35mm film camera from 1972. Built-in sound insulation keeps camera noise below 22 dB — direct sound recording without external blimp. Standard for sync sound on set.
What is the ARRI BL?
The ARRI BL (1972) – "BL" stands for Blimp-Less – was ARRI's first self-blimped 35mm camera. With an operating noise of less than 22 dBA, it could record sync sound without being enclosed in an external sound-dampening housing (blimp). This innovation revolutionized feature film production and became the standard for dialogue recording worldwide.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | BL-1 (1972) | BL-2 (1976) | BL-3 (1981) | BL-4/4s (1984) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise Level | <22 dBA | <21 dBA | <20 dBA | <19 dBA |
| Weight | 7.5 kg | 7.3 kg | 6.8 kg | 6.5 kg |
| Frame Rate | 4–32 fps | 4–36 fps | 4–40 fps | 4–50 fps |
| Shutter | 180° | 180° | 11°–180° | 11°–180° |
| Mount | ARRI Bayonet | ARRI Bayonet | PL | PL |
Key Features
- Self-Blimped – Integrated sound dampening
- <22 dBA – Quieter than ambient set noise
- Video Assist – Optional video tap for monitoring
- PL Mount (from BL-3) – Standard for modern lenses
- Variable Shutter (from BL-3) – 11° to 180°
- ARRI Code – Timecode for synchronization
The Evolution of the BL Series
BL-1 (1972)
- First generation
- Proved the concept
- Still relatively heavy
BL-2 (1976)
- Improved sound dampening
- Lighter construction
- Better viewfinder
BL-3 (1981)
- PL Mount introduced – Industry standard
- Variable shutter
- Higher frame rates
- Improved magazine system
BL-4/BL-4s (1984)
- Quietest version (<19 dBA)
- Best ergonomics
- Crystal-Sync standard
- "s" = Super Speed variant (up to 60 fps)
Notable Films
| Film | Year | DP | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Godfather Part II | 1974 | Gordon Willis, ASC | Early BL usage |
| Jaws | 1975 | Bill Butler, ASC | On-location shooting without blimps |
| Star Wars | 1977 | Gilbert Taylor, BSC | Studio dialogue recording |
| Apocalypse Now | 1979 | Vittorio Storaro, ASC | Jungle shooting |
| E.T. | 1982 | Allen Daviau, ASC | Intimate dialogue scenes |
| Schindler's List | 1993 | Janusz Kamiński, ASC | Documentary style |
| The English Patient | 1996 | John Seale, ASC | Desert locations |
Why "Blimp-Less" Was Revolutionary
Before the BL: The Blimp Problem
Traditional Workflow:
- Mount 2C or 3C in external blimp
- Seal blimp (5-10 minutes)
- Shoot
- Open blimp for magazine change
- Repeat
Problems:
- Enormous weight (2C + blimp = 20+ kg)
- Limited mobility
- Overheating during long takes
- Time loss with every film change
- Expensive, bulky equipment
After the BL: The New Standard
New Workflow:
- Set up BL (like any camera)
- Shoot (quiet enough for sound)
- Change magazine (2 minutes)
- Continue shooting
Advantages:
- Handholdable (with shoulder rig)
- Fast setups
- Greater freedom of movement
- Less equipment transport
- More economical operation
BL vs. Panavision
The BL competed directly with Panavision cameras:
| Feature | ARRI BL-4 | Panaflex Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Level | <19 dBA | <20 dBA |
| Weight | 6.5 kg | 8.2 kg |
| Mount | PL (Purchase) | PV (Rental only) |
| Availability | Worldwide | Panavision rental |
| Lens Selection | ARRI, Zeiss, Cooke | Panavision exclusive |
Conclusion: The BL was more flexible due to the PL mount and purchase option; Panavision had exclusive optics.
The PL Mount Standard
The BL-3 (1981) introduced the Positive Lock (PL) Mount:
| Feature | ARRI Standard | ARRI Bayonet | PL Mount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flange Focal Distance | 52mm | 48mm | 52mm |
| Locking Mechanism | Screw | Bayonet | Positive Lock |
| Change Time | 30 sec | 5 sec | 3 sec |
| Security | Good | Good | Excellent |
The PL mount became the industry standard and is still used today on ARRI Alexa, RED, Sony VENICE, and virtually all professional cameras.
Typical Configurations
Dialogue Setup
- BL-4 body
- 300m magazine (11 min)
- Zeiss Super Speed or Master Prime
- Video Assist
- Wireless Follow Focus
- Weight: approx. 12 kg complete
Dolly/Steadicam
- BL-4s body
- 120m magazine (4 min)
- Lightweight prime lens
- Wireless video
- Weight: approx. 9 kg complete
Today
The ARRI BL series is no longer produced (replaced by 435/535), but:
- Rental – Specialized providers worldwide
- Film Revival – Demand due to the 35mm renaissance
- Collectors – BL-4s particularly sought after
- Spare Parts – Still available from ARRI
- Service – Guaranteed by the ARRI network
| Model | Used Price | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| BL-1/2 | €2,000–€4,000 | Collector's item |
| BL-3 | €3,000–€6,000 | Ready for use |
| BL-4/4s | €5,000–€10,000 | Production ready |