Aaton XTR Prod

aaton aaton xtr aaton a minima super 16 arri 16sr3

Production version of Aaton XTR (1999), more robust and reliable for demanding film production. Combines XTR ergonomics with professional durability.

What is the Aaton XTR Prod?

The Aaton XTR Prod (1999) is the production-ready version of the legendary XTR. It combines the ergonomic "cat on the shoulder" design with a reinforced construction for the demanding everyday life of feature filmmaking – 12-hour days, weeks of shooting, harsh conditions.

Technical Specifications

Feature	XTR Prod	XTR Standard
Format	Super 16mm	Super 16mm
Weight (Body)	3.2 kg	2.7 kg
Dimensions	225 × 125 × 155 mm	215 × 115 × 145 mm
Frame Rate	3–75 fps	2–75 fps
Shutter	180° mirror	180° mirror
Noise Level	<22 dBA	<24 dBA
Mount	PL or Aaton	PL or Aaton
Magazine	120m (400 ft)	120m (400 ft)
Video Assist	Improved, brighter	Standard

Improvements over XTR

Reinforced Casing – more robust against shocks and transport
Quieter Operation – 22 dBA instead of 24 dBA
Improved Video Assist – brighter monitor image
Optimized Electronics – more reliable timecode synchronization
Better Sealing – for exterior shoots in difficult weather

Notable Films

Film	Year	DP	Significance
The Hurt Locker	2008	Barry Ackroyd, BSC	Oscar for Best Cinematography
28 Days Later	2002	Anthony Dod Mantle, DFF	Digital look on film
Dancer in the Dark	2000	Robby Müller, ASC	100 cameras simultaneously
City of God	2002	César Charlone	Favela aesthetic
Half Nelson	2006	Andrij Parekh	Indie drama

The Hurt Locker: Case Study

Kathryn Bigelow and Barry Ackroyd used multiple XTR Prods for the Oscar-winning war film:

Multi-camera setup – up to 4 XTR Prods simultaneously
Handheld aesthetic – documentary war look
Extreme heat – reliable operation in the Jordanian desert
Long shooting days – 14+ hours without failure
Super-16 to 35mm blow-up – theatrical release quality

XTR Prod vs. ARRI 16SR3

Feature	Aaton XTR Prod	ARRI 16SR3
Weight	3.2 kg	4.0 kg
Ergonomics	"Cat on shoulder"	Classic
Noise Level	<22 dBA	<20 dBA
Timecode	Aaton-code integrated	External
Robustness	Very good	Excellent
Price (Rental/Day)	~€400	~€500
Video Assist	Improved	Standard

Conclusion: The XTR Prod is lighter and cheaper, the SR3 slightly quieter and more robust.

Typical Workflow

Pre-Production

Camera tests with all planned lenses
Timecode setup with sound department
Plan video assist cabling

On Set

Load magazine (400 ft = 11 min @ 24 fps)
Select lens (PL mount)
Set focus/aperture
Aaton-code runs automatically
Video assist for director

Post-Production

Telecine/Scan at desired resolution
Aaton-code enables automatic sync
Super-16 to 2K/4K blow-up possible

Super-16 Workflow Today

The XTR Prod was ideal for the Super-16 to Digital workflow:

Aspect	Advantage
Scan Quality	2K-4K without issue
Dynamic Range	~13 stops
Film Grain	Organic, not digital
Cost	Cheaper than 35mm
Look	Indie/documentary aesthetic

Today

The XTR Prod is no longer in production but remains available for film productions:

Specialized rental houses offer serviced units
Film revival brings new demand (Kodak Vision3)
Indie productions appreciate the Super-16 look
Documentary filmmakers prefer the ergonomics

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Die XTR Prod ist meine Arbeitspferd-Version der XTR – gleiche Ergonomie, aber gebaut für 12-Stunden-Tage über Monate. Das verstärkte Gehäuse übersteht Transport und raue Bedingungen, während die Bildstandgenauigkeit auf Spielfilm-Niveau bleibt. Perfekt für Low-Budget-Features, die trotzdem professionell aussehen sollen.

Director

Mit der XTR Prod bekomme ich den dokumentarischen Look der XTR-Serie, aber mit der Zuverlässigkeit, die ich für einen kompletten Spielfilm brauche. Weniger Ausfälle, weniger Wartezeiten, mehr Drehtage pro Budget. Filme wie The Hurt Locker zeigen, was möglich ist.

Producer

Die XTR Prod kostet etwa 350-450 Euro pro Drehtag – mehr als die Standard-XTR, aber die Zuverlässigkeit spart mir Versicherungskosten und verhindert teure Drehtag-Verluste. Für Low-Budget-Spielfilme mit Super-16-Look ist sie die wirtschaftlichste Wahl.