Searching for interchangable filter system

[marshallarts]

I could use an entire section for all the questions I have on filters and sensitometry. For now I'm searching for an multi-camera capable filter system for the must have filters including NDs, graduated NDs, polarizer, and anything else you deem essential.

Being I have little money for multiple identical filters to fit different cameras, I would like to find a matte box or equivalent filter holder that I can use on my HV20 and possibly a DVX100 or even a HVX200 in the future.

Basically I don't want to buy the filters again for different cameras. I know the HVX200 would be a bigger fit and maybe won't work with the others, but any ideas? Please note I'd like this to go on my WD-H43 and not the 43mm threaded end.

I've looked at the Matteblox which is cool but the velco filters seem cumbersome (any feedback on using them?). Also, I was curious how strong/sturdy the Matteblox is? Sometimes with a DVX when i'm shooting out a window I press the DVX against the window and since the Mattebox thing on the end is sturdy plastic it holds very nicely. I assume you couldn't do this with a fabric MatteBlox, am I correct?

The best solution I've found so far would be a Cokin P filter system but I know I'll find some great feedback here. Can someone tell me what they're doing?

[marshallarts]

wow.. No one has considered this???

[neolinski]

i havent really seen anyone using cokin-style interchangable filter system on camcorder. whatever you get, they'll be more cumbersome and def "weaker" than a screw-in ones and i think quality is somewhat worse too (esp for hdv)

also it's not like you need that many filters for dv cam (it's not like a film camera. most stuffs can be touched up in the post)

[Erik Bien]

Mashallarts, for what it's worth, my friend who just purchased an HV20 and Brevis35 also purchased the Matteblox, reasoning that it should be adaptable to the camera, camera plus WD-H43 W/A adapter, or camera-Brevis-Nikon arrangement.

All of these are going to be nose-heavy configurations, and most "rigid" matte boxes would only aggravate the situation, besides which most I've seen under $500 strike me as a bit "frail." I think I'd rather squish the edge of the french flag than cut an actor's forehead or snap an eyeglass-sized screw when an ECU goes in too close ...

I suspect we'll use the 4x4 filter holders for an ND grad and maybe some FX filters (Smoque, Black Diffusion FX), but probably not until August ...

[24Peter]

FWIW - I have a bunch of 58mm filters for my Rebel XT DSLR - ND grad, polarizer, close up (macro) lenses. I just ordered a 43mm>58mm step up ring from Adorama so I can use them on HV20. I know the close up lenses won't work perfectly but I don't foresee doing a lot of macro work with the HV20. I also tried a 43mm ND grad but all I could find was .6 (4X) and it was too dark. The 58mm one I have is .3 (2X), plus I'll be using the center area where the grad is less pronounced. Hoping it works perfectly.

You could also try fashioning your own glass filter holder out of one of the 43mm hoods people are buying off eBay. I was going to try but decided to just get the step up ring. The hood I got is 2 5/8" X 2 3/8". Might be able to stick a 4X4 glass filter on there.

[marshallarts]

yeah, but i'd like to use it over my WD-h43.. and that doesn't have threads. i think i may have to superglue something on