2004Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum
Maintenance and reliability of older-style film magazines for Arri 3 cameras
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Older magazines were prone to jamming, especially when operating at high frame rates.
- Before using older magazines on set, test them with a load tester to verify spring tension and with a full dummy load to check for jamming around mid-roll to two-thirds through the roll.
- Inspect for missing screws and cracks in the gear cover, as these allow light leaks that will ruin film.
- The film loader must properly seat the core in its locked position before loading, as failure to do so frequently causes jamming.
- The assistant should manually verify film advance before mounting the magazine on the camera.
- The light trap door can be taped shut as an additional precaution against light leaks.
- Consult the rental house that supplies your gear, as some still maintain these older magazines and can inspect your equipment and offer advice.
- Keep frame rates moderate when using older magazines and brief the assistant about potential roll-out problems.
- Older replacement parts may be difficult to source if repairs become necessary.
Depends on
- The advice applies to magazines that have been repaired or rebuilt—quality of previous repairs unknown.
- One detailed failure account describes jamming at mid-roll that subsequently damaged a camera component, but this outcome depends on specific circumstances and backup equipment availability.
- Actual reliability depends heavily on the maintenance history and mechanical condition of individual magazines.