ARRI's legendary high-speed camera (1995) capable of up to 150 fps. The industry standard for slow-motion, commercials, and music videos — combining compact design with extreme performance.
What is the ARRI 435?
The ARRI 435 (1995) is a professional 35mm film camera designed as a compact high-speed camera. With frame rates up to 150 fps, an operating noise below 20 dBA, and weighing only 5.4 kg, it became the industry standard for commercials, music videos, and feature films requiring slow-motion sequences on film.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | 435 | 435 Advanced | 435 ES | 435 Xtreme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Rate | 1–150 fps | 1–150 fps | 1–150 fps | 1–150 fps |
| Noise | <20 dBA | <20 dBA | <19 dBA | <19 dBA |
| Weight | 5.4 kg | 5.5 kg | 5.4 kg | 5.5 kg |
| Shutter | 11°–180° | 11°–180° | 11°–180° | 11°–180° |
| Special Feature | Base | Variable Speed | Spinning Mirror | 3-Perf |
Key Features
- 150 fps – Extreme slow-motion on 35mm film
- <20 dBA – Quiet enough for sync sound up to 40 fps
- 5.4 kg – Lightest 35mm studio camera
- Variable Shutter – 11° to 180°
- Speed Ramping – Frame rate changes during recording
- 3-Perf/4-Perf – Switchable (Xtreme)
The 435 Family
435 Standard (1995)
- Base model
- 1–150 fps
- Fixed frame rate per take
435 Advanced (1997)
- Variable Speed – Ramping during recording
- Programmable frame rate curves
- For dynamic slow-motion
435 ES (1999)
- Electronic Shutter (Spinning Mirror)
- Even quieter operation
- Improved shutter precision
435 Xtreme (2004)
- 3-Perf/4-Perf switchable
- Film saving with 3-Perf
- Last evolution of the series
Notable Films
| Film | Year | DP | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Matrix | 1999 | Bill Pope, ASC | Slow-Motion |
| Gladiator | 2000 | John Mathieson, BSC | Battle slow-motion |
| The Lord of the Rings | 2001–03 | Andrew Lesnie, ACS | Action sequences |
| Kill Bill | 2003–04 | Robert Richardson, ASC | Fight slow-motion |
| 300 | 2006 | Larry Fong, ASC | Speed Ramping |
| The Dark Knight | 2008 | Wally Pfister, ASC | High-speed B-camera |
| Inception | 2010 | Wally Pfister, ASC | Time dilation scenes |
Speed Ramping
The 435 Advanced revolutionized frame rate changes:
How it Works
Example Speed Ramp:
0 sec: Start @ 24 fps (normal)
2 sec: Accelerate
3 sec: Reach 150 fps (slow-motion)
5 sec: Hold
7 sec: Return to 24 fpsPractical Application
- Commercials – Product in slow-motion, then normal speed
- Music Videos – Dynamic transitions
- Feature Film – Emotional climaxes
435 vs. 535
| Feature | ARRI 435 | ARRI 535 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | High-Speed | Studio/Versatile |
| Max fps | 150 | 60 |
| Weight | 5.4 kg | 7.7 kg |
| Noise | <20 dBA | <19 dBA |
| Strength | Slow-motion | Precision |
| Typical Use | Commercials, Action | Dialogue, Drama |
Conclusion: The 435 for speed, the 535 for studio perfection.
High-Speed Workflow
Film Consumption
| Frame Rate | Consumption | 300m Magazine |
|---|---|---|
| 24 fps | 27.4 m/min | 11 min |
| 48 fps | 54.9 m/min | 5.5 min |
| 96 fps | 109.7 m/min | 2.7 min |
| 150 fps | 171.5 m/min | 1.75 min |
Exposure Adjustment
| Frame Rate | Shutter 180° | Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| 24 fps | 1/48s | Normal |
| 48 fps | 1/96s | +1 stop |
| 96 fps | 1/192s | +2 stops |
| 150 fps | 1/300s | +2.6 stops |
Tip: At 150 fps, you need approximately 6× more light than at 24 fps.
Accessories
Magazines
| Capacity | Run Time @ 24fps | Run Time @ 150fps |
|---|---|---|
| 120m (400ft) | 4 min | 0.7 min |
| 300m (1000ft) | 11 min | 1.75 min |
Essential Accessories
- Video Assist – HD tap for monitor
- Wireless Follow Focus – Preston, ARRI
- Matte Box – LMB-25
- Speed Control Unit – For ramping
- Battery System – For location work
3-Perf vs. 4-Perf (Xtreme)
The 435 Xtreme enabled both formats:
| Feature | 4-Perf | 3-Perf |
|---|---|---|
| Image Size | Academy Full | Slightly smaller |
| Film Consumption | 100% | 75% |
| Aspect Ratio | 1.37:1 | 1.78:1 native |
| Usage | Classic | Widescreen |
3-Perf Advantage: 25% film saving with the same image format.
Comparison: Film vs. Digital High-Speed
| Feature | ARRI 435 | Phantom Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Max fps | 150 | 1,000+ |
| Look | Film grain | Digital |
| Dynamic Range | ~13 stops | ~12 stops |
| Workflow | Development | Instant |
| Cost/Min | High (film) | Low |
Conclusion: The 435 for the unmistakable film look, Phantom for extreme speeds.
Today
The ARRI 435 is no longer produced (discontinued in 2012), but:
- Rental – Available from premium rental houses worldwide
- Commercials – Still a popular choice for high-end spots
- Film Revival – Demand driven by the 35mm renaissance
- Music Videos – Vintage look with true slow-motion film
| Model | Used Price | Rental/Day |
|---|---|---|
| 435 Standard | €15,000–€25,000 | ~€800 |
| 435 Advanced | €20,000–€35,000 | ~€1,000 |
| 435 Xtreme | €25,000–€40,000 | ~€1,200 |