Aaton XTR

aaton aaton xtr prod aaton a minima super 16 arri 16sr bolex

Aaton's legendary Super-16 camera (1984) revolutionizing documentary filmmaking. Extremely lightweight (2.7 kg), silent, with integrated Aaton Code for automatic synchronization.

What is the Aaton XTR?

The Aaton XTR (1984) is a Super-16 film camera that revolutionized documentary filmmaking. Weighing just 2.7 kg and featuring the iconic "Cat on the shoulder" design, it became the standard for observational documentary, Cinema Verité, and independent productions.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Value
Format	Super 16mm
Weight (Body)	2.7 kg
Dimensions	215 × 115 × 145 mm
Frame Rate	2–75 fps (variable)
Shutter	180° mirror
Noise Level	<24 dBA
Mount	Aaton Universal (PL-compatible)
Magazine	120m (400 ft) / 60m (200 ft)
Run Time	11 min @ 24 fps (400 ft)
Power Supply	12V battery, ~2W consumption

Key Features

"Cat on the shoulder" – ergonomic design, centered on the shoulder
Aaton Code – integrated edge-code timecode
Video Assist – optional video output
Crystal Sync – precise frame rate for sync sound
Quiet Operation – <24 dBA for dialogue scenes

Variants

Model	Year	Improvement
XTR	1984	Original
XTR Plus	1991	Improved Video Assist
XTRplus	1996	Brighter viewfinder, new housing
XTR Prod	1999	More robust, for feature film production

Notable Documentaries

Film	Year	DP	Significance
The Thin Blue Line	1988	Stefan Czapsky	Errol Morris' masterpiece
Hoop Dreams	1994	Peter Gilbert	3-hour basketball epic
Paradise Lost	1996	Robert Richman	True-crime pioneer
Grizzly Man	2005	Peter Zeitlinger	Werner Herzog
The Cove	2009	Brook Aitken	Oscar winner
The Imposter	2012	Lynda Hall	Hybrid documentary

Feature Film Use

The XTR was also used for feature films with a documentary style:

Film	Year	DP	Usage
Kids	1995	Eric Edwards	Shot entirely with XTR
Pi	1998	Matthew Libatique	Low-budget debut
The Hurt Locker	2008	Barry Ackroyd, BSC	Handheld action
District 9	2009	Trent Opaloch	Docu-style sequences

XTR vs. ARRI 16SR

Feature	Aaton XTR	ARRI 16SR3
Weight	2.7 kg	4.0 kg
Ergonomics	"Cat on shoulder"	Classic/Shoulder
Noise Level	<24 dBA	<20 dBA
Timecode	Aaton Code integrated	External (ARRI TC)
Max Frame Rate	75 fps	75 fps
Rental Price (Day)	~€300	~€450

Conclusion: The XTR was lighter and cheaper, the ARRI 16SR3 quieter and more robust.

The "Cat on the Shoulder" Principle

Jean-Pierre Beauviala designed the XTR to rest on the shoulder like a cat:

Rearward Center of Gravity – not forward like traditional cameras
Natural Balance – no counterweight needed
Ergonomic Grip – hand rests naturally
Viewfinder Position – directly at the eye without twisting

Cinematographers could shoot for hours without fatigue.

Super-16 Format

The XTR utilizes the Super-16 format, which Aaton co-developed:

Feature	Standard 16mm	Super 16mm
Image Area	10.26 × 7.49 mm	12.52 × 7.41 mm
Aspect Ratio	1.37:1	1.66:1
Image Area Increase	+0%	+40% more
TV Utilization	4:3	16:9 compatible

Today

The Aaton XTR is no longer in production (Aaton bankruptcy 2013), but:

Still available for rent for film enthusiasts and retro productions
Spare parts available through specialized workshops
Film revivals are creating new demand (Kodak, Fuji)
Influence on modern camera ergonomics (RED Komodo, BMPCC)

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Die XTR war meine erste Wahl für Dokumentarfilme – 2,7 kg auf der Schulter über Stunden, ohne Ermüdung. Das 'Cat on the shoulder'-Design ließ mich vergessen, dass ich eine Kamera trug. Ich konnte Ereignisse einfangen, ohne sie zu stören.

Director

Mit der XTR konnte ich meine Dokumentarfilmer-Crew auf zwei Personen reduzieren – Kamera und Ton. Die kompakte Größe und der leise Betrieb machten uns fast unsichtbar. Perfekt für Cinema Verité und beobachtenden Dokumentarfilm.

Producer

Eine XTR-Ausrüstung kostete etwa 300 Euro pro Drehtag – halb so viel wie eine ARRI 16SR. Dazu sparte der integrierte Aaton-Code Stunden in der Postproduktion. Ideal für Dokumentarfilm-Budgets.