Camera and electronics retailer Adorama has created its own line of pro and consumer video gear under the name Flashpoint, and recently invited me to do an Adorama Flashpoint Matte Box System II review. At a retail price of $250 (plus the current $60 instant rebate), the Flashpoint Matte Box is reasonably priced. It is best for DSLR’s, but can be used with other digital video cameras as well. As with all DSLR video accessories, this piece of kit is not cheap but it is relatively competitively priced, given the features.

 

So what does it do? Of course, first and foremost the Flashpoint Matte Box System II prevents lens flares by blocking glare/reflections. The three big blades are easily adjustable to block unwanted light from natural and artificial sources. The kit also comes with two filter trays so that you can use a neutral density filter or other filter to make your video look exactly how you want it to, so you can save time on post-production.

The filter trays are plastic, which is fine, as is the body of the matte box itself. The matte box is lightweight and does seem study, although I am left wondering how it would take a fall on a hard surface. The large blades are lightweight metal, which is very nice. The whole kit feels light, which is really important to someone like me who likes the run-and-gun approach. I also travel a lot and need something lightweight. The Flashpoint Matte Box System II can be disassembled in just a minute and folds pretty flat so that it can be packed for travel.

 

(Above: Adorama’s video for the Flashpoint Matte Box System II and other accessories)

 

The final accessory included is a set of three rubbery donuts that fit around the end of your lens (see below). You just select one that fits your lens and slide it on to help keep light out. You then attach your camera to whatever video rig you have, and lightly press the end of the donut to the back of your Flashpoint Matte Box System II. Reviews I’ve read haven’t mentioned how easy these little guys are to use, and although I will probably lose them in about three days … it is these simple little additions to kits that make life so much easier.

 

Anyways, thanks for checking out this Adorama Flashpoint Matte Box System II review and I hope it helps you out. If you are shopping and are ready to upgrade your DSLR video kit to a rig with a matte box and other accessories, I would recommend that you consider the Flashpoint Matte Box System II.