35mm camera from 1997, weighs 4.7 kg. Built for tight spaces and mobile work: handheld, Steadicam, helicopters. The smallest full-spec studio camera of that era.
What is the Moviecam SL?
The Moviecam SL (1997) – "SL" stands for Super Lightweight – was Moviecam's lightest and last 35mm camera before the ARRI acquisition. Weighing only 4.7 kg for the body, it was the most compact professional 35mm camera of its time, setting new standards for mobile film production.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | 35mm (4-perf / 3-perf) |
| Weight (Body) | 4.7 kg |
| Frame Rate | 4–50 fps |
| Shutter | 11.2°–180° |
| Noise | <20 dBA |
| Mount | PL Mount |
| Magazines | 120m / 300m |
Key Features
- 4.7 kg – Lightest 35mm camera of its era
- <20 dBA – Suitable for sound recording
- 3-Perf Option – Potential film stock savings
- 50 fps – Moderate slow motion capability
- PL Mount – Full lens compatibility
- Compact – Optimized for Steadicam and handheld
The Weight Evolution at Moviecam
| Model | Year | Weight | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moviecam 35 | 1980 | 7.5 kg | Base |
| Compact | 1988 | 5.0 kg | -33% |
| SuperAmerica | 1992 | 5.7 kg | Studio quality |
| SL | 1997 | 4.7 kg | -37% vs. Base |
Moviecam SL vs. Competition (1997)
| Camera | Weight | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Moviecam SL | 4.7 kg | <20 dBA |
| Moviecam Compact | 5.0 kg | <21 dBA |
| ARRI 435 | 5.4 kg | <20 dBA |
| ARRI 535B | 7.5 kg | <19 dBA |
| Panavision Panastar | 4.5 kg | <22 dBA |
Position: The SL was the lightest *quiet* 35mm camera.
Notable Films
| Film | Year | DP | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titanic | 1997 | Russell Carpenter, ASC | Camera movement |
| Dark City | 1998 | Dariusz Wolski, ASC | Steadicam |
| Fight Club | 1999 | Jeff Cronenweth, ASC | Handheld |
| The Talented Mr. Ripley | 1999 | John Seale, ASC | Camera movement |
Steadicam Perfection
The SL was designed for maximum mobility:
Weight Comparison (complete with 120m magazine)
| Setup | SL | ARRICAM LT (2000) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | 4.7 kg | 4.5 kg |
| + Magazine | 5.8 kg | 5.6 kg |
| + Lens | 7.0 kg | 6.8 kg |
| + Accessories | 8.0 kg | 7.8 kg |
Conclusion: The SL led in 1997; the ARRICAM LT (2000) took the crown.
Steadicam Advantages
- Minimal fatigue
- Longer takes possible
- Better balance
- More creative freedom
The Moviecam System
The SL was the lightest link in the system:
| Model | Role | Weight | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL | Ultra-mobility | 4.7 kg | Weight |
| Compact | Mobility | 5.0 kg | Balance |
| SuperAmerica | Studio | 5.7 kg | Quietness |
Common Components
- Magazines (120m, 300m)
- Viewfinder
- Video Assist
- Follow Focus Systems
Typical Configurations
Steadicam Minimal
- SL Body
- 120m Magazine
- Compact Prime (25mm)
- Wireless Video
- Weight: ~7 kg complete
Handheld
- SL Body
- 120m Magazine
- Handgrips
- Shoulder Pad
- Weight: ~7.5 kg complete
Crane/Remote
- SL Body
- 300m Magazine
- Remote Head
- Wireless everything
- Weight: ~9 kg complete
The ARRI Acquisition and the End
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1997 | SL Market Introduction |
| 2000 | ARRICAM LT Released (4.5 kg) |
| 2003 | ARRI Acquires Moviecam |
| 2003 | SL Production Halted |
ARRICAM LT as Successor
The ARRICAM LT (2000) adopted the SL philosophy:
| Feature | SL | ARRICAM LT |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.7 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Noise | <20 dBA | <20 dBA |
| LDS | No | Yes |
| Modularity | Good | Excellent |
Why the SL Was Important
Technically
- Proved 35mm quality was possible under 5 kg
- Set new benchmarks for compactness
- Drove innovation at ARRI
For the Industry
- Expanded creative possibilities
- Made camera movement more accessible
- Inspired ARRICAM LT development
For Cinematographers
- Reduced physical strain
- Enabled longer working days
- Increased on-set spontaneity
Today
The Moviecam SL is no longer produced, but:
- Collectors – Rare and sought after
- Specialty Rentals – Hardly available anymore
- Historical Value – Last Moviecam innovation
- Service – Very limited via ARRI
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Used Price | €12,000–€22,000 |
| Availability | Extremely limited |
| Service | Very limited |
| Spare Parts | Hardly available |
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