The Revar Cine Variable ND kit is a Variable ND solution that you can use in matte boxes. It makes for a compelling alternative to those who prefer to use a variable ND rather than fixed single stop filters in matte boxes.
To create the Variable ND system you use a combination of a linear and a circular polarizer. These two polarizer filters are claimed to be made out of the highest quality optical glass and anti-reflective coatings to create a 2-8 stop effect. They feature matched polarization foil that is claimed to minimize color shift.
Key features
- 2 to 8 stops variable neutral density effect
- High transmission broad band anti-reflective coated Schott B270 glass
- Premium polarization foil
- 1/4-20 threaded post for accessory mounting
- Extra large 138mm glass for wide angle lens compatibility
- Matched Polarizers for minimal color shift
Three Different Kits Available
The first kit (Kit A) involves using two of your 4×5.65 matte box trays. You place the Revar Cine rectangular 4×5.65 polarizer in your existing 4×5.65 tray, and then you also use the Rota Tray 138mm geared circular rotating polarizer that comes housed in a 4×5.65 width tray. The rectangular filter remains fixed in place, and by adjusting the 138mm filter with the built-in dual gear design (0.8 pitch follow focus standard), you are able to adjust between 2 and 8 stops of light loss.
What you always need to be aware of when creating a variable ND system is that the circular polarizer needs to be at the back of your matte box, and the linear polarizer needs to be in front of that.
Kit B
The second kit (Kit B) is a solution that works for smaller matte boxes like the Bright Tangerine Misfit Atom Pola +, or for those using matte boxes where the 4×5.65 stages are already used up with filtration/ tray mounted diopters, making use of the spare 138mm tray in the rear. This kit is a great solution when using lighter matte boxes for Steadicam and gimbal work.
This same kit works equally as well with the new Bright Tangerine 2-stage ONE Tray as well as popular Arri LMB and MB with 4×5.65 and 138mm trays.
Variable ND Kit C
Kit C includes everything in Kit B plus the Bright Tangerine ONE Tray which is a single filter tray that takes 2 stages of your matte box at once.
Placing the 138mm Circular Polarizer in the rear rotating stage of the ONE Tray and the rectangular 4×5.65 filter in front, simply rotate the 138mm filter for a variable neutral density effect between 2-8 stops.
I reviewed the Bright Tangerine ONE Tray on the site recently. The ONE Tray for the Misfit Kick & ARRI LMB matte boxes can be used for Rota Pola, Variable ND, diopters, and other filters. The versatility of the ONE Tray allows it to hold an industry-standard 138mm round filter as well as a 4×5.65″.
What’s in the box: Kit A
- 4×5.65 width Rota-Tray with 138mm Circular Polarizer
- 4×5.65 Linear Polarizer
- Storage Pouches
What’s in the box: Kit B
- 138mm Circular Polarizer Pola+
- 4×5.65 Linear Polarizer
- Storage Pouches
What’s in the box: Kit C
- Bright Tangerine ONE Tray
- 138mm Circular Polarizer Pola+
- 4×5.65 Linear Polarizer
- Storage Pouches
Matte Box Compatibility
- Kit A 2-Stage 4×5.65 matte boxes:
- Bright Tangerine KICK and VIV series
- Wooden Camera
- Chrosziel
- Arri MB and LMB 4×5.65
- Shape* (longer 20mm tray screw required)
- OConnor O-Box
- Kit B 1-Stage 4×5.65 + 138mm holder matte boxes:
- Bright Tangerine Atom + Pola, Clash 138
- Bright Tangerine ONE Tray
- Arri 4×5.65 LMB and MB with 138mm stage option, etc.
- Kit C:
- Bright Tangerine Misfit Kick
- 2-Stage 4×5.65 Arri MB and LMB Matteboxes
- Revar Cine products are not compatible with Tilta matte boxes due to non-standard tray width from Tilta
Price & Availability
As I have already mentioned, the Revar Cine 2-8 Stop Variable ND for Matte Boxes come in three different kits. Here are the prices:
Bits and Pieces
If you already own a Rota-Tray or 4×5.65 Linear Polarizer and you just need extra components to make it work you can click on the links below for more info on each component of the systems:
- I own a 4×5.65 Linear Polarizer and want to make Kit A:
- I own a 4×5.65 Linear Polarizer and want to make Kit B:
- I own a Rota Tray or 138mm Polarizer and I want to make Kit A or Kit B:
