Tilta Mirage Matte Box Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Tilta Mirage Matte Box is a lightweight and modular lens accessory designed for professional filmmakers and content creators. It offers versatile filter management, supporting both 4" x 5.6" and new 95mm circular filters, including variable neutral density (VND) options. Its design prioritizes ease of use, adaptability, and performance across various shooting scenarios, from handheld to drone-mounted setups.

2. What's in the Box

Verify that all components are present in your Tilta Mirage Matte Box package:

• 1 x Tilta Mirage Matte Box Body (MB-T16-BK) (includes Circular Filter Tray for Tilta Mirage)
• 1 x 67mm Adapter Ring for Tilta Mirage (MB-T16-67)
• 1 x 72mm Adapter Ring for Tilta Mirage (MB-T16-72)
• 1 x 77mm Adapter Ring for Tilta Mirage (MB-T16-77)
• 1 x 82mm Adapter Ring for Tilta Mirage (MB-T16-82)
• 1 x Basic Soft Carrying Case for Tilta Mirage (MB-T16-SCC-B)

Image: Included components of the Tilta Mirage Matte Box.

Image: The Tilta Mirage Matte Box and its accessories neatly packed in the soft carrying case.

3. Setup

3.1 Attaching the Matte Box to Your Lens

The Tilta Mirage Matte Box can be attached to your lens in two primary ways:

• Clamp-On: Directly clamp onto cine lenses with a 95mm front diameter.
• Adapter Rings: For lenses with smaller front diameters, use the included 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, or 82mm adapter rings. Additional adapter rings (e.g., 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 86mm) can be purchased separately to ensure wide compatibility.

Image: The Tilta Mirage Matte Box mounted on a camera lens.

Image: Lens compatibility with various adapter ring sizes.

3.2 Filter Installation

The Tilta Mirage supports both 95mm circular filters and 4x5.65 filters. The cartridge filter design allows for quick and easy installation.

• 95mm Circular Filters: These filters slide into the dedicated circular filter tray. The new insert-style filter design makes assembly convenient.
• 4x5.65 Filters: The matte box accommodates standard 4x5.65 filters in the front slot.

The modular design allows for lightweight configurations, making it ideal for gimbals and drones. You can easily switch between different hoods or use the matte box without a hood depending on your shooting requirements.

4. Operating

4.1 Variable ND (VND) Control

The Tilta Mirage offers a VND module that provides 0.3 to 2.7 stops of gradual adjustments, maintaining natural color rendition. This is crucial for managing light intensity in varying conditions.

• Manual Control: Adjust the VND using the integrated knob on the matte box.
• Motorized Control (Optional): For remote operation, replace the manual knob with the optional VND motor. This motor can be controlled wirelessly via a remote control handle or any Nucleus hand unit, providing seamless adjustments without direct contact with the camera.

Image: The lightweight and convenient insert-style filter design.

4.2 Effect Filters

The 95mm circular filter system supports a variety of effect filters, including streak filters, Pro-mist filters, and more, allowing for creative control over your footage.

4.3 Aerodynamic Design

The front hood of the Tilta Mirage is aerodynamically designed to minimize wind drag, which is particularly beneficial during car-mounted shots and drone shots, ensuring stability and clear footage.

Image: Aerodynamic design for reduced wind resistance.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Tilta Mirage Matte Box, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the matte box body and filters. For filters, use a specialized lens cleaning solution if necessary.
• Storage: Store the matte box and its components in the provided soft carrying case when not in use to protect them from dust and physical damage.
• Battery Care (Motorized VND): If you are using the motorized VND module, always remove the battery when the unit is not in use for extended periods. Leaving the battery installed can lead to battery drain.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Motorized VND Battery Drains Quickly

Issue: The battery for the motorized VND module loses charge even when the unit is not actively being used.

Solution: This is a known characteristic. To prevent battery drain, ensure you remove the battery from the motorized VND unit when it is not in active use or when storing the matte box for any significant duration. Reinsert the battery only when you intend to use the motorized function.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Tilta website or the comprehensive User Guide PDF available for download. The User Guide provides in-depth instructions and troubleshooting for advanced functionalities.

User Guide (PDF): Click here to download