ARRI 235

arricam lt arri 435 moviecam sl steadicam bodymount

Ultra-compact 35mm camera, 3.5 kg. Built for Steadicam, bodymount, and tight spaces. Modular design lets you configure it fast on set—what you need, nothing else.

What is the ARRI 235?

The ARRI 235 (2004) is ARRI's ultra-compact 35mm film camera – at only 3.5 kg, it was the lightest professional 35mm camera of its time. Developed for Steadicam, bodymounts, tight spaces, and situations where even the ARRICAM LT is too large or heavy.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Value
Format	35mm (2/3-perf)
Weight	3.5 kg (Body)
Frame Rate	1–50 fps
Shutter	45°–180°
Noise	~24 dBA
Mount	PL Mount
Magazines	60m / 120m

Key Features

3.5 kg – Ultra-lightweight for 35mm
2/3-Perf – Film saving
Compact Design – For tight spaces
PL Mount – Standard lenses
50 fps – Moderate slow motion
Wireless-ready – Remote operation

The Size Revolution

Weight Comparison (Body only)

Camera	Weight	Difference
ARRI 235	3.5 kg	Base
ARRICAM LT	4.5 kg	+29%
Moviecam SL	4.7 kg	+34%
ARRI 435	5.4 kg	+54%
ARRICAM ST	7.0 kg	+100%

Volume

235: Extremely compact
ARRICAM LT: Standard compact
Difference: ~40% smaller

Why 2/3-Perf?

The 235 operates with 2-perf or 3-perf instead of standard 4-perf:

2-Perf Format

4-PERF: 2-PERF:
┌─┬─────────┬─┐ ┌─┬─────────┬─┐
│●│ │●│ │●│ │●│
│●│ IMAGE │●│ │●│ IMAGE │●│
│●│ │●│ └─┴─────────┴─┘
│●│ │●│
└─┴─────────┴─┘

4 Perfs = 100% 2 Perfs = 50%

Advantages

Aspect	4-Perf	2-Perf	Advantage
Film Consumption	100%	50%	50% Savings
Runtime 120m	~4 Min	~8 Min	Double
Magazine Size	Standard	More Compact	More slots

Disadvantages

Native 2.40:1 aspect ratio
Less vertical resolution
Special scan required

Typical Applications

Steadicam Extreme

Marathon-length takes
Low-mode shots
Minimal fatigue

Bodymounts

On stunt performers
Action POV
Extreme sports

Vehicle Interiors

Car cockpits
Tight cabins
Cockpit simulations

Confined Spaces

Small sets
Architecture
Hidden positions

Notable Productions

Production	Year	Usage
Casino Royale	2006	Car chase
The Bourne Ultimatum	2007	Action POV
Batman Begins	2005	Special mounts
Mission: Impossible III	2006	Stunt work

235 vs. ARRICAM LT

Feature	235	ARRICAM LT
Weight	3.5 kg	4.5 kg
Format	2/3-perf	3/4-perf
Max fps	50	60
Noise	~24 dBA	<20 dBA
LDS	No	Yes
Usage	Specialty	All-rounder

Decision:

235: Extreme compactness required
ARRICAM LT: Standard mobility with more features

Typical Configurations

Bodymount

235 Body
60m Magazine (8 min @ 2-perf)
Compact prime lens
Wireless video
Weight: ~5 kg complete

Mini-Steadicam

235 Body
60m Magazine
Lightweight zoom (15-40mm)
Weight: ~6 kg complete

Car Interior

235 Body
120m Magazine
Wide-angle lens (14mm)
Suction mounts
Weight: ~6 kg complete

Limitations

Compared to ARRICAM LT

Louder (~24 vs. <20 dBA)
No LDS system
Fewer max fps
2/3-perf instead of 3/4-perf

Practical

Not for dialogue scenes
Specialized workflow
2-perf scan required

Format

2-perf = less vertical resolution
Native 2.40:1 limits reframing
Post-production adjustments

The Legacy

In Cinematography

Proved: 35mm can be ultra-lightweight
Opened new creative possibilities
Basis for specialized applications

Today

Replaced by: Digital compact cameras
Specialty Rental: For authentic film look
Historical: Last ultra-compact 35mm

Aspect	Details
Availability	Very limited
Rental/Day	€500–€700
Service	ARRI Network
Status	Discontinued
Digital Successor	ARRI ALEXA Mini

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Die 235 war meine Geheimwaffe für extreme Situationen – 3,5 kg für eine vollwertige 35mm-Kamera. Für Auto-Mounts, enge Räume oder wenn die ARRICAM LT noch zu groß war. Klein, aber voll professionell.

Director

Die 235 ermöglichte mir Shots, die mit normalen Kameras physisch unmöglich waren. In einem VW-Käfer-Innenraum? Kein Problem. Bodymount auf einem Stuntman? Kein Problem. Sie öffnete kreative Türen.

Producer

Die 235 war für Spezialanwendungen – nicht die Hauptkamera, aber unverzichtbar für bestimmte Shots. Die Kosten rechtfertigten sich durch die sonst unmöglichen Aufnahmen.