SteadiHub
2013Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum

Film scratch and jamming issues when operating cinema cameras in inverted position

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

DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.

What the thread found

  • The Aaton 435 can be operated upside down without causing film scratches or jamming.
  • The Arricam LT is not designed for upside down operation and will jam frequently when inverted, though some operators report successfully running it that way.
  • An Arricam LT equipped with Steadimags scratched film when operated upside down in poor man's low mode, despite not jamming.
  • The Aaton Penelope can be operated upside down with film running through it without causing scratches.
  • Film jamming rather than scratching is typically the primary concern when operating cameras in inverted positions.
  • Low mode support varies by camera model, with some cameras lacking dedicated low mode accessories.

Depends on

  • Experiences with the Arricam LT are contradictory, with some reporting successful inverted operation while others describe it as unreliable and jamming-prone.
  • The Penelope results were confirmed through testing but limited details about test conditions are provided.
  • Low mode solutions and their availability differ by camera type and may not be available for all models.

Parts

Low Mode

Same gear or parts

  1. 2026Low-mode monitor selection for Volt Brain rig: latency performance of Transvideo Starlite versus current alternatives.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
  2. 2026Rig setup for 180-degree immersive camera operation with Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive: minimizing rig and monitor visibility in ultra-wide field of view.FacebookThe Steadicam Group
  3. 2026Lemo connectors on the ARRI Artemis sled: pinout, polarity verification, and powering low-mode monitors and Volt battery.FacebookSteadicam operators group
  4. 2026Choosing between Wave, Volt 2, and MK-V Level gimbals: performance in wind, rig weight, maintenance, and mode switching.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
Read the original threadAsk about this threadThe answer cites the archive