What the thread found

• The Arri BL-4 is a heavy camera that can be flown on stabilized rigs with proper support equipment.
• Using BL-3 optics instead of BL-4 optics can reduce the weight of glass by several pounds.
• A typical BL-4 setup with BL-3 optics, one focus motor, camera plate, cables, clip-on mattebox, and 400 feet of film weighs approximately 33 pounds without the lens attached.
• Zeiss prime lenses add approximately 2 to 3 pounds each, while Cooke lenses are somewhat heavier.
• The coaxial magazine positioning and side-to-side balance present significant challenges when flying the BL-4.
• Low mode operation can be managed by gripping the camera plate to the handle, though this approach has physical demands on the operator.

Depends on

• Weights and specifications are based on a single example from a 1997 television production.
• The heavy coaxial magazine design makes balance management difficult.
• Low mode bracket availability may require sourcing from existing equipment owners.
• Discussion occurred in 2007 regarding equipment that was already vintage at that time.

Parts

Low Mode

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