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Canadian digital camera equipment producer SHAPE has launched a brand new Swing-Away Matte Field with some distinctive options that make it a compelling entry into what was a stagnant accent class. This new matte field options magnets, a implausible tray locking design, and an adjustable top knob to lift and decrease the entire matte field. I took the matte field out for a spin (or is it a swing?) on a several-weeks-long unannounced manufacturing. Listed here are my ideas.That is one snazzy-looking matte field. At first look, no corners seem to have been reduce on design. The little pops of crimson, now a trademark of SHAPE merchandise, look nice.Nonetheless, I admit to worrying that I might need to gaff tape to kill any undesirable camera-op cameo on a reflective set in some unspecified time in the future. I may also admit that’s a minor quibble. SHAPE Swing-Away Matte Field – First impressionsThough prior to now, I’ve been drawn to clip-on matte bins (SHAPE makes these, too), my love of classic lenses has led me again to the trusty swing-away design as a result of older classic lenses can’t help a lot weight. And but, the design stays important in fact. When executed poorly, a swing-away matte field can add treasured manufacturing time to a easy lens swap.Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon, CineD I’ve used earlier SHAPE matte field designs prior to now, and I’ll be sincere, I wasn’t an enormous fan. Connecting the field with the digital camera in user-friendly methods wasn’t occurring. That’s not the case right here. A profitable matte field revolves round compatibility, and with this design, it’s apparent SHAPE has listened to suggestions. There are some commonplace sizes to bear in mind right here and ARRI has achieved a lot over time to make the gap from middle lens to rail considerably commonplace, although SHAPE has a solution for any variability of digital camera dimensions right here within the type of an adjustable knob on the underside of the matte field (see under picture). This crimson knob lets you elevate and decrease the complete matte field. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon, CineD Elevating and decreasing the matte field is a bit of cake, and this tells me irrespective of the digital camera and lens combo, the matte field will most likely work. Disclosure: For this overview, I didn’t attempt each lens and digital camera combo on the planet. Largely I labored with the Sony FS7, the Canon C500 MK II, and a wide range of primes. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon, CineD Included at launch together with a cloth “knicker” that helps management mild spill between the matte field and lens are 87-82 mm, 87-77 mm, 87-72 mm, 87-67 mm aluminum adapter rings. I want to see extra adapter rings accessible as a result of not all lenses I take advantage of on a day-to-day foundation are coated. Additionally, I want the material “knicker” was made with a rubber-donut design as a result of I really feel like there could be much less probability of that design by accident intruding on the shot than with the material model supplied.At 1.9 lbs., the general weight is a bit on the heavy aspect when in comparison with clip-on choices I’ve used from the likes of Vivid Tangerine or Wood Digicam — nevertheless, with that weight comes a sturdy construct that feels as if it might maintain up nicely in a rental atmosphere or the standard jostling on set or location. I can’t say the identical about most of the different model clip-on choices I’ve tried recently. I at all times really feel like I’m rolling cube with them as as to if a clip-on matte field will survive a rental. The design My favourite design factor may be one of many smallest bodily however among the many most consequential whereas working. In addition to altering lenses, altering filters whereas utilizing a matte field will also be difficult. Image a fragile one-handed dance with one hand greedy a 4 x 5.65″ $500 filter and the opposite hand trying to unlock a matte field security screw. The 4 x 5.65″ SHAPE filter trays — every marked “entrance” or “rear” — have a helpful little crimson locking mechanism that makes eradicating filters a breeze. All filter trays ought to have this locking mechanism. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon, CineD For added security, you continue to have a small silver side-locking screw for every tray, however I’ve to say the crimson mechanism that locks and unlocks trays is simply so satisfying. It’s one in all my favourite elements of the design. Additionally, observe one tray can rotate if you happen to’re utilizing a polarizer and looking for the proper spot to kill undesirable glare or reflections. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon, CineD The SHAPE Swing-Away Matte Field features a mild carbon fiber prime flag (generally lovingly known as an eyebrow) with adjustable stress knobs. I do want that they had included flags to assist management mild spill from the edges. You’ll be able to’t purchase aspect flags as an added accent as a result of there isn’t a option to mount. For moments when you’ll be able to’t management an undesirable flare, I recommend buying a french flag like this one. I take advantage of french flags on a regular basis, and so they’re one in all my favourite equipment. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon, CineD One other one in all my favourite design options is the swing-away mechanism itself. Did I do know I wanted a magnet on my matte field? I didn’t, however now I can’t dwell with out them. The magnet used right here is simply robust sufficient to stop an undesirable mid-shot swing away in live performance with a red-locking knob from occurring. It additionally helps give peace of thoughts with the sound of a smooth click on noise confirming the magnet is again in place in opposition to the bottom of the matte field. This crimson knob lets you begin the swing-away transfer in prep for a lens change. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon, CineD I ponder what number of different digital camera equipment would profit each from the usage of magnets and the helpful locking mechanism in use on the filter trays? I’ll go away that to higher minds to determine. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon, CineD Closing thoughtsIs a matte field essentially the most essentially the most thrilling a part of filmmaking for you? Possibly not, however if you happen to’ve ever used a poorly designed matte field, and there are lots of, then you understand what a trouble it could actually turn into in the midst of a 40 lens swap day on A-Cam. The brand new SHAPE Swing-Away Matte Field is nicely thought out and makes my life simpler whereas filming. I’d additionally wager you a Canadian loonie this steel/carbon fiber matte field isn’t going to interrupt anytime quickly. Should you determine to hire it out, my guess is it gained’t come again in a pile of items. For me, the magnetic locks, the red-locking tray system, and the bottom adjustable knob alone make this matte field well worth the $597 value of admission. SHAPE nailed the design on this one, and I hope they proceed supporting the product with extra lens adapter rings and perhaps a molded arduous case for leases and journey. Within the meantime, I give it two thumbs up.Hyperlink: SHAPEWhat do you suppose? Does the design of this new SHAPE Swing-Away matte field repair any of the quibbles you’ll have with different swing-away matte field designs? Will you be including this to your package? Tell us within the feedback under!
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