Product Line Overview
Collection Description
The Matthews 40"x40" Flags and Floppies represent a breakthrough in portable grip equipment design. Engineered for filmmakers and photographers who demand professional performance without sacrificing mobility, this collection delivers studio-quality light control in a compact, transport-friendly format.
Perfect for location shoots, these flags and floppies fit easily in hatchbacks and standard vehicles, eliminating the logistical challenges of larger 48"x48" equipment. Whether you're controlling harsh sunlight, creating negative fill, or bouncing light, this versatile collection adapts to any shooting scenario.
Read the article:
Individual Products
1. Matthews 40"x40" Flag - Solid Black
Product Description
The Matthews 40"x40" Solid Black Flag is your essential tool for subtractive lighting and creating dramatic shadows. Constructed with professional-grade duvetyne fabric stretched over a precision-engineered stainless steel frame, this flag delivers absolute light control when you need it most.
Key Features:
- Solid black duvetyne fabric blocks 100% of light transmission
- Premium 3/8" stainless steel tubing construction for durability without excess weight
- Solid stainless steel mounting rod ensures secure attachment to C-stands and grip arms
- Compact 40"x40" size fits standard shipping dimensions for UPS/FedEx delivery
- Professional-grade construction built to withstand daily production use
- Portable design fits in hatchbacks and compact vehicles
Perfect For:
- Creating negative fill for dramatic lighting
- Blocking unwanted light spill
- Controlling harsh sunlight on location
- Shaping and sculpting light on set
- Protecting camera lens from lens flare
2. Matthews 40"x40" Artificial Silk
Product Description
Transform harsh lighting into beautiful, diffused illumination with the Matthews 40"x40" Artificial Silk. This professional diffusion frame creates soft, flattering light that cinematographers and photographers demand for interviews, beauty shots, and narrative work.
Key Features:
- High-quality artificial silk fabric for superior light diffusion
- Reduces light intensity approximately 1.5 stops while maintaining color temperature
- Rugged 3/8" stainless steel frame construction
- Solid stainless steel mounting rod for secure positioning
- Weather-resistant fabric suitable for outdoor use
- Compact footprint for easy transportation
Ideal Applications:
- Softening direct sunlight for interviews
- Diffusing harsh artificial lights
- Creating flattering portrait lighting
- Controlling window light indoors
- Beauty and fashion photography
3. Matthews 40"x40" Floppy - Top Hinge
Product Description
Maximum versatility meets portability with the Matthews 40"x40" Top Hinge Floppy. This innovative double-sided flag features a hinged black panel that extends your light control options, allowing you to flag and cut light from multiple angles with a single frame.
Key Features:
- Dual-function design: solid flag with articulating top panel
- Top-hinged floppy section doubles your light blocking capability
- Precision-engineered hinge mechanism for smooth, reliable operation
- Professional 3/8" stainless steel tube construction
- Solid stainless steel mounting rod
- Compact design for superior portability
Applications:
- Precise light cutting from multiple directions
- Creating graduated shadows and light falloff
- Maximum light control with minimal equipment
- Versatile positioning for complex lighting setups
- Efficient gear solution for mobile productions
4. Matthews 40"x40" Floppy - Bottom Hinge
Product Description
The Matthews 40"x40" Bottom Hinge Floppy offers professional-grade light control with the flexibility of a hinged lower panel. Perfect for controlling ground-level reflections and sculpting light from below, this floppy expands your creative possibilities on set.
Key Features:
- Solid black flag with articulating bottom panel
- Bottom-hinged design for controlling low-angle light and reflections
- Durable hinge construction for years of reliable use
- Premium 3/8" stainless steel tubing framework
- Solid stainless steel mounting rod
- Transport-friendly 40"x40" dimensions
Best For:
- Controlling ground reflections and bounce
- Sculpting light from below the subject
- Managing low-angle sunlight
- Creating specific shadow patterns
- Comprehensive light control on complex setups
5. Matthews 40"x40" Matthbounce Floppy
Product Description
Illuminate your subjects with beautiful, soft reflected light using the Matthews 40"x40" Matthbounce Floppy. Featuring the proprietary Matthbounce reflective surface with a hinged black panel, this innovative tool lets you bounce and block light with a single versatile frame.
Key Features:
- Premium Matthbounce reflective fabric for efficient, color-neutral light reflection
- Hinged black floppy panel for simultaneous bouncing and flagging
- Dual-purpose design maximizes on-set efficiency
- Professional-grade 3/8" stainless steel construction
- Solid stainless steel mounting rod
- Compact, portable 40"x40" format
Ideal Uses:
- Bouncing natural sunlight for soft fill light
- Reflecting artificial light sources
- Creating eye light and facial modeling
- Combining bounce and negative fill in one tool
- Efficient lighting for small crews and solo operators
Complete Kits
Matthews 40"x40" Kit (No Bag)
Kit Contents:
- 1x 40"x40" Solid Black Flag
- 1x 40"x40" Artificial Silk
- 1x 40"x40" Top Hinge Floppy
- 1x 40"x40" Matthbounce Floppy
This comprehensive collection provides complete light control for any production scenario. From blocking light to diffusing and bouncing it, you'll have every tool needed for professional lighting on location.
Matthews 40"x40" Kit with Bag
Complete Package Includes:
- 1x 40"x40" Solid Black Flag
- 1x 40"x40" Artificial Silk
- 1x 40"x40" Top Hinge Floppy
- 1x 40"x40" Matthbounce Floppy
- 1x Professional zippered flag bag
Ultimate Portability Solution
The included heavy-duty zippered flag bag protects your investment and streamlines transportation. Reinforced construction and padded compartments ensure your flags arrive safely at every location.
Why Choose Matthews 40"x40" Flags & Floppies?
Portability Redefined
Unlike standard 48"x48" flags, the 40"x40" size fits in compact vehicles and meets standard shipping requirements for UPS and FedEx, making logistics simpler and more cost-effective.
Professional Construction
Every Matthews flag features 3/8" stainless steel tubing that balances strength with portability. The solid stainless steel mounting rods ensure secure, wobble-free positioning even in challenging conditions.
Versatile Applications
From narrative films to commercial photography, documentaries to corporate videos, these flags provide the light control professionals demand across all production types.
Efficient Workflow
The compact size means faster setup times, easier positioning, and less fatigue for your grip team—without compromising on professional results.
Investment Protection
Matthews Grip has been the industry standard for decades. This equipment is built to last, providing reliable performance production after production.
Technical Specifications
Frame Dimensions: 40" x 40" (102cm x 102cm)
Tubing Material: 3/8" (9.5mm) stainless steel
Mounting Rod: Solid stainless steel
Fabric Types Available: Duvetyne (black), Artificial Silk, Matthbounce
Weight: Lightweight construction for easy handling and positioning
Storage: Compact footprint fits in standard vehicles
Compatibility & Mounting
All Matthews 40"x40" Flags and Floppies are designed to work seamlessly with:
- Standard C-stands
- Grip arms and extensions
- Century stands
- Baby and junior combo stands
- Matthews grip heads and accessories
The solid stainless steel mounting rod ensures compatibility with all professional grip equipment.
What Professionals Are Saying
"The 40x40 size answers the need for gear portability without sacrificing professional capability. These flags fit perfectly in my production vehicle and deliver the same quality light control I expect from Matthews equipment." - Professional Cinematographer
Care & Maintenance
Fabric Care:
- Duvetyne flags: Brush off dust, spot clean as needed
- Silk diffusion: Gentle cleaning with mild soap and water
- Matthbounce: Wipe clean with damp cloth, avoid harsh chemicals
Frame Maintenance:
- Inspect stainless steel tubing regularly for any damage
- Check hinge mechanisms on floppies for smooth operation
- Store in protective bag when not in use to prevent damage
Storage Recommendations:
- Store flags flat or hanging when possible
- Keep in dry environment to prevent fabric degradation
- Use included or purchased flag bag for transportation
- Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the 40"x40" size compare to the standard 48"x48"?
A: The 40"x40" provides approximately 70% of the surface area of a 48"x48" flag, making it ideal for most production scenarios while offering significantly improved portability and shipping options.
Q: Can I purchase individual items instead of kits?
A: Absolutely! Every item is available for individual purchase, or save by choosing one of our complete kits.
Q: Will these flags work with my existing grip equipment?
A: Yes! Matthews 40"x40" Flags feature standard solid stainless steel mounting rods compatible with all professional C-stands, grip heads, and arms.
Q: What's the difference between the Top Hinge and Bottom Hinge floppies?
A: The hinge position determines where the articulating panel is located. Top hinge floppies are ideal for overhead flagging, while bottom hinge models excel at controlling ground reflections and low-angle light.
Q: How much light does the Artificial Silk reduce?
A: The Artificial Silk reduces light by approximately 1.5 stops while maintaining excellent color neutrality.
Q: Is the Matthbounce surface color-neutral?
A: Yes, Matthbounce is designed to reflect light without adding color temperature shifts, making it ideal for professional production work.
Related Products You May Need
- Matthews C-Stands
- Grip Heads & Arms
- Additional Flag Bags
- Clamps & Mounting Hardware
- Matthews 48"x48" Flags (for larger applications)
Brand: Matthews Grip
Made in: USA
Matthews Grip - The Professional's Choice for Light Control
