Camera Maintenance/ Repair Services:

NOTE: We are no longer servicing cameras older than 25 years (1984), and we do not service any cameras other than ARRI.

Camera Check-Out - starting at $110.00
A check-out invoves checking all the settings on the camera, and any other items that could affect the quality of the image or the reliablity of the camera in use. A check out can be done in less than an hour. It is the only service item we offer with an initial rate of 1/2 hour. Please note that if adjustments are needed, the 1/2 hour minimum is usually exceeded. Have you got an important shoot coming up? Make sure there will be no surprises.

Camera Written Condition Report - starting at $150.00
A condition report invoves all the items checked in a check-out, but further investigation into the condition of the camera is performed. Some disassembly may be perfomed in order to check for corrosion, especially on circuit boards. The camera's state of lubrication is checked. A written report of the findings is prepared. Condition reports are commonly requested when purchasing or selling a used camera. There is a minimum of 1 hour labor charge for condition report. This will usually be enough, unless extensive examination that cannot be performed in one hour is requested.

Camera Steadiness Test (film test):
35mm format: standard cameras $200.00, high speed cameras $250.00
Super 16 format: standard cameras $150 high speed cameras $180
Video transfer of steadiness test add $100.00 + tapestock

Flange Focal Depth Calibration (not billed separately)
This is usually perfomed as part of a check-out, condition report, or part of some other service such as an overhaul. It is usually not billed separately. Most cameras can be adjusted quickly. We perfom this adjustment on all ARRI PL mount cameras, Bayonet mount 16SR's, and the ARRI 16S and 16M. We are not equipped to handle the 16BL or 35BL in Bayonet mount (disassembly is required for calibration on those cameras).

Super-16 or Super-35 Switch - $55.00.
If you have a converted 16SR or a 35mm camera with an eccentric PL mount, it is possible to switch between Standard and Super formats. The ARRI 35-III requires a Super-35 lens mount plate. The switch can be done quickly, but requires the use of special tools to calibrate the flange focal depth. It is reccomended that you do not attempt this operation yourself if you do not have the proper calibration tools and have been trained in their use. We offer to do the switch for you in a half-hour of labor, and include a camera check-out.

Ground Glass Depth Calibration - Starting at $ 110.00
Because this adjustment is more time consuming than flange focal depth adjustment, extra labor time is usually required when this setting needs adjustment. We are equipped to adjust most ARRI cameras.

Lens Check-Out - starting at $110.00
This is similar to a camera check-out. We check lenses on the Century Precision Optics Lens Test Projector for back focus, front focus, centering, image shift, focus shift, focus tracking, zoom tracking and synchronization of the vertical / horizontal compensation on anamorphic lenses. We check for the accuracy of infinity focus on the Richter AutoCollimator. Prime lenses can be checked more quickly because there are less parameters to check. Zoom lenses require more time.

To enourage frequent testing we offer the same 1/2 hour initial rate for lens testing as we do for check-outs. We can check up to 3 prime lenses or one zoom lens in the inital half-hour. Primes are checked for back focus, focus shift, and condition of the glass. Zooms are checked for front focus, back focus, focus tracking, zoom tracking, and condition of the glass. Please note that if adjustments are needed, this usually cannot be accomplised within the inital half-hour.

Lens Check-Out available for lenses with the following mounts:
Aaton
Arriflex Standard
Arriflex Bayonet
Arriflex PL

Lens Condition Report
As described above, with a written report of the lens' condition. The report will also indicate any weak spots in the zoom curve of a zoom lens, any focus shift in a prime, and what the best T-stop are. Any adjustments that can be accomplised in the first hour of labor are included.

Lens condition report from $150.00

Lens Calibration
Adjustments are usally performed as part of a lens check-out, condition report, or overhaul.

Lens Overhaul
This can be used as preventative maintenace, or to correct problems. Lenses are completely disassembled, and all the optical elements are cleaned. The focus helicoids and other gearing and the iris are ultrasonically cleaned. All moving parts are re-lubricated and the lens is assembled. All calibrations are performed on the lens. We also offer refininshing of worn anodizing and installation of focus, zoom and iris gears.

Camera Overhaul
We offer complete overhauls of most ARRI cameras. A general overhaul is included with our Super-16 conversion service. Please inquire about your camera.

Custom Engraving
We offer custom engraving on plastic or aluminum. We have sucessfully used our engraving machine on alumium parts.