Earlier this year, Redrock Micro announced that they were working on an affordable mattebox and wireless lens focus control. The two products are coming along nicely, you may have seen a later revision of the mattebox at CineGear Expo. In fact, they are now accepting reservations online with no cost up front. So if you are even just mildly interested in either product, you might consider grabbing a place in line. As a bonus, after you register you’ll be treated to a short film shot by Amilcar Machado using the HVR-Z1U camcorder with the Redrock M2 adapter.

Watching the development of these two products closely, it has been interesting to see the design and feature set slowly morph over time. For instance, the mattebox now offers three rotating filter stages in the base config. What’s more, they are stackable and additional stages can be added on later. Filters between 4×4 and 6×6 are supported, and the design is now a swing-away (very handy indeed for quick lens changes). Those that worried about the build quality of the plastic prototype shown a few months ago will be happy to note that the mattebox is almost an entirely metal design. I also have it on good authority that the design now accommodates those huge diameter cinema ultra-prime lenses. Target price? Still $500. Here are the latest full specs on both products as well as a FreshDV exclusive microMatteBox prototype image…

Redrock microMattebox specifications:
Note image on right shows some plastic prototype parts. Production model is a bit thinner and replaces much of the plastic with metal components.

* Universal mattebox: Works with both 35mm lenses/M2 adapter, video camera lenses, and cinema lenses.
* Wide-screen format shade
* Flattened shade design for ultra wide angle lenses
* Interchangeable mattes
* Swing-away design
* Rod mount supported (industry-standard 15mm/60mm)
* Support for top and bottom flags
* Support for side-wings
* All filter stages rotate
* Filter holder options for 4×4″, 4×5.65″, 5.65×5.65″, with additional options available as future product accessories
* Unique stackable stage design (put as many or as few filter stages as you like)
* High quality, reinforced machined aluminum and ABS
* Adaptable to various lens sizes
* Light sealing with rubber gaskets

Redrock microRemote specifications:

* Option for both wireless (via wireless transmitter) and wired (via wired controller) operation
* Can plug in up to three separate drive motors into a single base station to control focus, iris, and zoom
* Programmable in/out points
* QuickCalibrate lens calibration – keep from damaging lens and gears, simple and quick steps
* Flash-upgradeable firmware

They look like two very useful and afforable options for filmmakers. Being a big fan of the excellent microFollowFocus, I am hoping that Redrock is able to make good on what it looks like they are about to deliver. We’ll keep a close eye on these two products as they get closer to completion.