Cavision 4x5.65 Hard Shade Matte Box Kit - for Sony FX-1 and Z1-U HDV Camcorders, 15mm Rod Support, French Flag, 72mm Adapter

Comments about Cavision 4x5.65 Hard Shade Matte Box Kit - for Sony FX-1 and Z1-U:

I was too tempted by the price and in this case you get what you pay for. If you look at the diagram above, notice how the camera behind the lens is just out there? Well, that's exactly what it does. So after only a few uses the front allen screw holding the L bracket to the Matt Box tubes begins to back out and you tightening it back up. Eventually you strip the threads because it is only held by one allen screw. I made modifications... 1. I pulled out the allen screw, drilled it out and re-thread it for a 1/4 short machine bolt. 2. Next I took an aluminum plate 1/4" thick, wide enough to catch the two existing holes at the rear of the plate and long enough to rest tightly up against the bottom of the camera plate. Now, the camera lens won't tilt up or rotate side to side. Also, don't get the wings. They won't stay tight and the next thing you know they are in your shot. Don't use the ring adapter because you will see it when you pull fully wide. So, spend your money wisely and don't go cheap like I did.

Comments about Cavision 4x5.65 Hard Shade Matte Box Kit - for Sony FX-1 and Z1-U:

Mattebox looks very good on camera, but there are some compatibility issues: Z1 microphone makes Mattebox don't fit properly, producing external light entering trough the space between mattebox and camera lens. You'll need some domestic fixing to make Cavision mattebox work good.

Comments about Cavision 4x5.65 Hard Shade Matte Box Kit - for Sony FX-1 and Z1-U:

when i first try to assemble all the parts right after i open the box, i was so frustated that the camera plate cannot be attached to the rod bracket because the screw provided is too short. each time i try to put my V1 on the camera plate, it will slip to the front. it cannot hold the camera at all!! then i bought a longer screw with the same diameter at a hardware shop and the problem solved. the build quality is not so good, they even got the brand name "cavision" upside-down on the matte box front.
another problem is the french flag. you cannot pull it to the back if you decided not to use it, unless you unscrew it. it is very ineffective if you need to remove it fast especially in 'run n gun' shooting.
aside from all the weakness mentioned, this item can do its job quite well, filter tray easily interchangeable, lightweight, and of course, it is much much cheaper, compared to any other brand.