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How ARRI Film Cameras Are Built (Video)

How ARRI Film Cameras Are Built (Video)

Believe it or not, ARRI makes more than the Alexa and cool internet web-apps. The company built its reputation on precision film cameras and even though most their press comes in the way of digital offerings, celluloid is still ingrained in ARRI. Now you can watch a cool video about how one of their cameras, the Arri 435 Xtreme, is built courtesy of "How It's Made" and YouTube.

by Evan Luzi | Cameras | March 5, 2011 | Comments: 3

The video is a fascinating mix of man and machine working in tandem to construct the camera. When people are curious why cinema-level cameras are so expensive, I’m not sure they realize the amount of time and manpower that goes into designing, milling, and piecing together the various parts.

What is important to take away from this clip is a greater appreciation for the tools of our craft. There’s a good reason why you must always be taking care of the camera, because it is a delicate machine full of carefully put together components.

Here’s hoping you never have to recreate any of this video on set, but if there’s ever a problem checking the “gauge,” you’ll at least have some kind of reference.

About the AuthorEvan Luzi

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Creator of The Black and Blue. Freelance camera assistant and camera operator for over a decade. He also runs a lot. Learn more about Evan here.

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Every camera assistant will have different tools depending on how they work. That’s why it’s important to peak into what other camera assistants have to offer. So I’m going to show you what I have in my toolkit today and also give you advice on what I think you should have in yours.

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Becoming the Reel Deal eBook Cover on iPad

It Only Takes One Gig.

Becoming the Reel Deal is a free downloadable eBook written to help you get your first job on set in the camera department so you can launch your film career.

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