Matte box

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A matte box is a camera accessory that essentially does the same thing as a lens hood and also mounts in front of the lens, but usually includes adjustable fins called French flags. These can be moved and adjusted to reduce lens glare. A matte box is an important device for quality photography and film making.

Another purpose of a matte box is to hold glass or plastic filters in place in front of the lens. Today, matte boxes are made for DV cameras and HD cameras for the same reasons as a film camera. Some are supported by two rods that run the length of the camera, while others are supported by the lens itself.