CinemaTechnic 35-LM: Lightweight ARRI 35 IIC

The "Hip Pocket" 35mm MOS Camera

* PHOTOS OF PROTOTYPE COMING SOON *

Update 2005 FEB I will be working on the 35LM project again starting mid-March. I expect to finally have a finished prototype this year. I am working on a new optical design with a pivoting orientable viewfinder. Please check this space for updates.

Update 2003 JAN The introduction of the first CinemaTechnic 35LM cameras has been delayed due to the great demand we experinced in the second half of 2002 for Super 16 conversions and service. We are now working on four medical camera bodies (including the prototype). We are giving very serious consideration to developing our own CinemaTechnic crystal motor for the IIC. If you are interested in one of these motors, please contact us.

We are in the early stages of working on a lighweight ARRI IIC conversion. These cameras are converted from the Medical version of the IIC which was designed by ARRI for Cineradiology (recording moving X-Ray images on 35mm film). A great advantage of these cameras over regular 35IIC's is that the bodies frequently have little or no use on the film movements. We recently purchased the last of these cameras from ARRI USA and have begun designing the conversion parts. Here is a summary of the planned features of this camera:

  • The 35LM is an extremely compact and lighweight 35mm MOS camera, similar to the ARRI 35 III-C. It is based on the IIC-IIIC movement, has a fixed, interchangable lens mount and no lens turret. A choice of crystal-sync motor bases will be offered. 80 fps Highspeed movement. Full-Aperture gate standard.
  • Prototype has ARRI Standard lens mount. Production camera will also offer ARRI PL mount, with Panavision™ PV-35, BNCR and Nikon mounts available. We plan to offer Super-35mm capability as an option on PL, BNCR, Nikon and PV-35 mount cameras.
  • Camera will be available as video-only, for maximum brightness and quality of video assist, or with a straight-door optical viewfinder. The film door hinges at the rear of the camera instead of coming off like the II-C. Standard IIC film doors can also be used with the 35 LM.
  • Video-only model has the video tap integrated into the swing-out door. The video assist will be very bright and sharp with no prisms or beamsplitters needed. Special ground glasses will be used, although ARRI 35-III ground glasses will be compatible. Color and Black & White CCD video camera will be available.
  • An illuminated frame line system, similar to "Arriglow" will be available as an option.
  • A pivoting, orientable optical viewfinder door with video assist, manufactured by Jurgen's will be available as an option.
  • Designed for Steadicam, Hand-Held, POV shots, Pogo-Cam, Crane shots with a Jimmy Jib or other small crane, and many other uses.
  • Compatible with ARRI IIC, 35-III, and 435 Mags (except 1000ft 435 Mag).
  • 165º fixed mirror shutter standard. 165º-15º Variable shutter optional.
  • Available with 200' compact Mags or 400' highspeed Mags (150fps).
  • Available with standard 4-perf or new 3-perf movement which saves you 25% on film and processing costs. 3-perf conversion is also available for standard IIC cameras for approximately $4,000.
  • Price TBA when prototype completed. We expect the price to be under $7,000 without a motor. Available as a complete system, or you can provide the camera for conversion. See available motor pricing below.

Available ARRI 35 II-C Crystal Sync Motors:

Cinematography Electronics, Dual 12v, 80fps, digital Active Tachometer and footage counter, mirror parking, compatible with precision speed control $6,500

Tobin Cinema Systems, Dual 12v, 30fps, no tachometer or footage counter $1,590

CinemaTechnic 35LM Crystal Motor:

I am also in the very early stages of working on a CinemaTechnic custom crystal motor for the 35 LM that will be tightly integrated into the camera (not removable like the above motors) and very compact. This motor will also work on any 35IIB or IIC.

It will be a sort of "Built-In Flat Base" and will only extend 12mm below the bottom of the camera. The motor will be tucked in to the side of the camera, in the area where the tachometer is. This will be a 24 volt motor, and costs will be kept low by using an external speed control for variable speed (CE Precision Speed Control or Tobin Milliframe Control). All ARRI 35-3 compatible speed controls that connect to the 11-pin Fischer connector will work. Top speed will be 80fps.

A manual inching feature will be used to reduce the cost and complexity of the electronics. When the camera stops, if the shutter is not in viewing position, you press the camera run switch toward the back of the camera, and the motor turns slowly (like the 16SR inching function) and you stop when the mirror is in position. This function will also be available through a remote cable, using the 11-pin Fischer input. The expected cost of this conversion will be between the cost of the Tobin motor and the Cinematography Electronics motor.

I am currently working on the first two prototype cameras. I'm hoping to have the prototypes completed by late spring. If this sounds interesting to you, please contact me at:

Jorge Diaz-Amador

Prices will be reduced on orders placed before the first cameras are delivered. Please contact me if you have a ARRI Medical Camera, or Medical Camera Motor (Model Rö-HS) you would like to have converted, or wish to sell.

Last Updade: 2/11/05

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