SteadiHub
2008Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum

Operating a 535B camera on a Steadicam 3A arm

18 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • The 535B camera can be mounted on a 3A Steadicam arm when equipped with a video top, low mode bracket, clip-on matte box, and Steadicam magazines.
  • The 535B draws significant electrical current and requires a reliable 24-volt power source; using a 3A sled often necessitates a second battery to maintain adequate voltage since many converters cannot handle the power demands efficiently.
  • The camera has a tall profile but compact length and heavy weight, resulting in handling characteristics similar to flying a dense object that generally flies well despite the weight.
  • Motor mounting from the camera's bottom is complicated by the mirror design, making a low mode bracket essential for mounting motors from the bracket instead.
  • The standard power connection uses an Arri 24-volt Fisher cable with a 3-pin Fisher connector for run/stop control.
  • Alternative mounting solutions include using a square-to-round rod adapter on the rosette or a hill rod from the shoe with an Arri iris clamp.
  • A typical flight setup weighs approximately 60 pounds including the rig, matte box, two batteries, camera, lenses, one motor, and cable management, though this can increase with heavier lens packages.

Depends on

  • The 535A model should not be used for Steadicam work.
  • Low mode brackets may not be available from all manufacturers for this camera.
  • This camera is not recommended for running shots compared to more modern alternatives.
  • One user's configuration included specific lens and motor choices that may not represent all typical setups.

Gear in this thread

MDR

Parts

Low Mode

Same gear or parts

  1. 2026Power loss on Trinity 2 / Artemis 2 with large cameras (A35, Venice): causes and battery solutions.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  2. 2026Vest drops: what lowering the arm socket actually buys, and what it costs at the topOperator practice
  3. 2026Lemo connectors on the ARRI Artemis sled: pinout, polarity verification, and powering low-mode monitors and Volt battery.FacebookSteadicam operators group
  4. 2026Mounting the TIFFEN Volt brain: rigidity comparison between ARRI rod mounts and CamJam mounts to minimize vibrationsDisputedSteadiHub
Read the original threadAsk about this threadThe answer cites the archive