Genus Matte Box Q & A
 
Q1.  How do I attach a Genus Matte Box to my lens?
A1. The Genus Matte Box is designed as a clip-on Matte Box, which means the Matte Box fits on the front of your internal focus lens. The Matte Box is mounted onto an adaptor ring that is screwed onto the lens front, with a "Clamp-Lock" system. However, it is always possible to use the extra support of the Matte Box support, the GMBS.

Q2. How does the Matte Box fit on different lenses?
A2. We have designed the Genus Matte Box with an exchangeable insert adapter ring. This means that for each lens with a different front outside diameter you will need a different type of adapter ring. Refer to the listing on the Genus web-site.

Q3. I have an older external focus lens (the front of the lens rotates when I focus). Can I still use the Genus Matte Box?
A3: Yes, the Matte Box can be used on a 15 mm rail support. This means that the Matte Box is attached to the camera body and not to the lens front. In addition to the standard Matte Box kit you will need the GMBS, the Genus Matte Box Bar System.

Q4. The lens I have is not mentioned in the list on the Matte Box accessories page. Is there an insert adapter ring available for my lens?
A4. Yes, there is a possibility that one of the standard adapter rings fits also on your lens. Measure the front diameter of your lens and compare it to the list. If there still is no matching ring available we can make you a "custom made" insert adapter ring (max. 105 mm). Please mention the front outside diameter, the brand and type of the lens and if the lens is an internal or external focus lens.

Q5. Does the Bar System fit all cameras?
A5. The Genus Bar System fits the vast majority of the major camera manufacturer. There are a few cameras that require a different V plate, and is available from your Genus dealer.
If in doubt please refer to the web-site.

Q6. Does the Bar System fit all tripods?
A6. Yes, the Genus Bar System will attach to all the major manufacturers tripods that have a 75mm / 3” or 100mm / 4” bowl.

Q7. When I change lens and slide the matte box to the lens the match is not true. Can I adjust the height?A7. There are two methods to adjust the height. Firstly release the two allen screws left and right of the bar receptor bracket and move up or down to an optimum position and lock off. Or secondly remove the central allen screw which hold the bar receptor bracket to the main bar system block. Note there are three sockets. Choose the socket that will be best suited & replace the bar receptor bracket. A combination of the two can also be employed.

Q8. The Bar System has two locating pins of he camera mounting block but my camera only has one. Is the balance or the stability going to be an issue?
A8. No. Use the locating pin you need, removing the other one, and the camera lock screw secures the camera correctly.

Q9. I see the Bar System comes with a standard length bar but there are three other lengths mentioned. What are they for?
A9. To accommodate different barrel lengths of the lenses.

Q10. I see, in the Genus accessory list a French Flag. What is this for ?.
A10. The French Flag has a multi purpose. The most significant use is to protect the lens system from direct sunlight, as the blade of the flag can be adjusted to suit the angle. Also, when rainy conditions prevail the French Flag system will help keep water droplets off you lens. Finally, when you have finished shooting, fold the flag blade to cover the front of the matte box completely and your lens is protected from damage in transit.

Q11. Can I use the Genus French Flag on the bottom of the matte box ?.
A11. The Genus Flag can be mounted top side or bottom side.
In very rare circumstances the sun reflecting from the surface can cause problems with flare you might want to place the flag on the bottom. An example of such circumstances being snow / ice in bright sunlight.

Q12. Can you use two flags at the same time ?. Top and Bottom.
A12. Yes.

Q13. What are side doors ?.
A13. Side doors are attachments for the side of the Genus matte boxes and are available if required.

Q14. If I use a clip on matte box will the screw – in adaptor ring damage the camera lens?
A14. No. Marry up the threads correct and you will not damage the lens at all. The weight of the Genus matte box is very light.

Q15. Do you have any tips on light ?.
A15.Light is very important and can greatly enhance your shot when used correctly. With digital cameras recording the images so sharply there is a tendency for lack of contrast and depth.
KEY LIGHT. If outside the best light source is the sun, and is a key light. The Key Light is the principal source of illumination on a subject or scene. Normally position your camera slightly off centre to provide shadow detail, which will increase your depth and contrast.
BACK LIGHT.  This is a light source that creates a sense of depth by separating the foreground subject from the background area and is positioned behind.
FILL LIGHT. Supplementary lighting and usually a soft source positioned to the side of the subject matter. The fill light lightens shadows created by the key light.
For more information on types of lighting, lighting plots and how to position lighting please refer to the Genus web-site or ask your dealer.

Q16. I am new to filters so could you give an indication as to what filters to use and why ?.
A16. i) The Polarizer.  If you are working in bright sunlight, where reflected light may stray into the front of the matte box, you will get flare. The rotating ring has been designed to, primarily, hold the polarizer. After positioning the polarizer in the matte box rotate slowly until the optimum position has been found, then lock-off.
ii) Diffusion, Refraction & Enhancing Filters
One of the most common uses of filtration is to soften or change images using diffusion effect filters.
These filters have a wide range of uses, the most common being the improvement of close up facial images, removing blemishes and improving skin tones.

Q17.  I want to adjust the tension of the rotating ring. Can this be one and how ?.
A17. Even though the Genus Matte Box has been tensioned to an optimum point if you want to increase or decrease the friction it is a very simple process.
Refer to the photograph and the screw to the side of the clamp screw, marked with an arrow. Using a flat-head screwdriver an turn clockwise to increase the pressure and anti-clockwise to reduce. Please note only a small amount of degrees are required to change the pre-set tension.

Q19. I have been given some P Size filters. What are they and can they be used with my matte box.
A19. P Size are glass filters in 4” x 5.65”. Whilst the Genus matte box was not designed to work with P Size filters filter trays are available so they can be placed into the filter trays however a) your rotation is very much reduced to around 40 degrees and b) you can only use a graduate filter that is vertical, not horizontal.

Q20. What are the Schneider filters included in the Genus Pro Pack and can you describe their main uses?A20. This is a very important question. If I am asked to list the 5  Schneider filters I would recommend for this pack, and what they do, this would be it:

A)  BLACK FROST 1/2
This filter will flare highlights and mute colors.
The contrast ratio is toned down whilst retaining the blacks.
A MUST FOR WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHERS SHOOTING THE BLUSHING BRIDE.

B) ND.6
If you want to open up the aperture, go wide, on a very sunny day you need to reduce the stop. This Schneider Neutral Density .6 controls the exposure (or depth of field) without affecting color or contrast by 2 stops.
Also to be considered in snow conditions as well, and in unbalanced lighting situations ensures an even exposure.

C) ND.6 Graduated
This filter is the same as above except part ND / part clear.
Why ?. To control the over exposure of the sky or exposure of the scene from side to side. Take a scene looking down a city street with buildings on one side in direct sunlight and shaded buildings on the other, or indoors by a window or door. Very useful.

D) Polarizer
A must with strong sun scenes. This lens will:
- Reduce Glare
- Reduce Unwanted reflections (water or snow )
- Saturated colors
- Deepen Blue Skies
- Improve Contrast
- Penetrate Haze

E) Skintone Enhancer
Adds warmth to skin tones and accentuates leaves (foliage) and architecture whilst reducing excessive blue in outdoor open shade.
Another filter to be used by wedding photographers when going in close-up with the bride