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Product Review: Genus Elite Matte Box & Bravo Follow Focus MK3

Jeff Foster
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I've had the opportunity to use the Genustech cine gear for several months now on a variety of cameras from a Sony EX3, to a Canon 60D to a Blackmagic Design Cinema Cam and a BMD Pocket Cam. Highly adjustable, durable, and travels very well. In one word: Solid.

Genus Elite Matte Box & Bravo Follow Focus MK3

When Genus first approached me to test and review some of their professional cine gear products earlier this year and showed me the Bravo Follow Focus MK3 unit in its box, I knew that this was going to be a fun test. Just holding the device in my hand and working the mechanism I could tell this was a quality design and precision built piece of gear. Those who regularly follow my product reviews will note that I am really keen to well machined parts and quality manufactured gear with high precision. This follow focus is right in there on all counts. Its design is highly configurable and easily adjusts to either right or left-hand mounting. The gearing is smooth and firm without any play or wobble and with the included adjustable lens gear band you can switch between cameras, lenses or even focus/zoom control quickly.

The mounting bracket is quickly adjustable with one hand and combined with their rail system, smoothly repositions between lenses without having to disassemble the entire mount like other systems.

The kit I tested also included the Universal Adapter Bar with rails plus the Elite Matte Box. I've had a chance to use this system remotely both handheld and on a tripod in the field, and in the studio on a variety of cameras. I've left the entire rig assembled on my Sony EX3 and it still fits snugly inside my Porta Brace bag for easy access.

And with the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera attached with a 35mm Rokinon Prime lens, the kit was a manageable handheld unit that could be quickly snapped onto a tripod or jib.

When I did a quick test & review for the Genus Mini Jib back in February of this year, I used the Elite Matte Box and rails with my Canon 60D which allowed me to use ND and polarizer filters and provide protection from the sun glare.

Field Testing and Filters

My first tests were done outside with two of my cameras – the Sony EX3 and the Canon 60D. I tested the ease of focus-pulling while panning the camera to position and straight pulls. I also 

I also was able to try some Tiffen ND and Circular Polarizer Filters with the Elite Matte Box Filter Trays. Since the front tray is stationary and the back tray rotates 360-degrees, you can stack your filters. The filter trays are constructed out of machined aluminum and hold your expensive glass securely. The rotating back tray moves smoothly and has enough firm resistance to hold position though your shoot.

In this short example video, I show the results of these quick tests and how smooth and sure this gear perfroms:

 

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Testing in the Studio

I used the Genus gear to mount the Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera and the Pocket Cinema Camera with both prime lenses and the adapter to use my Canon EF Zoom lens. I was able to use the Bravo Follow Focus MK3 to set my absolute focus points with the adjustable stops as the characters moved in front of the green screen to their marks. This feature is especially important if you're shooting with a very shallow DOF and have to nail those focus points on your subjects.
 
 
As you'll notice, the Rokinon Prime lenses already have matching geared teeth on the focus ring, so the adjustable lens gear isn't required.
 

Genus Components as Tested:

While the Genus gear certainly isn't the cheapest gear you'll find on the market today, the design and build quality is more than worth the price paid. This gear holds up to continued use and abuse where other well-known brands that I've used in the past have not and they cost even more. And isn't that what you really want when it comes down to it? 
 
Learn more about the entire line of Genustech cine products at their website.
 
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Jeff Foster is a published author of several how-to books and training videos in the motion graphics, animation and video production industries and is an award-winning video producer and artist. Visit his web site to learn more about his training methods, tips & tricks at PixelPainter.com

 

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