For our series What’s in Your Kit, we ask a range of working cinematographers to share the gear they can’t live without.
This week, Matt Egan (Lost & Found, Cry Now) reveals what’s in his kit.
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The Kit
A. Suunto Tandem compass and clinometer / $300
I use these on all of my tech scouts.
B. iPhone / $600
Equipped with a Sunseeker app and iPhone camera. Accuracy can be spotty with the app, though, and contingent on cell reception, which isn’t always available.
C. Lensbaby Composer / $350
An additional lens option for when the urge strikes to get dreamier, more atmospheric cinematography.
D. Laser Pointer / $50
I use this on stage, mostly, to help point out lighting placement.
E. Single ear monitor / $100
For listening to dialogue and walkie surveillance headset.
F. Sekonic L-588 Dualmaster Light Meter / $550
I learned to shoot using a meter and I could never give it up. I pull it out at the start of the day to make sure my eyes are calibrated with what I’m getting on my monitor and to what my meter reads. I use it on everything I’ve ever shot—as you can see, it’s been heavily used.
G. Canon 5D / $2,000
This camera takes scouting photos and acts as a director’s viewfinder on my shoots. Sometimes I use it as an extra camera for tight spots that big cameras don’t fit in. I’ve even had to use it as my main camera for a few scenes while we waited for a rental house to bring us a replacement Alexa body, when one went down on a commercial.
H. Angenieux Optimo 45-120mm Zoom / $60,000
I travel for so many of my jobs and I wanted a zoom that was small enough that I could carry it onto an airplane. I like to shoot on primes, but having a flexible zoom for the long-lens work has been great. I use it on all of my spherical commercials and on my last feature, Lost & Found.
I. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L / $1,100
Like the 5D, this is for scouting and a director’s viewfinder.
J. Canon 50mm Prime / $150
More scouting.
Matt Egan. Courtesy of Rich Marchewka
My Indulgence:
The Lensbaby system wasn’t something that I really needed, but I love the way they look. I’m still waiting for the right project to use them on.
Item I Can’t Live Without:
My light meter. If all I had was a light meter, I’d still be able to light and properly expose whatever I’m shooting.
Gear I’d Love to Have:
The Sony 24” OLED monitor. There’s such a wide range of images you can get out of monitors, even when they’re properly calibrated, so I want one that I know I can trust. MM
Four cinematographers show off their kits in MovieMaker‘s Spring 2015 issue, currently on newsstands. See previous editions of What’s in Your Kit here.
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