Cineo Matchbox: Bought 3 of them for my Mercedes Sprinter Photography Adventure Van, Really Right Stuff BH-25 Attaches Them Almost Anywhere
Related: Cineo, LED, Mercedes Sprinter, Really Right Stuff, tripods and support
Get Cineo Matchbox LED at B&H Photo.
Get Really Right Stuff BH-25 at ReallyRightStuff.com.
Back in August/September, I bought a total of 3 Cineo Matchbox units and with the first demo unit sent to me by Cineo, a total of 4. They are currently on sale at $130 off for about $333.
I love the Matchbox units inside my Mercedes Sprinter Photography Adventure Van—the light quality is fantastic, which I use mostly for interior lighting—no harshness or exposed LEDs, daylight quality, wide beam spread... that sort of thing just has a wonderful feel. I’d suggest one for a home office or any similar situation also.
I tend to prefer using them at night with the 3200°K panel, but a 5600°K is also included for daylight matched color. There are other color temperatures panels also (they just slide out/in in an instant by unlatching a side lever).
The Sony NPF battery option* attaches easily and means I can get the light anywhere I want to (without cords) for photographic needs or anything else. They have AC power adapters included, but also take 6V to 24V (such as with the optional 12V DC cigarette lighter plug), or AC power.
* Using Cineo Lighting Sony NPF Battery Adapter for Matchbox LED Light and Watson NP-F975 Battery Kit with Compact AC/DC Charger.
BH-25 Mini Ballhead
(screw knob clamp version)
Color matching examples
The wiring panel shot on this page used two Matchbox units along with natural daylight. It was a tough shot to light but the color matching was/is superb.
The night-time star-trail Sprinter van shot on this page used a Matchbox unit when I had only one unit, and was constrained by cord length.
Attaching to the van interior
I have not yet figured out how to attach the Matchbox units when the van interior is finished off (which hides the steel sides/roof) and including overhead cabinets, but I love that light quality, so I will solve that design/install issue. Right now I bolted on some powerful magnets to the base of Really Right Stuff BH-25 mini ballhead, which then sticks to the roof or wall of the van interior* (except over very rough roads, unplug and stow). The BH-25 is a great little head. I use the Screw-Knob Compact clamp version (smaller form factor on top).
* Attached using Use a countersunk magnet with a reducer bushing to go into the ballhead: or something similar along with a #10-24 screw.
iPhone 7 Plus + iPhone 7 Plus back dual camera 3.99mm f/1.8 @ 28mm equiv (4mm)
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iPhone 7 Plus + iPhone 7 Plus back dual camera 3.99mm f/1.8 @ 28mm equiv (4mm)
[low-res image for bot]
iPhone 7 Plus + iPhone 7 Plus back dual camera 3.99mm f/1.8 @ 28mm equiv (4mm)
[low-res image for bot]
iPhone 7 Plus + iPhone 7 Plus back dual camera 3.99mm f/1.8 @ 28mm equiv (4mm)
[low-res image for bot]
Cineo Matchbox specifications
The light quality from the Cineo Matchbox is second to none: 160° spread and none of that harsh LED bulb problem because the Matchbox uses remote phosphor technology. Plus the color rendering index is 98 (at 3200°K).
- Remote Phosphor Technology
- CRI: 98 at 3200K / 94 at 5600K
- TLCI: 99 at 3200K / 97 at 5600K
- 315 lux / 30.5 fc at 3' and 3200K 362 lux / 37.5 fc at 3' and 5600K
- Beam Angle: 160° Local and DMX Dimming from 0-100%
- Weather-Resistant Construction
- 3.25 x 5.25 x 1.5" Panel, 1/4"-20 Thread on Base for Mounting
