Manfrotto

Manfrotto MVA512W Sympla Flexible Camera Mattebox

5.0 (1 reviews)

A versatile, quick-swap mattebox combining anti-glare shielding and dual 4x4-inch filter holders for run-and-gun filmmaking.

$299.88*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Manfrotto MVA512W Sympla Flexible Mattebox is built for filmmakers and videographers who need efficient light control without sacrificing speed on set. It consolidates three essential functions into one accessory: a light-hood to block stray light from the lens, an anti-glare and anti-reflection shield to reduce flare, and a double 4x4-inch filter holder that accepts two industry-standard square filters at once. This means you can run an ND filter and a polarizer simultaneously, or any other combination your shoot demands, all within a single, compact housing.

What sets the MVA512W apart is its emphasis on speed and ease of use. The 90-degree swivel joint allows you to swing the entire mattebox out of the way in one motion for fast lens swaps, eliminating the need to fully disassemble the unit between setups. The elasticated textile lens seal stretches to fit common lens diameters, so switching between lenses of different sizes doesn't require hunting for adapter rings. The mattebox mounts to the Manfrotto SYMPLA rail system with 50mm of vertical travel for precise positioning. Constructed from durable rubber and textile materials, it keeps the overall weight down while providing reliable performance in the field.

Key Features

anti-glare/anti-reflection shield and a double 4x4 Inches filter-holder, all rolled into one

designed for speed and ease of use

A 90 degree swivel joint, which rotates the mattebox out of the way for fast lens changes

Specifications

Type
Flexible Mattebox
Filter Holders
Two 4x4-inch slots
Mount
Universal mount for SYMPLA rails
Vertical Travel
50mm (1.96 inches)
Lens Seal
Elasticated textile (fits common lens diameters)
Swivel
90-degree swivel joint
Material
Rubber, Textile
Color
Black

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Dual 4x4-inch filter holders allow stacking two filters simultaneously for layered light control
  • The 90-degree swivel joint enables rapid lens changes without removing the mattebox from the rig
  • Elasticated textile lens seal accommodates a wide range of lens diameters without extra adapters
  • Combines light-hood, anti-glare shield, and filter holder into one compact, lightweight unit

👎 Cons

  • Designed specifically for the SYMPLA rail system, limiting compatibility with third-party rod setups without adapters
  • Vertical travel is limited to 50mm, which may be insufficient for precise alignment with some lens configurations
  • Does not include 4x4-inch filters, which must be purchased separately
  • The flexible rubber and textile construction is less rigid than metal clamp-on matteboxes

Frequently Asked Questions

The mattebox features two 4x4-inch filter holder slots, allowing you to stack two standard 4x4-inch square filters simultaneously for combined effects.
The swivel joint lets you rotate the entire mattebox assembly away from the lens without removing it from the rig, enabling fast lens changes on set without dismounting the mattebox.
The MVA512W uses an elasticated textile lens seal that stretches to fit a range of common lens diameters, making it compatible with most cinema and photography lenses without needing additional adapter rings.
It uses a universal mount designed for the Manfrotto SYMPLA rail system, with 50mm (1.96 inches) of vertical travel for alignment adjustment.