Tilta MB-T04 Carbon Fiber Matte Box: Designed for Flexibility and Performance

Professional-Grade Matte Box for Cinematic Precision

For filmmakers and cinematographers working with demanding environments and high-end setups, the Foto Crown Tilta MB-T04 4 x 5.65″ Carbon Fiber Matte Box offers both versatility and lightweight functionality. Built with a focus on durability and ease of use, this matte box mounts seamlessly onto 19mm rod systems, enabling professionals to create refined and flare-free images.

With carbon fiber as the primary build material, the Tilta MB-T04 4 x 5.65″ Carbon Fiber Matte Box maintains structural integrity while significantly reducing added weight. This makes it ideal for handheld rigs or situations where balance and portability are essential. In addition, the matte box features a swing-away mechanism, which is particularly advantageous when frequent lens changes are necessary. Rather than disassembling your entire rig, you can simply pivot the matte box aside, saving both time and effort on set.

Seamless Integration into 19mm and 15mm Rod Systems

The MB-T04 is designed with flexibility in mind. It ships with a 19mm rod adapter pre-installed, enabling direct mounting to standard 19mm studio support rods. However, many compact and mid-range rigs still rely on 15mm LWS (lightweight support) configurations. To accommodate such systems, Tilta includes a 15mm rod adapter in the package. Transitioning between both rod sizes is easy, which ensures compatibility with a wide variety of rigs without requiring additional hardware purchases.

What sets the MB-T04 apart from similar models is this effortless compatibility. It makes the matte box equally suitable for high-budget film sets and independent filmmakers using more compact systems. So, whether mounted on a shoulder rig or a large camera cart, the MB-T04 adapts quickly to its environment.

Two 360° Rotating Filter Holders for Creative Control

One of the standout elements of the Tilta MB-T04 is its dual 4 x 5.65″ filter trays, both capable of full 360° rotation. This feature is especially important for users working with polarizers or graduated ND filters, where alignment is crucial to achieving the desired visual effect. Since both trays rotate independently, filmmakers can layer filters and fine-tune the effect without compromising convenience.

The rotating filter holders are constructed from aluminum, offering a reliable balance of strength and lightness. Filters slide in smoothly and remain securely locked during operation. Whether shooting in unpredictable weather conditions or during high-motion action scenes, the MB-T04 keeps the filters in place and aligned.

Built-In Lens Adapter Rings for Multiple Sizes

Lens compatibility is a common concern when adding matte boxes to a camera system. To address this, the MB-T04 includes a set of four adapter rings in 80mm, 95mm, 114mm, and 134mm sizes. This range covers most commonly used cine and telephoto lenses, eliminating the need for additional step-up rings or customization.

Because the adapter rings are included out of the box, setting up your lens with the matte box becomes straightforward. The adapters create a snug fit, ensuring that light doesn’t leak into the lens from the edges. As a result, you get consistent image quality and better control over exposure, especially in bright outdoor environments or mixed lighting setups.

Flag System for Effective Light Control

Another feature contributing to the matte box’s superior light-blocking capability is its three-piece flag system. This includes a French flag on top and two adjustable side wings. These flags are fully customizable, allowing you to block out stray light and flares depending on your shooting angle.

During golden hour or when backlighting becomes an issue, these flags help maintain image clarity. They are easy to adjust on the fly, and they hold their position once locked. This makes them especially useful for documentary shooters and commercial videographers working in dynamic locations.

Lightweight Design that Doesn’t Sacrifice Rigidity

While most professional matte boxes can be heavy, the Tilta MB-T04 avoids that pitfall through its carbon fiber construction. The material keeps the total weight to a minimum without sacrificing strength or durability. This is a major advantage for cinematographers using stabilizers, drones, or gimbals, where weight balance is key to achieving smooth footage.

Additionally, the carbon fiber has a sleek, modern appearance that complements high-end camera systems. It not only looks professional but performs like a workhorse. When paired with cinema lenses, the MB-T04 enhances both aesthetics and technical control.

Ideal for Versatile Shooting Environments

Designed to cater to both studio setups and fast-paced, on-location shoots, the Tilta MB-T04 matte box combines thoughtful engineering with practical design. With its ability to rotate filters, swing away from the lens, adapt to different rods, and accommodate multiple lens diameters, it stands as a reliable companion for every shoot.

From narrative filmmaking to live events, its build quality and flexibility make it suitable for a wide range of shooting conditions. The ability to quickly adapt to new lenses or filter needs means fewer delays and more time capturing the shot.