SmallRig 95mm Mini Matte Box Lite Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the SmallRig 95mm Mini Matte Box Lite. This product is designed to enhance your filmmaking experience by providing effective light control, reducing lens flare, and allowing for the use of various filters. Its lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for use with mirrorless and DSLR cameras. This manual will guide you through the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your new matte box.

Image 1.1: The SmallRig 95mm Mini Matte Box Lite mounted on a camera. This image showcases the matte box's compact design and its carbon fiber top flag.

2. Safety Information

• Do not disassemble or modify the product. Unauthorized modifications may cause damage or malfunction.
• Keep the product away from water and corrosive liquids.
• Handle with care to avoid dropping or impacting the product, which could lead to damage.
• Ensure all components are securely fastened before use to prevent accidental detachment.
• This matte box is compatible with cinema lenses featuring an outer diameter of 95mm. It is not compatible with SLR lenses that have an inner diameter of 95mm. Please verify your lens specifications before attachment.

3. What's in the Box

Verify that all components are present upon unboxing:

• 1 x Mini Matte Box Lite
• 1 x Φ67/72/77/82-95mm Adapter Ring (multi-size adapter)
• 2 x Filter Tray (4 x 5.65")
• 1 x Storage Bag

Image 3.1: An illustration showing all items included in the SmallRig Mini Matte Box Lite package. This visual guide helps users confirm they have received all necessary components.

4. Product Overview and Features

The SmallRig 95mm Mini Matte Box Lite is engineered for versatility and performance:

• Lightweight and Compact: Weighing approximately 4.7 ounces (133g), this matte box is designed for small mirrorless or DSLR camera setups. Its carbon fiber top flag contributes to its light weight and durability.
• Carbon Fiber Top Flag: The included top flag helps to block veiling glare and bright reflections, improving image contrast. It can be folded down to protect the front of your lens when not in use. The flag is 180-degree adjustable for precise light control.
• Wide Lens Compatibility: Features a 95mm diameter opening. Comes with 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm threaded adapter rings, allowing compatibility with a wide range of lenses.
• Vignetting Prevention: Designed to avoid vignetting even with 15mm focal length shooting.
• Filter Support: Directly accepts two 4 x 5.65" plug-in filters (up to 4mm thick) using the included filter trays. The threaded adapter rings also allow for the use of round CPL, ND, GND, and UV filters up to Φ92.5mm.
• Secure Filter Trays: The included filter trays provide multi-point silicone protection, preventing scratches and fingerprints during filter changes.

Image 4.1: Visual comparison demonstrating how the matte box reduces direct sunlight and glare, improving image quality.

Image 4.2: Illustration demonstrating the matte box's new design effectively prevents vignetting, ensuring a clear image across the frame.

5. Setup Instructions

5.1 Attaching the Matte Box to Your Lens

1. Identify Lens Diameter: Determine the filter thread diameter of your camera lens. The matte box has a native 95mm opening.
2. Select Adapter Ring (if needed): If your lens diameter is 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, or 82mm, select the appropriate Φ67/72/77/82-95mm adapter ring from the package. For 95mm cinema lenses, no adapter ring is needed.
3. Screw Adapter to Lens: Gently screw the selected adapter ring onto the front filter thread of your lens until secure.
4. Mount Matte Box: Align the matte box with the adapter ring (or 95mm lens directly) and secure it using the screw clamp mechanism on the matte box. Ensure it is firmly attached but do not overtighten.

Image 5.1: Step-by-step visual guide for attaching the matte box to lenses of various diameters using the provided adapter rings.

5.2 Inserting Filters

The matte box supports both 4 x 5.65" plug-in filters and circular filters.

For 4 x 5.65" Plug-in Filters:

1. Remove Filter Tray: Gently pull out one of the two 4 x 5.65" filter trays from the side of the matte box.
2. Insert Filter: Place your 4 x 5.65" filter into the tray, ensuring it sits securely within the silicone protection.
3. Insert Tray into Matte Box: Slide the loaded filter tray back into the matte box until it clicks into place. You can install up to two such filters simultaneously.

Image 5.2: Visual instructions for inserting 4 x 5.65" filters into the matte box's dedicated filter trays.

For Circular Filters:

1. Attach to Adapter Ring: If using a circular filter (e.g., CPL, ND), screw it directly onto the inner thread of the adapter ring that is already attached to your lens.
2. Mount Matte Box: Once the circular filter is attached to the adapter ring, mount the matte box as described in Section 5.1. The design allows enough space for quick disassembly and adjustment of the circular filter.

Image 5.3: Diagram illustrating the process of attaching circular filters to the lens adapter before the matte box is mounted.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 Adjusting the Top Flag

The carbon fiber top flag is crucial for controlling light and preventing lens flare. It can be adjusted 180 degrees to precisely block unwanted light sources.

• Positioning: Gently pivot the top flag upwards or downwards to block direct sunlight or other bright light sources from striking your lens. Observe your monitor to find the optimal position that eliminates flare without vignetting.
• Protection: When not in use or during transport, fold the top flag completely down to cover the front of the matte box and provide protection to your lens.

Image 6.1: The matte box with its top flag adjusted to various angles, demonstrating its 180-degree range of motion for effective light blocking.

6.2 Using Filters Effectively

Filters are essential tools for creative control and exposure management.

• Neutral Density (ND) Filters: Reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for wider apertures or slower shutter speeds in bright conditions.
• Circular Polarizer (CPL) Filters: Reduce reflections from non-metallic surfaces (like water or glass) and enhance color saturation and contrast in the sky.
• Graduated Neutral Density (GND) Filters: Darken specific areas of a scene, typically the sky, to balance exposure between a bright sky and a darker foreground.
• UV Filters: Primarily for lens protection and can reduce haze in outdoor shots.

Image 6.2: An overview of different filter types supported by the matte box, including circular filters and 4 x 5.65" plug-in filters.

7. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the matte box. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by immediate drying. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Filter Trays: The silicone protection on the filter trays can be gently wiped clean. Ensure no dust or debris is present before inserting filters.
• Storage: When not in use, store the matte box and its components in the provided storage bag to protect them from dust and scratches. Keep in a cool, dry place.

Image 7.1: The included storage bag, designed to protect the matte box and its accessories from scratches and dust during transport and storage.

8. Troubleshooting

• Matte Box Not Fitting Lens:
  Solution: Ensure your lens has an outer diameter of 95mm for direct attachment, or use the correct adapter ring (67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm) for smaller lenses. Remember, it is designed for cinema lenses with a 95mm outer diameter, not SLR lenses with a 95mm inner diameter.
• Vignetting Occurs:
  Solution: While designed to prevent vignetting at 15mm focal length, ensure the matte box is correctly aligned and not obstructing the lens. Check if any filters are improperly seated or too thick.
• Lens Flare Still Present:
  Solution: Adjust the carbon fiber top flag more precisely to block the light source. Experiment with different angles until the flare is eliminated from your shot.
• Filters Difficult to Insert/Remove:
  Solution: Ensure the filter trays are clean and free of debris. Apply gentle, even pressure when inserting or removing filters. Do not force them.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

SmallRig products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official SmallRig website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

For additional accessories such as filter trays or ND filters, please visit the official SmallRig store or authorized retailers. Compatible accessories include:

• Filter Tray (4 x 5.65") - ID: 3319
• Filter Tray (4 x 4") - ID: 3320
• 4x5.65 ND0.6 Filter - ID: 3588
• 4x5.65 ND1.2 Filter - ID: 3589