Ultra-compact 35mm camera, 3.5 kg. Built for Steadicam, bodymount, and tight spaces. Modular design lets you configure it fast on set—what you need, nothing else.
What is the ARRI 235?
The ARRI 235 (2004) is ARRI's ultra-compact 35mm film camera – at only 3.5 kg, it was the lightest professional 35mm camera of its time. Developed for Steadicam, bodymounts, tight spaces, and situations where even the ARRICAM LT is too large or heavy.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | 35mm (2/3-perf) |
| Weight | 3.5 kg (Body) |
| Frame Rate | 1–50 fps |
| Shutter | 45°–180° |
| Noise | ~24 dBA |
| Mount | PL Mount |
| Magazines | 60m / 120m |
Key Features
- 3.5 kg – Ultra-lightweight for 35mm
- 2/3-Perf – Film saving
- Compact Design – For tight spaces
- PL Mount – Standard lenses
- 50 fps – Moderate slow motion
- Wireless-ready – Remote operation
The Size Revolution
Weight Comparison (Body only)
| Camera | Weight | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| ARRI 235 | 3.5 kg | Base |
| ARRICAM LT | 4.5 kg | +29% |
| Moviecam SL | 4.7 kg | +34% |
| ARRI 435 | 5.4 kg | +54% |
| ARRICAM ST | 7.0 kg | +100% |
Volume
- 235: Extremely compact
- ARRICAM LT: Standard compact
- Difference: ~40% smaller
Why 2/3-Perf?
The 235 operates with 2-perf or 3-perf instead of standard 4-perf:
2-Perf Format
4-PERF: 2-PERF:
┌─┬─────────┬─┐ ┌─┬─────────┬─┐
│●│ │●│ │●│ │●│
│●│ IMAGE │●│ │●│ IMAGE │●│
│●│ │●│ └─┴─────────┴─┘
│●│ │●│
└─┴─────────┴─┘
4 Perfs = 100% 2 Perfs = 50%Advantages
| Aspect | 4-Perf | 2-Perf | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film Consumption | 100% | 50% | 50% Savings |
| Runtime 120m | ~4 Min | ~8 Min | Double |
| Magazine Size | Standard | More Compact | More slots |
Disadvantages
- Native 2.40:1 aspect ratio
- Less vertical resolution
- Special scan required
Typical Applications
Steadicam Extreme
- Marathon-length takes
- Low-mode shots
- Minimal fatigue
Bodymounts
- On stunt performers
- Action POV
- Extreme sports
Vehicle Interiors
- Car cockpits
- Tight cabins
- Cockpit simulations
Confined Spaces
- Small sets
- Architecture
- Hidden positions
Notable Productions
| Production | Year | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Casino Royale | 2006 | Car chase |
| The Bourne Ultimatum | 2007 | Action POV |
| Batman Begins | 2005 | Special mounts |
| Mission: Impossible III | 2006 | Stunt work |
235 vs. ARRICAM LT
| Feature | 235 | ARRICAM LT |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3.5 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Format | 2/3-perf | 3/4-perf |
| Max fps | 50 | 60 |
| Noise | ~24 dBA | <20 dBA |
| LDS | No | Yes |
| Usage | Specialty | All-rounder |
Decision:
- 235: Extreme compactness required
- ARRICAM LT: Standard mobility with more features
Typical Configurations
Bodymount
- 235 Body
- 60m Magazine (8 min @ 2-perf)
- Compact prime lens
- Wireless video
- Weight: ~5 kg complete
Mini-Steadicam
- 235 Body
- 60m Magazine
- Lightweight zoom (15-40mm)
- Weight: ~6 kg complete
Car Interior
- 235 Body
- 120m Magazine
- Wide-angle lens (14mm)
- Suction mounts
- Weight: ~6 kg complete
Limitations
Compared to ARRICAM LT
- Louder (~24 vs. <20 dBA)
- No LDS system
- Fewer max fps
- 2/3-perf instead of 3/4-perf
Practical
- Not for dialogue scenes
- Specialized workflow
- 2-perf scan required
Format
- 2-perf = less vertical resolution
- Native 2.40:1 limits reframing
- Post-production adjustments
The Legacy
In Cinematography
- Proved: 35mm can be ultra-lightweight
- Opened new creative possibilities
- Basis for specialized applications
Today
- Replaced by: Digital compact cameras
- Specialty Rental: For authentic film look
- Historical: Last ultra-compact 35mm
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Very limited |
| Rental/Day | €500–€700 |
| Service | ARRI Network |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Digital Successor | ARRI ALEXA Mini |
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