The Cameras
In 1993 I purchased a complete Arriflex 535 camera system. The package includes two cameras: A 535A and 535B.
The lightweight B camera can be used on second unit, has all the accessories necessary to strip it down for Steadicam use (about 2lbs heavier with a 400' load than Moviecam Compact)
Why?
A Cinematographer, or for that matter any photographer, is like an athlete. The more you practice, the better you become. Take time off and you fall off peak performance.
I believe also that it is important, as with any craftman, to have a constant set of tools which become an extension of yourself with contant use.
Owning two complete cameras and all the state-of-the-art accompanying equipment gives me a creative edge. It enables me to know, job to job, exactly what I have available and assists me in solving problems very quickly and effeciently. It further allows me to know that I will have the facilities available to create whatever visual style the Director and I may settle on for a given picture.
Producers also benefit.
Offering the package at a competitive price with the added advantage of no (except specialty items) add ons works well within the budget guidleines of most pictures, saves headaches with prologed rental negotiations and benefits the picture as a whole by having a more comprehensive and versatile camera package continually on hand. It works especially well on lower budgeted pictures and tele-features by giving the production a broader camera base than normal allowing much greater creative freedom for both myself and the Director.
The camera package includes a full complement of prime and zoom lenses, duplicate filter sets, camera support and just about every accessory Arriflex manufactures.
I also make extensive use of the Computerized Film Management System through the LCC and run the camera through a Mac Powerbook so all the functions are fully computerized. We generate all our camera reports and production paperwork directly from the camera so there are no mistakes, the paperwork is legible and we rarely finish a picture with more than 1000' of shortends.
The Varicon....Contrast Contol System is also part of the package and is a great time saver on set as well as allowing enormous scope in the development of specific visual styles.
I have Full Arriflex support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
