Recently I received my order for the Bright Tangerine “Strummer”, a 15/19mm swing away matte box. Needless to say it’s the best matte box I have ever owned or used. Whats with the name Bright Tangerine you ask? I don’t know but honestly I don’t care. This is a killer matte box that functions like none other and has the look and styling to top it off.
“We are a startup based out of Farnham, UK. In 2009, we were born out of a desire to create great tools for cinematographers – tools that make your lives easier.
Being a small startup, we take pride in our ability to reimagine existing products with revolutionary new features. There’s nothing we like more than sitting down and figuring out ways to make stuff better.
Built with painstaking attention to detail, we strongly believe that we owe it to ourselves and to our industry to build products of the highest standard – products packed with innovation, built with absolutely no compromise in the choice of materials or their quality of workmanship.”
I thought I’d take a minute to give some insight into the startup Bright Tangerine. The company may be new to the game, but the owner/engineer is a long time industry man. Having worked as an Engineer at Arri for years, Andy decided to leave and start his own company. Well I’m here to tell you that not only are these matte boxes Arri quality, they are superior in every way. Andy has found a way to re-engineer the way we use and think of matte boxes. There are ingenious features like the “click cassettes,” a patent pending way to remove or add filter stages in seconds with the press of a button. There are weight saving features such as placing the french flag and side flag hardware on the flags to reduce weight of the system when not in use.
The line up of matte boxes also has an extremely wide field of view (with 3 stages you can use a 14mm lens on a s35 sensor and not vignette!), not available on any other matte box on the market. Need 4×5.65 filters for one shoot, then 6×6 for the next? Just switch out the expansion ring and stages and your good to go. Want a clip on? Your covered. Swing Away? covered. Lightweight 15mm style? your covered. 19mm studio? that too. Even 15mm studio? yup. There are so many creative and clever updates that you can’t find on any other system. Each matte box is designed for a specific market, and each is convertible to expand functionality without having to buy another matte box. Basically owning multiple matte boxes for various setups is a thing of the past. There’s a whole host of options and additional accessories available as well as many more on the way. Recently Bright Tangerine engineered swing away arms for each of their matte boxes as an option. So now every matte box can be configured in clamp on, rod mount, or swing away! Contact a Distributor for a custom quote.
The thing is built like an Arri MB20 with many more features and options. I have been using Arri gear since back when I entered film school 5 years ago and employed it on every pro shoot to today. I had yet to find anything comparable, until now. It’s like a chameleon, able to adapt and change to fit into any format for any job yet retain the quality and build of an Arri matte box. I will be happy using it for many years to come. If you have a chance go check out a unit at your local distributor!
I ordered the Strummer and more recently the Viv kit with 3 stages, multiple doughnuts and step down rings, top and side flags, accessory rail, hard mattes, and 19mm studio adapter. Each piece and accessory comes in its own cloth pouch with the Bright Tangerine logo to prevent scratching and help keep things organized. It’s little details like this that prove a company cares about their products.
Check out the video review of the Strummer and Viv by Curt Pair, one of the distributors listed below.
UPDATE (5/23/2013)
Bright Tangerine has released a swing away arm option for the Viv as well as the Misfit and Blacklight models. You now have the option of studio swing away style, basic rod mount, or clamp on style. You can have all 3 in 1 now with each model!
Updates from NAB 2013:
1. STRUMMER –
What are boundaries for? At Bright Tangerine, we believe they are there to be pushed. And we design to push them.
Packing smart ideas into an astonishingly simple matte box, we created Strummer to mark a new era in creative flexibility. Its advanced features will satisfy any cinematographer.
A powerful combination of our patent pending Click Cassette Technology with our Swing Away Slide Core lies at the heart of the system. It makes lens changes simple, while retaining an incredible field of view suitable for just about any lens.
Breaking ranks, Strummer delivers the flexibility you need on set. With just a click of a button you can add/remove individual filter stages in seconds. Or switch to our 6.6” cassette and cover super zooms like the Optimo 24-290mm. Being able to change the number of filter stages allows you to reduce weight and increase field of view, or stack more filters easily.
We know that every job is different. And Strummer’s ingenious design is there to redefine the way you work. Quite simply, it ensures that you have the right tool at the right time, all of the time. On top of that, it saves you money on costly second systems and expensive filter stages. If you get caught out needing more filters than you thought you would – there is no need to change the back. Plus the 6.6” cassette saves you having to buy another matte box for big lenses.
Strummer is comprised of stainless steel, carbon fibre composite and strong yet lightweight hard anodized alloys. This assures reliability even in the most demanding environments. Ready for anything, Strummer has the durability and the versatility to realise every shooting style.
Swing Away Slide Core: The professional standard for fast and easy lens changes. Unlock the slide mechanism, push the matte box forwards and pivot it away from the optical axis.
Quick Release Sunshade: Sometimes flares are good. Undo two screws and remove the carbon sunshade to increase filtered flare or access our interchangeable 5.65 or 6.6 cassettes.
Click Cassette Technology: It’s a kind of magic, really. It’s cool, and saves you money. Three years in the making, our stages connect together in a unique way, allowing more light to pass through and creating an incredible field of view.
You don’t always know your shooting situation. Sometimes you need a two-stage system to cover wide-angle lenses, or you may need more filters to balance the environment. Traditional systems have either a fixed number of stages or require multiple complete filter stage assemblies. We thought it would be a great idea if you could own a three-stage matte box that could easily be turned into a two-stage matte box. By pulling a section out or putting another one in, you can make it three, four, or as many stages as you like. Then we thought it would be even better if you could quickly remove the 5.65” cassette and replace it with a 6.6” cassette, so it can cover industry standard zooms, like the Optimo 24-290. And we did; so you can.
360 Degrees of Rotation: We’ve crammed a lot into this little matte box. In 5.65” mode, all stages fully rotate. In 6.6” mode, with the help of our X-band bracket, the first stage is fixed and everything else rotates.
Filter Trays: Lenses are getting wider and sensors are getting bigger, so we cover them all: In 5.65” mode, you can use 4×4”, 4×5.65”, 5×5”, and 5.65×5.65” filters. In 6.6” mode, you can use 4×5.65” and 6.6×6.6” filters. 6” and 138mm round filters fit right into our donuts.
Self Servicing: It just got easy. Conventional filter stages trap debris. It’s a fact, and it can be quite a job to take them apart. Our cassette system doesn’t have contact plates and doesn’t need lubrication either, so things don’t get clogged up. Thanks to our Click Cassette Technology, with a click of a button and a swipe of a brush – you’re done.
138mm & 6” Industry Standard Donut Ring: You’ll be glad to know we conform to industry standards, so you can use your existing inventory or have a look at our optional accessories and see if we make the diameter you need.
Lightweight Flag System: Sometimes we do things just because we want to. This is one of them: our top and side flags are constructed from carbon fibre panels with adjustable side wings for maximum flare control. These sit on beautifully designed alloy articulated carriers. Incredibly light, unbelievably strong, and they look gorgeous. We think it was worth the effort.
French Flag Bracket with 3/8” Threaded Holes: We did it again. A great way for clamping your own French flag and attaching cine tapes or monitors to face the action.
A Set of Five Hard Mattes: Full contact fitting so they won’t fall off, and we painted them matte black so they are invisible in reflections. Available as set of 16mm, 25mm, 32mm, 40mm and 50mm.
Mounting Options: We’ve got you covered. Choose from our 15mm lightweight system or fit the 19mm or 15mm studio brackets when you’re on the run. For larger diameter lenses, opt for the dedicated 19mm or 15mm studio arms.
2. VIV –
Creating a new standard in compact lightweight matte boxes, Viv is engineered to achieve an incredibly high strength to weight ratio. It sports our patent pending Stack Cassette Technology and features our newly developed patent pending light shield system. Viv packs an incredible field of view into a surprisingly portable body.
Built on a solid carbon fibre core and using sophisticated hard anodised alloys, Viv is tough enough to travel anywhere. Deep within is the intuitive Stack Cassette Technology unleashing an astonishing field of view, self servicing, and fast switching from 2-stage to 3-stage in under 60 seconds.
Our new light shield system is unbelievably light. It’s also strong enough to endure the most difficult environments, thanks to an optimised balance between carbon fibre composite and our patent pending axle design.
Viv supports up to three 4×5.65” filters. The first stage is fixed; additional stages have 360 degrees of full rotation. Equipped with a 150mm clamp-on as standard, there is an optional 15mm lightweight bracket. Strummer’s 19mm and 15mm studio brackets can be attached to the lightweight bracket, making it versatile enough to work with any system.
You might have had a chance to see one at NAB, but if not I’m pleased to announce they are finally available for sale. Here is the current list of distributors to contact for more info and pricing. Each kit can be custom ordered to your specific needs.
Patent Pending Stack Cassette Technology: 3-stage to 2-stage and back again. We loved designing this feature. If you own a 3-stage system you can turn into a 2-stage system and vice versa (with an extra part), and it takes less than 60 seconds. It’s so simple anyone can do it.
Clamp-On and Rod Mounts: Viv can be clamped on 150mm dia. lenses directly and on smaller lenses with adapter rings. If you want to use bars, you can do that to. Attach the optional 15mm lightweight bracket and you are set. Use Strummers 19mm or 15mm studio brackets and 138mm rubber donut with step down ring. Wherever possible, we try our best to make sure you can use the stuff you already own. It just makes sense.
360 Degrees of Rotation: Despite being light and compact, we still have rotating filter stages. The first stage is fixed; the second and third stages rotate through 360 degrees.
Quick Release Flag System: Ditch the weight, not the strength. Our carbon fibre blades are fixed to small, incredibly light, alloy axles that stay with the flag and not the matte box. Remove the flag, remove the weight. And if that wasn’t enough you can use them on Misfit! Simply brilliant.
French Flag Support: We only needed to make one, so we made two. For heavier stuff we make a stunning French flag bracket, cut from a solid alloy block with five 3/8” holes. Specially designed for the Cinetape and all things light, we have a patent pending Glide Rail. A feather light bar with a floating 3/8” hole. Something blocking the action? Twist, slide and lock it wherever you want. Fit, adjust and remove in seconds.
Self Servicing: It just got easy. Conventional filter stages trap debris. It can be quite a pain to take them apart. Our Stack Cassette Technology doesn’t have contact plates or need lubrication so things don’t get clogged up. Remove four screws and you can easily brush away any dirt.
3. MISFIT –
A familiar favourite just got lighter and tougher with all round light shielding. When size and weight matter, Misfit performs flawlessly.
Built upon a solid carbon fibre core using sophisticated alloys, Misfit leads the way in ingenious light control. At the centre is our patent pending Reveal Technology. Switch from 2-stage to 3-stage in less than 60 seconds. Securely hold up to three 4×5.65” filters and connect directly to your lens with the included 114mm carbon fibre clamp-on ring. You can also swop over to smaller diameters with an adapter. Need larger than 114mm? We’re working on it.
Our new light shield system is unbelievably light. It’s also strong enough to endure the most difficult environments, thanks to an optimised balance between carbon fibre composite and our patent pending axle design.
Reveal: It’s clever stuff. We really like making things better and Reveal does just that. Our patent pending Reveal Cassette System is inside every Misfit and Blacklight. It enables your matte box to change from 2-stage to 3-stage in literally seconds. Loosen four screws and pull out to reveal the third stage. It’s that simple.
Clamp-on: Clamp on, also called clip on, it’s the same thing really. Misfit currently supports lenses up to 114mm in diameter, and smaller diameters with step down adapters. We are about to announce different size dedicated backs for those who don’t like adaptors, and larger diameter backs for lenses like the FujinonAlura.
Quick Release Flag System: Ditch the weight, not the strength. Our carbon fibre blades are fixed to small, incredibly light, alloy axles that stay with the flag and not the matte box. Remove the flag, remove the weight. And if that wasn’t enough you can use them on Viv! Simply brilliant.
French Flag Support: Specially designed for the Cinetape and all things light, we have a patent pending Glide Rail. A feather light bar with a floating 3/8” hole. Something blocking the action? Twist, slide and lock it wherever you want. Fit, adjust and remove in seconds.
4. BLACKLIGHT –
Introducing reveal, just one bright idea igniting Blacklight.
Effective light control for large diameter zooms and ultra wide primes, just got easier. Blacklight is built on a solid carbon fibre core using sophisticated hard anodised alloys. At the centre is our patent pending Reveal Technology. Switch from 2-stage to 3-stage in less than 60 seconds. Securely hold up to three 6.6” filters and connect directly to an Optimo 24-290mm zoom with the included 162mm carbon fibre clamp-on ring. You can also swop over to smaller diameters with an adapter. Blacklight leads the way in ingenious light control.
Our new light shield system is unbelievably light. It’s also strong enough to endure the most difficult environments, thanks to an optimised balance between carbon fibre composite and our patent pending axle design.
Reveal: It’s clever stuff. We really like making things better and Reveal does just that. Our patent pending Reveal Cassette System is inside every Misfit and Blacklight. It enables your matte box to change from 2-stage to 3-stage in literally seconds. Loosen four screws and pull out to reveal the third stage. It’s that simple.
Clamp on: Clamp on, also called clip on, it’s the same thing really. Blacklight supports lenses up to 162mm in diameter and smaller diameters with step down adapters. Designed for zooms and wide angle primes with large front elements, Blacklight fits directly on to the Optimo 24-290mm. So you don’t need to buy a third party back. We’ve even made a 162mm-156mm adapter so you can use your existing inventory.
Quick Release Flag System: Ditch the weight, not the strength. Our carbon fibre blades are fixed to small, incredibly light, alloy axles that stay with the flag and not the matte box. Remove the flag, remove the weight.
French Flag Support: Specially designed for the Cinetape and all things light, we have a patent pending Glide Rail. A feather light bar with a floating 3/8” hole. Something blocking the action? Twist, slide and lock it wherever you want. Fit, adjust and remove in seconds.
DISCLAIMER:
*As a full disclosure, I have no business interest in the company and am not paid to promote or sell any products from Bright Tangerine. I am strictly a pleased customer who wants to spread the word.*
DISTRIBUTORS LIST:
*Please contact a distributor for a custom quote.
Brisbane – Australia
Lemac Film and Digital
37 Brookes Street
Bowen Hills, QLD, 4006
T :+61 7 3252 9777
F :+61 7 3252 9877
Melbourne – Australia
Lemac Film and Digital
2 Griffiths Street,
Richmond, VIC, 3121
T :+61 3 9429 8588
F :+61 3 9428 3336
E :melbournesales@lemac.com.au
Sydney – Australia
Lemac Sydney Office
14-16 Punch Street,Artarmon, Sydney NSW – 2064Lemac Sydney office
+61 2 9438 4488
New South Wales- Australia
Red Apple Camera Rentals Pty Ltd
24 Carlotta Street,Artarmon, Sydney NSW – 2064
+61 2 9437 4643
Munich – Germany
Gecko-Cam GmbH
Brunhamstrasse 21 Geb. 221, Munich Munich – D-81249
+49 89 4521 8100
Paris – France
Cartoni France
3 bd Georges Méliès
94350 Villiers sur Marne, France
T :+33 (0)9 77 78 11 43
W :http://www.cartonifrance.com
E :regis.prosper@cartonifrance.com
E :patrice.blanchard@cartonifrance.com
Los Angeles – United States
Camadeus Film Technologies Inc
7358 Radford Ave, North Hollywood,
Los Angeles 3625 – 91605
T :+1 818 764 1234
E :sebastian.lumme@camadeus.com
Los Angeles – United States
Hot Rod Camera
1413 Cole Place
Hollywood, CA 90028
USA
T :+1 (323) 230-3589
W :http://www.hotrodcameras.com
North Carolina – United States
Innocinema
10130 Perimeter Parkway
Suite 180
Charlotte, NC 28216
T :(704)665-1945
Phoenix – United States
Picture this productions inc
17812 North 53rd Drive,Glendale, phoenix 3617 – 85308
+1 602-494-2808
jenc@picturethisproductions.net
Cape Town – South Africa
Moviemart Cape town office
Cape Town Film Studios (Pty) Ltd, Film City Boulevard,Corner of N2 Highway & Baden Powell Drive,Faure , Cape Town SA – 7131
+27 21 843 2666
Johannesburg – South Africa
Moviemart Johannesburg office
17 Eastern Service Road, Old Pretoria Road, Eastgate Extension 8, Sandton, Johannesburg SA – 2148
+27 82 552 6562
Switzerland
Innocinema GmbH
Parkstrasse
16B CH-5012 Schönenwerd
Switzerland
T :+41-62-849 36 44
W :http://www.innocinema.com/eu
UK/London
CVP
23 Shield Drive
West Cross Industrial Estate
Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9EX
T :+44 208 380 7400
Bright Tangerine
http://brighttangerine.com/Distributors
HI are there any contacts in India if so please send the contact and address thank you .
Unfortunately there are not. You can contact Bright Tangerine directly for the best way to get you a matte box.