hold up with the System?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ค. 2016
- Amazon US: amzn.to/2a74elo
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As addition to the DP500 III Filmmaker system (mostly known for the great follow focus) has a new addition in form of a 4x4 swing-away Mattebox.
See the DP500 III Follow Focus here: • incredible Fotga DP500... - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
And this is it. We talk about this fancy fuckin mattebox.
Hahah I though you said "and this is my fancy fucker mattebox" for a second. XD
Thank you, Lucas. This was very informative....and saved me a lot of time. :)
Thanks. Just ordered one.
danke für das informative Video :)
Sehr gern! Coolen Content habt ihr da, ich stehe nicht so auf Kriegsfilme aber der Look kommt fett :)
Vielen Dank :)
Great review.
I love these Chinese red rock micro matte box copies. They're generally really well built, fully featured, and much cheaper than the name brands.
judging from their older Followfocus, sometimes the Chinese are also better build, haha :)
I have the redrock matte box, and it's honkin big, but extremely well built. The filter trays are metal, unlike the dp500, which is crap plastic. Other than that, I love what I've seen of the dp500. The dp3000 on the other hand, is a complete piece of shit.
Danke dir, half mir sehr bei der Entscheidung!
das freut mich zu hören :)
Thank you very much Lucas, very good job.
Lucas some matte boxes can hold different sizes filters. Would you please explain to us what's the difference between them. Thank you again. All the best.
Usually you use longer filters (4x5.6 for example) when you need to be able to move them to line up properly, for example for graduated NDs. Normal, square filters are usually affecting the whole image :)
Thank you!
Thanks a lot for posting. I have 3 questions : 1. Do you feel it might be (too) heavy for gimbal/shoulder rig with GH5s ? 2. Is the matte box making it harder to adjust focus ? 3. I can't use screw-in filters with my full frame sigma 20mm and would like to know what 4x4 square filters do you use for polarizer and ND
Thanks again
Hi there,
I find it too heavy for gimbals, but for shoulder it could work (depending on your rig). It's a preference of course, but it's not a leightweight.
The Focus isn't bothered at all but the box itself, however it depends greatly on your lens. For example, when it extends while focussing, you could get in touch with the mattebox and therefore alter the pulling experience
Regarding filters, I can't really give you a recommendation. I'd suggest searching a bit, there are great comparisons (at least for ND) available online.
Also, a 20mm on fullframe is really wide, I could imagine that it's too wide for a mattebox this size
Wouldn't a wing away be a hassle when interchanging manual lens with different length like the Rokinon Cine DS DS35M-MFT 35mm and the Rokinon Cine DS DS85M-MFT 85mm?
James Black I guess it might be unless you have enough rails to extend it enough. But if you’re switching lenses like that, you’d also have to re calibrate/arrange your follow focus and any other accessories, so it wouldn’t be too much of a hassle.
Hey Lucas! First off great review of the product. I have purchased the DP500III because of your review. Now I'm thinking of getting this Matte box and build an overall stronger and more complete shoulder rig. I was wondering what system do you use for your rig set up? Like what base plate, rod, handles, shoulder pads...etc. Or do you not have them rigged as a shoulder rig but just "tripod rig" haha. Anyways still appreciate this review.
Hi there, I don't have a ready-made-rig in this video, I have it puzzled from various parts. The handles I use can not even be bought as a friend made them for me :) I do this so it fits _my_ use well. and I really would recommend to anyone to build "their" setup as well, as we all have different needs :)
Thanks for replying! I see what you mean, that's actually a great idea and what I've been thinking about for my long term goal for rig building. Thanks again :DD
XLNT intro video, Lucas. My question is on the use of a graduation filter and I presume it is possible to use a Grad with the Fotga???????????
As long as they are only 4x4, totally :)
Hi Lucas, I purchased the same mattebox and I searched for the dimensions for buying the right pelican case for the whole equipment, but couldn´t find the size of the mattebox without the package. Could you be so kind to measure, specially the height, It would be very helpful. Thanks!
Nicolás León Tannchen Hi Nicolas, I’m currently in the same boat but have yet to purchase it. Have you figured out the dimensions without the flag? Thanks in advance!
Hallo Lukas, tolles Review!! Eine Frage habe ich noch: ist das Sunshade Board abnehmbar? Wenn ja, wie ist es befestigt (bei manchen Matteboxes ist das ja mit Magneten gelöst)?
Linus Frisch meinst Du den Frameguide vorne? Der ist eingeklemmt, wenn ich mich Recht entsinne (habe die Mattebox nicht mehr da)
Lucas Pfaff, genau. Danke für die schnelle Antwort!!
Thanks for the review Lucas. How much height adjustment is there? It didn’t look like it traveled up/down very far
I don't have it anymore so I can't tell you how much it is. Anyway, the mattebox is meant to be used with common LWS height of 85mm from optical center to the center of rods, from there's a bit of wiggle room up or down.
@@LucasPfaff Thanks man! That's what I needed to know
Hey mate, you mentioned (at 2.22) that you need to be able to rotate the rings independently fro the other - why is that? I understand that you may be able to create a variable nd using 2 x polarisers - is that why you need to be able to rotate - to adjust the nd?
yes, an ND fader works by having two linear polarizers and rotating one in front of the other, adjusting the strength. For a single polarizer it's still imporant to be able to rotate to adjust the polarization
Hi Lucas, great review thanks. I noticed you mentioned in a previous comment that some users are reporting that the Fotga DP3000 version won't work with 4mm filters.
I own the Fotga DP3000 version matte box and I can confirm that, I actually forced a Schneider HBM filter in the holder and when I popped it in, I scratched it :(
I saw in the video that you're using the DP5000 with the Tiffen 4mm filter, could you please let me know that your model is compatible with the 4mm filter and that you can easily insert it without risk of scratching? If you could let me know I would really appreciate it, thanks.
That's not good to hear :( thank you for the info!
Hey Lucas,
Vielen Dank für das Video.
Hast du eine Ahnung wie schwer die Matte Box ist ?
Lg Micha
grad mal fix gewogen - 870g ohne Flaggen :)
Thanks for your review. Can you describe how much vertical adjustment is available for centering the matte box over the center of the lens? It doesn't appear to have much travel, so I'm concerned about being able to get this to line up with my cameras.
Dave Patterson it definitely hasn't too much travel, I'd guess around 4cm (I don't have it at hand to measure, if you can wait a bit I can tell you on the weekend)
it's more suited for cams like an Ursa Mini I think, where the lens sits relatively low compared to the rods
Hi there Dave, I was able to measure it now. I was a bit optimistic, it's more like 2cm, a bit hard to measure. I think they wanted to go by ARRIs "Standards", where the optical center is 85mm above the center of the rails, and with the adjustment-capabilities of this mattebox you pretty much go around that point.
Hi Lucas - Thanks for taking time to measure the travel distance and respond. The matte box looks great, but I'm always surprised that most of these systems don't allow much range of adjustment. I will just have to try it to see if it will work with my rig. Cheers!
Dave Patterson it's a real shame, I guess for the intended use it makes 'sense' but sad it's not as flexible, especially because some smaller kits can do it :( Fotga is often sold through Amazon, so you should be able to send it back if it doesn't fit?
I just purchased the matte box for my Canon 5D mark lll...and I'm disappointed that the travel adjustment is very limited at the lowest vertical setting. The filter holder blocks the swing away.
Kann man nur ein Filter pro Tray benutzen oder könnte man auch zwei in einem Tray stacken? Und würde man mit 16mm auf Fullframe die Matte Box im Bild haben? Danke im Voraus und top Video.
In jeden Tray passt ein standard 4x4 Filter, also zwei nur wenn Du sehr dünne gäbe.
Bei 16mm im Vollformat würde man definitiv was im Bild haben, da kann man ja nicht mal vernünftig mehr einen Filter drauf machen. Matteboxen sind nichts für Ultra-Weitwinkel :(
I confirm that the ProAim mattebox is really low quality. It does the job but you have to often tighten the nobs (they unscrew by themselves). But the price is nice, so we have to make our choice. Thanks for these tests.
hahaha yes totally, the knobs are horrible. I never really noticed how much I have to screw them tight till I read your comment!
I mean it really gets the job done (when up to it, regarding filter rotation), but it's a bit wobbly. depends on what you are after and your budget - ProAim is a good starter :)
Hi there,
this one question is give me a headache.
Can i use this setup with my dji ronin s, regardless it is heavy ?
Weight is not the issue, but size. You won't be able to properly balance it
Was wondering what you used to mount your DSLR to the rails?
This is a very simple custom rig, these days you can get nice base plates on Amazon or so :)
What is the size of the matte box alone without the flags? I've been into this product and i have been conditioning my brain to accept the size but the devil inside have doubts.
Another question: What is the distance between rods and lens center on this matte box? Standard distance is 85mm and yet I see 93mm on other products. How about this one?
I don't have the mattebox anymore so I cant measure anything. Height should be standard 85mm tho.
Hey, I know it's been a long time since you made this video. What do you think about it todays after all that time? Did it fare well?
Hey man, I switched to clamp-on matteboxes and sold this one some time ago. But it held well and I only sold it for mentioned reasons
@@LucasPfaff thanks so much for the reply!
Hi, I was hoping you could help with a problem I'm having with this Mattebox. I have a Black Magic Cinema Camera 2.5K and when mounted my shoulder rig with quick release plate, it just sits too high on the back of the mattebox, causing the lens not to match up correctly. I have adjusted the mattebox as far as it can go. It's almost as if I need a thinner quick release plate. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hey Christian did you find a solution to this? I'm having a similar problem with an a7s with a cine-lens
@@lukejacobson1146 I believe my work around at the time was using LanParte height adjustable Bridge Plate
Hi Lucas, I have DP3000. I replaced my old matte box with it, because it generated crazy sounds similar to yours old. However, my old matte box was a little bit smaller and less weight. So I am thinking of replacing it for DP500 'cause it looks to me like carbon fiber, but I did not find a (weight) comparison DP 3000 vs DP500. Could you tell me what is the weight of DP500 without flags? Thank you. Branislav.
Unfortunately I don't have this mattebox anymore, sold it a year ago :(
Best,
Lucas
@@LucasPfaff Thank you. Anyhow do you think it was carbon fiber or something similar?
@@brazvo the carbon fiber was only for optics, I think it was some sort of plastic like ABS. It is definitely no light weight :(
@@LucasPfaff Thank You
How far can the height adjustment go? Please advise.
JamesD good question by your demonstration didn't look like you could raise it very high at all
what is the biggest lens (in a matter of diameter ) you can fit in the matte box?
The hole has a diameter of around 11.5cm, so that should be something around the max :)
It specifies 114mm
thanks. is it better than TILTA MB-T04 45.65?
Depends on what you are after, hard to compare a 4x4 with a 4x5.65
Any difference between this mattebox and the jtz dp30?
I'd recommend watching my review on the JTZ ... :)
If a need to zoom with my lens how does that work with a matte box?
When you zoom extends you'll have to move the mattebox around
Is the rotating one supposed to be able to come out? mine just did.
How would you install a filter when it didn't came out?
Hello lucas how are you? Do you think this set up will fit a canon 1Dx mark ii? thanks
I'm not quite sure if the mattebox can reach high enough to fit the height of the 1Dx tbh :(
Thank you, I guess I'll find out when it get here and I'll let you know, great video man keep up the good work
@@StickerDigital hello did fit the 1dx Mark II?
What are the rods your using or the baseplate
Hi there, my Rig only consists of puzzled parts. The rods are generic 15mm Aluminium ones (the kind that screws together at the end), the baseplate is called Panda or so if memory serves me right. I attached two generic rod blocks to get it in the Rig and exchanged the locking screw with a quick release lever from a bike Shop
Great work Lucas. Question: I have an ND fader screw in filter I like to keep at the end of my stack (It's outer thread is 88mm, so my IR Cut needs to go behind it). I really need some flags to cut my flare, but will I be able to adjust my ND with this system on? Keep in mind, the ND adjuster is on the matte box side end of the filter. I'm wondering if there will be enough room to adjust iris of the ND, before my fingers start bumping into the matte box?
For reference, my ND is the Genus Eclipse: th-cam.com/video/9PKWDyrIIho/w-d-xo.html
Hm it's a bit hard to tell without seeing the setup. If you have a setup like cam -> lens -> ND FADER -> mattebox, you should be able to adjust it with your hands. The filter should then already touch the donut of the mattebox, so it's a bit tight maybe but should be adjustable!
Thanks. Yes, I'm hoping the doughnut part is flexible enough so that if it gets bumped when I'm adjusting the fader, it's not going to fall off mid-shot. This is the problem with the internet, it's harder to go in and test these things out yourself!
douglas fairmeadow the donuts are not coming of easily, but if I understand it correctly they get only 'scratched' by the filter, not bumped into?
Thanks. Ordered one just before, so I guess we see how it goes!
douglas fairmeadow please keep me posted :)
Does Fotga make an adaptor to raise the height more than the travel distance for the matte box? This is a huge problem that I was not expecting. They should have made the travel adjustment "slot" longer to fit even canon C100,200, 300. Not just DSLR for the price they are charging.
Neil Seiffer it's the standard height you can reach, maybe the baseplate for your camera is too large?
I am using your Fotga rail system with your baseplate. This is a 24-105mm Canon lens 77mm diameter. Also, the rods and plate have some "play" (loose movement); and the DP500lll follow focus move my lens up and down slightly with any gear I use. I don't want to damage the lens.
Neil Seiffer I don't have a Fotga baseplate so I don't know which you mean :/
The lens moving is normal leverage, because these connections aren't meant for Followfocus
I purchased on AMAZON your DP500 lll 15mm rail/rod system with baseplate/quick release. It comes with lens support clamp, and it does not touch the lens at maximum extention. I viewed a photo online with the exact camera and lens I have. They must have faked the picture to touch the lens. Anyway, the support has nothing to do with stabilizing the lens from moving upward/downward from the gear pressure. I notice your video using SONY with a cinema lens (3:44 - 3:49) also has movement for the DP500lll follow focus demo. Therefore, your connection for follow focus is not acceptable either. We can't have this for professional shoots that will showup in the footage. Will the extension arm, which costs almost $100, make a difference? Note: I've seen others that don't have this issue.
My Amazon Link goes to a certain product, from where you can select other products. I never owned a Fotga baseplate, and I never implied that.
The one you seem to have buyed is meant for DSLRs, so if you are using it with a C300 or C200 it sits likely too high; you see, everyone knows the 15mm rods-60mm apart-standard, but it goes further with lens heights etc. The mattebox is meant to be used withing the standard, and the rod-support might be too - but for a different camera.
Of course the connection isn't great either, because it's the same connection. It's not a cinema lens, it's a geared photography lens in EF mount; the mount is the issue, not the lens itself. Also in my video, it's an EF lens adapted to Sonys E-Mount.
You can ask those who don't have the issue what they might be doing different, in my experience it's simply physics that work here. Sometimes it isn't even the lens, but the whole camera because it can't be perfectly locked down. The extension arm won't make a difference because you still have the same issue. As I told you before under the Followfocus video, there are lens supports that let you strap down your lens, that will fix it.
because the hole for the tripoud are not in middle of the camera !
Does the dp500 come with filters?
Blake Bauer no, 4x4 filters have to be purchased seperately
hello I have problem I have the lumix fz1000 and I wil this mattebox but I don't now has I can put my camera on this mattebox?
Usually the tripod-thread should sit at the center of the lens axis, not the center of the camera. So if that is the case it should work just fine, just keep in mind you need a rig with 15mm rods to attach the mattebox :)
then you say the lumix fz1000 can I put of this mattebox ?
If you have a rig with standard 15mm rods and the thread is aligned as described before, then yes, but I don't have that cam and I don't know what you got, so you have to figure that out :o
this is my problem the holl were I put on the the tripoud, steadycam are not in the middle
Any idea the difference between this DP500 3 vs the DP3000 M3
From the looks of it, general build quality and materials
Big price difference but not alot of specs per se ... Same pivot front and barns but hard to tell what the difference really is for $200 or so more.
The build can quickly become an argument. After all there are matteboxes for over thousand dollars which, basically, won't feature much more in terms of features :) on Amazon I read mixed feelings about the DP3000, like normal filters won't fit as they are too thick etc.
If you only need the sun-screen, it's of course fine; but then also a cheap Proaim does the job :)
How and where do I buy one from this? I'm Brazilian and I'm afraid that this model does not exist here.
In that case you might have to import from the US or directly from China
Can you tell me the diameter of this matte box? I didn't find it!Thank you!
Which diameter are you interested in, the "hole" for the lens?
Yes, I have two 117mm lens, would they fit!?
I can't measure it uber precise, but the opening is around 115mm. Se there would be some overlapping with a 117mm Lens
can you adjust the height of this matte box?
Yes, as you can see at 1:44
It's not too much, as the mattebox is designed to work with the standard distance of 85mm from the center of your rods to the optical center of the lens
Thank you Lucas. I just received mine today. Thanks for all the information. @@LucasPfaff
Can this clip on to a 114mm cine lens...
Without 15mm rods😀
It's not a clip-on mattebox, you need rails
4:37
Best comment ever
nice.
Hi Lucas Pfaff, it looks like carbon fiber, but is not right?
+POV Films mx yes it's only Design. It's made of plastic. But not the Kind that Breaks away immediantly, it's a proper material
Thank you Lucas, you made a great review of it.
+POV Films mx thank you very much :)
+POV Films mx thank you very much :)
+POV Films mx thank you very much :)
Amazing video bro
Can you tell me where can I get filter glass?
Well, in every store that sells 4x4 filters :) like B&H Photo or adorama, maybe even Amazon
@@LucasPfaff thank you bro
Are you still using this?
I have a JTZ mattebox now, only reason I sold this one :)
Camtree vs fotga dp500?
Lorenzo Antonioni I never used the camtree, but they often make things from plastic which shouldn't be made of plastic so I'm not too much into it to begin with :(
Lucas Pfaff Thank you very much, your answer so fast was very important (I'm Italian I hope to speak English well)
hey man, cool video! as a fellow non native english speaker, i thought i'd let you knwo as it doesnt appear that you reaslise ;P: what you say "Big as mattebox"... this doesnt exsist in the english language, what does exsist however, is "Big ass mattebox", thats derogatory and a bit rude; here ass meaning someone's rear end. if you intent to say that- more power to you, but i thought i'd inform you just in case ;P
I meant the latter :) I know it's vulgar, but I wouldn't say rude. Urban Dictionary lists it as a descriptor "of significant size or intent", which is also the way I know it and used it in this case :)
Mr Hepner...the Speech Police....really?
Funny I just ate some chinese food... THUMBS WAY UP
And this is it. We talk about this fancy fuckin mattebox.