Genus

Matte Box FAQ

How do I attach a Genus Matte Box to my lens?
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. It is, however, always possible to use the extra support of the Genus bar system (GMBS).

How does the Matte Box fit on different lenses?
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. You may refer to the compatibility table.

I have an older external focus lens (the front of the lens rotates when I focus). Can I still use the Genus Matte Box?
Yes, the Matte Box can be used on a 15mm 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 (GMC) you will need the Genus bar system (GMBS).

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

I want to adjust the tension of the rotating ring. Can this be done and how?
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 the smallest amount of adjustment is required to change the pre-set tension.

If I use a Clip On Matte Box, will the screw-in adaptor ring damage my camera lens?
No. If you align the threads correctly when screwing in the adaptor ring to your lens, you should not damage the lens at all.

Bar System FAQ

Does the Bar System fit all cameras?
The Genus Bar System fits the vast majority of the major manufacturers cameras. 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 compatibility chart or contact us.

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

When I change lenses and slide the Matte Box to the lens, it does not match up. Can I adjust the height?
There are two methods to adjust the position of the Matte Box:

Horizontal adjustment – Loosen the screw which holds the bar support bracket to the main bar system body. You can adjust the position by sliding the bar support bracket to the left or right.

Vertically adjustment – Undo the central screw that holds the bar support bracket to the main bar system body. Under that you will see the vertical brace. Release the two Allen screws left and right of the vertical brace and move up or down to an optimum position and lock off. (note that there are three sockets. Choose the socket that will be best suited).

The Bar System has two locating pins on the camera mounting block (main bar system body) but my camera only has one. Is the balance or the stability going to be an issue?
No. Use the locating pin you need, removing the other one, and the camera lock screw secures the camera correctly.

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

French Flag FAQ

What is a French Flag?
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 your desired angle. In addition, when rainy conditions prevail, the French Flag system will help keep water droplets off your 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.

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

Can you use two flags at the same time?
Yes. You can place one on the top and one on the bottom of the rayshade.

What are side doors?
Side doors are attachments for the side of the Genus matte box rayshade and are available if required.

General FAQ

Do you have any tips on light?
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. The Key Light is the principal source of illumination on a subject or scene. Outdoors, your best key light source is the sun. 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 the object of the shoot.
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.

I am new to filters. Could you give me an indication as to what filters to use and why?
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 polarizer can diminish this effect. 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.
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.

I have been given some P Size (panoramic) filters. What are they and can they be used with my matte box?
P Size are glass filters in 4” x 5.65”. Whilst the Genus matte box was not designed to work with P Size filters, 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 vertical graduated filter and not a horizontal one.