ARRI Debuts Alexa LF Software Version 3.0, Lightweight 6x6 Matte Box & Operator Control Unit at IBC 2018
An interview from the 2018 International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam with Marc Shipman-Mueller of ARRI. The ARRI Group consists of five business units: Camera Systems, Lighting, Media, Rental, and Medical. ARRI is a leading designer and manufacturer of camera and lighting systems for the film and broadcast industry, with a worldwide distribution and service network.
As part of its on-going efforts to help speed up configuration changes on set, ARRI is extending its range of Compact Bridge Plates for AMIRA and ALEXA Mini cameras. The Compact Bridge Plate CBP-2 for ALEXA Mini is readily adaptable for use with 15mm studio rods. The CBP-3 (19mm) and CBP-4 (15mm studio) are for use with AMIRAs. These new bridge plates are in addition to the CBP-1 (for ALEXA Mini with 19mm rods) which was released in October 2017.
This range of Compact Bridge Plates are ergonomically designed to be comfortable on the shoulder, sturdy on the dolly, and establish new standards in versatility, with a unique top-mount system which allows the bridge plate to be swiftly attached to industry-standard balance plates. A key feature is a revolutionary double pressure mechanism which allows the camera to be simply lifted off a tripod.
The new Lightweight Matte Box LMB 6x6 is a robust and adaptable addition to ARRI’s LMB range. It allows for the same level of flexibility and creative possibilities as the LMB 4x5, which has proved very popular with camera operators and crews since it was launched just over a year ago.
“The LMB 6x6 will make short work of on-set challenges,” says Philip Vischer, ARRI’s Product Manager for PCA Mechanical Accessories. “It’s streamlined and light, and altering the various applications doesn’t require any supplementary tools—that will make set-ups really quick and easy.” The matte box is extremely versatile. For example, it works well with gimbals, drones, or Steadicam rigs when used in a single-filter configuration. It can be simply clamped to a lens, or it can be used with rod-mounts, either 15mm or 19mm studio rods, or—in conjunction with an adaptor—15mm lightweight rods. It includes additional rotatable and non-rotatable filter stages in two different versions which can accommodate up to three 6.6 inch filters at any one time. Each filter tray has its own dedicated tray catcher.
The Operator Control Unit OCU-1 is an addition to the WCU-4 lens control system on ALEXA Mini, and enables operators to over-ride and return focus, zoom, and iris controls at the touch of a button. “This is a simple device that does exactly what the name implies,” says Christine Ajayi, Product Manager PCA Electronic Control System at ARRI. “It gives camera operators full control of their lenses when they want it.”
The OCU-1 will help save precious time while framing shots, as the camera operator will always have the ability to control the lens, even when motors are attached. It allows control of focus, iris, and zoom whenever required for practical or creative reasons. The device enables control of EF lenses mounted on ALEXA Mini and AMIRA cameras without any additional external motors.
Fitting into a long ARRI tradition of innovation, the OCU-1 will improve on-set efficiency and control. Small, lightweight, and easy to use, it has the same control wheel, display and LBUS integration as the ARRI Master Grips, and can be easily mounted onto common 15mm or 19mm rods, ARRI Rosette, or 3/8” mounts. The wheel can also be used to control the roll axis of the ARRI Stabilized Remote Head SRH-3. ARRI plans to start shipping the OCU-1 later this year.
For more information please visit: http://www.ARRI.com
