The K&F Mini Matte Box incorporates unique, useful features normally found in more expensive matte boxes; specifically, two dedicated 4” x 5.65” filter holders, and the ability to attach circular filters to the various lens adapter rings, of which five sizes are included. This allows for the use of a combination of both filter types concurrently. So, for example, placing a three stop 4 x 5.65 ND filter in front of a 1 – 5 stop VND filter, effectively increases the VNDs range to 5 – 9 stops, very useful for shooting video in a bright situation. This, in terms of my work, provides a broad range of versatility when it comes to the use of filters. As I write this it is being offered with a 20% coupon, bringing its price to $52. With or without the discount, it’s a lot of Mini Matte Box with a lot of versatility at its price point.
Other than the knurled locking knob assemblies for holding the flag in position and attaching the Matte Box to a lens adapter ring, the Matte Box is made entirely from a matte finished carbon fiber, for a very lightweight assembly. The two locking knobs are easily accessible, incorporating simple, but effective mechanisms.
The rectangular filter pivoting lock mechanism was new to me, as was the use of the rectangular filter holders. In fact, they caused me some frustration until I figured out that in order to insert a filter, the tab must be pulled away from the filter in the lengthwise direction. I wasn’t comprehending the illustration and kept trying to pinch it, to no avail. Once I figured that out, inserting filters into the holders and then the holders into the Matte Box went smoothly. When using two filters, or in my case, any filters, be careful releasing the associated lock; the outer filter is designed to pop up when released, but could pop out if being held in an accommodating orientation.
As K&F asserts, the Matte Box incorporates 1/4' and 3/8” threads and a cold shoe. The interior is also lined with black felt to reduce reflections, a thoughtful touch. K&F also says to expect future expandability to include side and rail extension boards, that I take to mean the addition of side flags. As such, providing more versatile light control; I’ve never understood the logic of just one flag on a Matte Box, considering that more than one light may be in use or that reflections can come from any angle. As a suggestion to K&F Concept, if more flags are created in the course of expandability, coat their interior surfaces with a non-reflective matt black material.
K&F delivers the Matt Box with a quality hard case to fit and protect it and the filter adapters. I have no criticism but plenty of enthusiasm for K&F Concepts new Mini Matte; it is a filter holder and a means of light control for both video and still photography.
Other than the knurled locking knob assemblies for holding the flag in position and attaching the Matte Box to a lens adapter ring, the Matte Box is made entirely from a matte finished carbon fiber, for a very lightweight assembly. The two locking knobs are easily accessible, incorporating simple, but effective mechanisms.
The rectangular filter pivoting lock mechanism was new to me, as was the use of the rectangular filter holders. In fact, they caused me some frustration until I figured out that in order to insert a filter, the tab must be pulled away from the filter in the lengthwise direction. I wasn’t comprehending the illustration and kept trying to pinch it, to no avail. Once I figured that out, inserting filters into the holders and then the holders into the Matte Box went smoothly. When using two filters, or in my case, any filters, be careful releasing the associated lock; the outer filter is designed to pop up when released, but could pop out if being held in an accommodating orientation.
As K&F asserts, the Matte Box incorporates 1/4' and 3/8” threads and a cold shoe. The interior is also lined with black felt to reduce reflections, a thoughtful touch. K&F also says to expect future expandability to include side and rail extension boards, that I take to mean the addition of side flags. As such, providing more versatile light control; I’ve never understood the logic of just one flag on a Matte Box, considering that more than one light may be in use or that reflections can come from any angle. As a suggestion to K&F Concept, if more flags are created in the course of expandability, coat their interior surfaces with a non-reflective matt black material.
K&F delivers the Matt Box with a quality hard case to fit and protect it and the filter adapters. I have no criticism but plenty of enthusiasm for K&F Concepts new Mini Matte; it is a filter holder and a means of light control for both video and still photography.
09/10/2024
First off this is a great matte box option with a native 114mm mount for cinema lenses and then a full pack of popular lens sizes (77mm, 82mm, 95mm) with rings to adapt them to 114mm. That's incredible for the price and quality of this kit. Next up, it's a great build and I'm happy that there are native 4 x 5.56mm trays for filters and it comes with two stages if you want to do ND and mist, or any other 2-filter combination. I love the locking knobs and how simple it is to access and lock down everything. This is a no-bs matte box that truly focuses on quality and speed. However, the only thing that keeps me from giving this 5 stars is the tray release. It's questionable and not the best system. There's a silver/gray flip switch that releases the trays but it kinda fans the trays out partially for you to then grab and slide out of the matte box. I'm not a fan of this too much. I'd rather have something that locks the trays in individually and then provides a way to lock them in. There also needs to be a better way to take the trays out. This partial fan then slide system has me nervous that I'm going to drop a filter. Still a solid option, but could use some improvements for best practices.
01/10/2024