Cameras: News and Updates

ARRI Pro Camera Accessories at IBC 2012: located at Hall 11, Booth G36.

Highlights:

• Wireless Compact Unit WCU-4
• Controlled Lens Motor CLM-4
• Lightweight Matte Box LMB-25
• USP-2 Shoulder Pad
• MBP-3 Baseplate
• Handgrip Adapter HGA-1

(IBC 2012, Amsterdam) – From ARRI's new wireless remote system to the latest matte boxes, controlled lens motors, adapters and more, ARRI Pro Camera Accessories (PCA) always feature the renowned quality and design that filmmakers have relied upon for decades.

ARRI announces the new Wireless Compact Unit WCU-4, the most sophisticated, feature-rich and user-friendly remote control on the market. The WCU-4 is an all-inclusive, affordable hand unit offering up to 3-axis of lens control. It includes a newly designed, super-smooth focus knob with adjustable friction and backlit, pre-marked focus rings that are well readable in the dark without distracting performers.

The whole unit is completely splash proof for ARRI-typical reliability. The slider has its scale on the 3" display, providing clearly readable T-stop numbers and optional on-screen markings. If preferred, the slider can be also set to show zoom scales.

The left side handle includes an ergonomically designed, pressure-sensitive zoom knob that can also be used for quickly scrolling through the unit’s setup menus. A user programmable button underneath the handle provides quick access to functions like quick zoom (zap), setting marks or entering the ALEXA status and setup menu page.

The large 3" transflective display reflects ambient light and thus remains clearly visible even in direct sunlight while saving battery power. It provides enough room for status information of camera and hand unit, measured distances from ultrasonic devices or lens data in a graphical form. Focus, iris and zoom marks as well as limits can be easily set by pressing one of the sealed, backlit buttons next to the display.

The full ARRI Lens Data Display functionality is integrated and when used with the ALEXA camera, the unit displays camera settings and status; it will even be possible to control ALEXA with the WCU-4 following a future software update. Users can save their preferred settings on an SD card, enabling them to immediately personalize any WCU-4, anywhere in the world.

The WCU-4 is upgradable; new firmware versions and future feature options can be easily installed to the unit via SD card. Various mounting points allow mounting of future accessories, like brackets for mini monitors or iPod Touch. The unit is powered by an affordable camcorder battery and is compatible to existing ARRI motor controllers equipped with the white coded radio modem.

Available in February 2013, the WCU-4 is priced at 5.950 €.

Also unveiled at IBC was the new Controlled Lens Motor CLM-4, available with various different gear modules. Flexible and affordable, the CLM-4 is a compact and lightweight lens motor that is faster and quieter than the CLM-2. The CLM-4 will prove especially useful in tight situations with limited space, since the gear modules can be mounted either side of the motor. The motor offers rod-to-rod mounting options, a Hill Bracket rosette, as well as the standard rod bracket. The clamp console is adjustable and, crucially, the motor cable is detachable, allowing quick and easy on-set maintenance and trouble-shooting.

The CLM-4 basic set is available November 2012, at a price of 2.100 €.

ARRI updates the classic "clip-on" matte box with the Lightweight Matte Box LMB-25. Expanding the functionalities of the LMB-15 while keeping the reduced price, simplicity and weight to the LMB-5 level. Filter stages are metal and sturdy with a secure catch integrated in the back plate for crane use. New accessories like a 3/8" accessory top mount and a filter tray catcher are offered in an LMB-25 accessory set where the clip-in masks are included as well as additional bottom flag holders.

LMB-25 Available September 2012 prices starting at €1200 with top flag

A new shoulder pad also debuts at IBC, the USP-2. It is longer than the USP-1, ships with two sets of foam pads (curve shaped and straight) to suit operators' tastes.
USP-2 available September 2012 at a price of 310 €.

The MBP-3 Baseplate is now compatible with more cameras on the market including the Blackmagic Cinema Camera, Sony FS-700, Canon 5D MkII, Canon 5D MkIII, Canon 7D, Olympus iSpeed PL, Nikon D4, Nikon D800 and Phantom MIRO 320s. New baseplates for the new Canon 1D C, 1D X and 1D Mk IV were exhibited at ARRI's booth. Many of these cameras are also compatible with the new ARRI Cage System.

Available now, the MBP-3 set includes 340 mm rods (15 mm) and a dedicated camera adapter plate for 475 €. The MBP-3 fits directly to the Canon C100/300 and 500 as well as the Nikon D4, with no need for an additional adapter plate, Pricing is set at 350 €.

The Handgrip Adapter HGA-1 which fits to all three Canon camera models C100/300/500 and the ARRI Battery/Recorder Bracket seen this year at NAB will start shipping with improved design.

Now available, the HGA-1 is priced at 380 €. Battery/Recorder Bracket sets start at 735 €.

Resources:

www.arri.com