Cinematographer
The 400ft mag is my standard working format. About 4.5 minutes per roll – enough for most takes, compact enough for mobile setups.
Standard 35mm magazine holding 400ft (122m) of film — approximately 4-5 minutes at 24fps; the most common magazine size used in feature film production.
What is a 400ft Film Magazine?
A 400ft film magazine is a film magazine for 35mm cameras with a capacity of 400 feet (approx. 122 meters) of unexposed film stock. At 24 fps, this equates to approximately 4 minutes and 27 seconds of recording time – the standard for professional film production.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 400 feet (122m) |
| Format | 35mm |
| Run Time (24 fps) | 4:27 minutes |
| Run Time (25 fps) | 4:16 minutes |
| Weight (with film) | Approx. 2 kg |
Magazine Sizes Compared
| Size | Run Time (24 fps) | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 100ft | 1:07 min | Tests, Inserts |
| 200ft | 2:13 min | Compact, Steadicam |
| 400ft | 4:27 min | Standard |
| 1000ft | 11:07 min | Long Takes |
Why 400ft is the Standard
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Balance | Enough for long takes, manageable size |
| Weight | Not too heavy for shoulder/Steadicam |
| Cost | Economically sensible unit |
| Change Time | Quickly interchangeable |
Workflow
Preparation
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Loading | In the dark into magazine |
| Labeling | Roll number, emulsion |
| Staging | Loaded magazines on set |
On Set
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Magazine onto camera |
| Shooting | Take recording |
| Changing | After approx. 4 min or as needed |
| Handing Off | To film loader |
After Shooting
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Unloading | In the dark |
| Packaging | Light-tight can |
| Transport | To the lab |
Camera Compatibility
| Camera | Magazine Type |
|---|---|
| ARRICAM LT/ST | ARRI 400ft |
| Panavision | Panavision 400ft |
| Aaton | Aaton-Specific |
| Moviecam | ARRI-compatible |
Cost Calculation (Approx.)
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Film Stock | €150–€250 |
| Developing | €50–€100 |
| 4K Scan | €200–€400 |
| Total per Roll | €400–€750 |
Historical Context
The 400ft format established itself as a practical compromise between runtime and manageability. Since the 1920s, it has been the industry standard for professional 35mm production.
Today
Despite digital dominance, the 400ft magazine remains the standard for film productions on celluloid. Filmmakers like Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, and Paul Thomas Anderson continue to shoot on film – using 400ft magazines.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
I plan my takes with 400ft rolls. Longer scenes require magazine changes or 1000ft magazines – that impacts the shooting schedule.
Producer
400-foot rolls are the industry standard. The cost per roll (negative + developing + scan) is calculable and allows for precise budget planning.
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Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „120m-Magazin"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?