2011Steadi-Newbies forum
Operating Arri 435 film camera on steadicam with power and equipment constraints
15 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Arri 435 requires 24 volt power while many steadicam rigs supply only 12 volts, necessitating an external battery belt or converter solution.
- Removing the eyepiece and video system from the Arri 435 reduces camera weight, which is beneficial when carrying the camera on a steadicam rig.
- A 100% video top for the Arri 435 makes the camera lighter and narrower, and enables low-mode operation without additional cage structures.
- The Arri 435 requires specific steadicam magazines that allow film to move vertically rather than horizontally, maintaining camera balance throughout a shot.
- A clip-on mattebox reduces overall camera weight compared to using a sliding baseplate with support rods.
- The Arri 3 is an older alternative that runs on 12 volt power, potentially eliminating the need for an external battery belt, but has inferior video optics and viewing system compared to the 435.
- Carrying a battery belt yourself provides better control over power management during steadicam operation than relying on an assistant to follow with the power source.
- An upgraded EFP rig with a 3-arm system may not be optimally designed for heavier film cameras, potentially affecting drop time and handling.
Depends on
- Advice applies specifically to the Arri 435 and Arri 3 cameras.
- The Arri 3 option depends on availability at the rental house and may require sourcing specialized accessories like low-mode brackets and eyepiece video taps from individual operators.
- Using Arri 3 at frame rates above 50 fps requires a second discrete 12 volt power source, potentially negating its advantage over the 435.
- The discussion centered on a specific low-budget student film production and may not reflect practices on fully-funded productions.
- Advice regarding EFP rig suitability for heavier cameras was based on general design principles and the specific operator's configuration.
Parts
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