Matte boxes have become an increasingly common part of camera setups even for smaller crews, but there still exists a large gap between classic high-end offerings and newer budget-friendly variations. Kondor Blue is attempting to bridge the gap with their well-built but still affordably priced 4x5 Matte Box System. The Base Kit comes with the front unit hood, top flag, and 95mm clamp-on lens adapter, while the Indie Kit also bundles in a single stage filter tray, and the Pro Kit includes a dual-stage filter tray. We ran the matte box through some basic tests and have returned with a lot of compliments and a few quibbles.
Top Flag and Hood
The kits all come with a Compact Hood that has the aforementioned top flag built in, while a separate (and not yet available) Pro Hood is needed for side flags. The hood’s ARRI-inspired four-post system attaches it to filter trays and clamp-on pieces, and the unit has nice black tightening knobs on the front. The hood itself can hold a filter, but I found it a little difficult to get the filter in place, and a bit nerve wracking to have expensive glass so close to the front of the matte box. The top flag feels strong and well-sized, with a magnetic attachment at the bottom that helps it also protect filters when not in use—and the flag can be removed with two easy-to-access knobs. A bubble level and a 3/8”-16 thread at the top of the hood are great quality of life additions, with the thread being useful for rangefinder systems, BTS cameras, and more.
Filter Trays
The filter trays use a similar four-post system, with tightening knobs on the sides. Dual-stage filter trays can be attached to single-stage trays, making the system commendably modular and expandable, though the blue tightening knobs on the sides do sit close together and can get harder to work with as you add more trays. These side safety screws on each tray are bolstered by squeezable locking tabs at the top for easy removal. There’s a great click when they slot into place, and the trays don’t have any wobble to them. The filter trays feel precisely built, with just enough give, and have handy label tags for common filter types like ND, polarizer, and diffusion. There are also safety catches at the bottom that can be disengaged if you need to remove filters from below the matte box. Triple-stage trays are sold separately.
Clamp-on Adapter
The clamp adapter unit has a nice felted design to prevent unwanted light leaks or reflections, and has an engraved “Lens Center” line to help ensure center alignment with the lens and camera sensor. The clamp uses one larger angled knob to loosen the adapter and secure it in place. This knob juts out from the top of the matte box about a half inch, making it easy to access but not so obtrusive that it gets in the way. The lens cuff is built into the entire clamp-on unit, making it feel especially strong and safe. Like the other elements, the piece as a whole is remarkably light without feeling cheap. A wide range of thread-on adapter rings and step-up rings are available for lenses with less conventional sizing, with ball bearings to keep them from getting stuck, but none are included in the kits, which is a bit surprising.
Overall Design
The whole system feels incredibly lightweight yet durable, especially the knobs, which can be a sore spot for less expensive matte boxes. Another great touch is that all the screws are captive, meaning they can’t fall out and get lost. A safety braid that attaches to the hood and the camera can be purchased separately for an extra level of security. The system doesn’t have any kind of custom case, which is okay if you’re a working professional incorporating the elements into a larger gear system, but for those just getting into matte boxes, it’s disappointing. Overall, Kondor Blue’s new Matte Box System is a commendable offering with clear attention to detail, and should appeal to those wanting to invest in a professionally built system without breaking the bank.
For more information about the Kondor Blue 4x5 Matte Box System, including features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product page.
