Cinematographer
Die ARRICAM LT ist mein Steadicam-Traum – 4,5 kg Body, volle ARRICAM-Qualität, und ich kann stundenlang damit arbeiten. Wenn ich zwischen Dialog (ST) und Bewegung (LT) wechsle, behalte ich denselben Look bei gleichen Magazinen.
ARRI's compact motion picture camera (2000), the 'Lite' model of the ARRICAM system. At only 4.5 kg, ideal for Steadicam, handheld, and specialty rigs while maintaining full ARRICAM image quality.
What is the ARRICAM LT?
The ARRICAM LT (2000) – "LT" stands for Lite – is ARRI's compact 35mm motion picture camera and the lightweight counterpart to the ARRICAM ST. With a body weight of only 4.5 kg, operating noise below 20 dBA, and full compatibility with the ARRICAM system, it became the standard for Steadicam and handheld on premium feature film productions.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | ARRICAM LT |
|---|---|
| Noise | <20 dBA |
| Weight (Body) | 4.5 kg |
| Frame Rate | 1–60 fps |
| Shutter | 11.2°–180° |
| Picture Stability | ±0.0025mm |
| Mount | PL (LDS) |
| Format | 4-perf / 3-perf |
Key Features
- 4.5 kg – Lightest professional 35mm camera
- <20 dBA – Sound recording capable
- ARRICAM Compatible – Same magazines as ST
- LDS – Lens Data System integrated
- Steadicam Optimized – Balance and ergonomics
- Modular Design – Interchangeable components
ARRICAM LT vs. ST
| Feature | LT (Lite) | ST (Studio) |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Movement | Dialogue |
| Noise | <20 dBA | <18 dBA |
| Weight | 4.5 kg | 7.0 kg |
| Magazines | Shared | Shared |
| Picture Stability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Typical Use | Steadicam, Handheld | Studio, Dolly |
Workflow: Both cameras share magazines, viewfinders, and accessories – seamless switching on set.
Notable Films
| Film | Year | DP | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lord of the Rings | 2001–03 | Andrew Lesnie, ACS | Steadicam/Handheld |
| Master and Commander | 2003 | Russell Boyd, ACS | Ship Shots |
| The Aviator | 2004 | Robert Richardson, ASC | Moving Camera |
| Children of Men | 2006 | Emmanuel Lubezki, AMC | Long Takes |
| The Dark Knight | 2008 | Wally Pfister, ASC | Steadicam |
| Inception | 2010 | Wally Pfister, ASC | Rotating Sets |
| The Revenant | 2015 | Emmanuel Lubezki, AMC | Handheld/Natural Light |
| Dunkirk | 2017 | Hoyte van Hoytema, ASC | Moving Shots |
Steadicam Integration
The LT was designed for Steadicam operators:
Weight Comparison (with 120m magazine)
| Camera | Body | Full Setup |
|---|---|---|
| ARRICAM LT | 4.5 kg | ~7 kg |
| ARRICAM ST | 7.0 kg | ~10 kg |
| ARRI 535B | 7.5 kg | ~10.5 kg |
| ARRI 435 | 5.4 kg | ~8 kg |
Steadicam Advantages
- Lightweight – Fatigue-free operation
- Balanced – Optimized weight distribution
- Compact – No bulky attachments
- Quiet – Sound recording during movement
Children of Men: Case Study
Emmanuel Lubezki used the ARRICAM LT for legendary long takes:
The Car Scene (6:30 Min)
- Special rig inside the vehicle
- LT due to weight and size
- No cuts, complex choreography
The Battle Scene (7:30 Min)
- Handheld through combat zone
- LT enabled operator endurance
- Oscar-nominated cinematography
Typical Configurations
Steadicam
- ARRICAM LT Body
- 120m Magazine (4 Min)
- Lightweight Prime (Master Prime)
- Wireless Follow Focus
- Wireless Video
- Weight: ~7.5 kg fully rigged
Handheld
- ARRICAM LT Body
- 120m or 300m Magazine
- Handgrips
- Shoulder Pad
- Weight: ~8–9 kg fully rigged
Special Rig (Car Mount, Crane)
- ARRICAM LT Body
- 300m Magazine
- Remote Head
- Wireless Everything
- Weight: ~10 kg fully rigged
The LDS (Lens Data System)
Like the ST, the LT utilizes the Lens Data System:
Data Captured
| Parameter | Usage |
|---|---|
| Focus Distance | VFX, Assistance |
| Aperture | Exposure Log |
| Focal Length | Zoom Tracking |
| Depth of Field | Calculated |
Practical Benefits
- Focus Puller – Display shows distance
- VFX – Automatic metadata
- Post-Production – Complete log
Moving Camera Comparison
| Camera | Weight | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| ARRICAM LT | 4.5 kg | Quality + Weight |
| ARRI 235 | 3.5 kg | Ultra-compact |
| Aaton 35-III | 3.8 kg | Ergonomics |
| Moviecam Compact | 5.0 kg | Versatile |
Accessories
Magazines (Shared with ST)
| Type | Capacity | Run Time @ 24fps |
|---|---|---|
| 120m | 400 ft | 4 Min |
| 300m | 1000 ft | 11 Min |
Steadicam Accessories
- Low-Mode Adapter – Upside-down shots
- Wireless Video – HD transmission
- Wireless Focus – Preston, ARRI
- Power – Anton Bauer, V-Mount
Handheld Accessories
- Handgrips – Ergonomic
- Shoulder Pad – Padded
- Follow Focus – FF-5
- Matte Box – LMB-5
From LT to Alexa Mini
The ARRICAM LT was the precursor to the Alexa Mini philosophy:
| Feature | ARRICAM LT | Alexa Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | Compact Quality | Compact Quality |
| Medium | 35mm Film | Digital |
| Weight | 4.5 kg | 2.3 kg |
| Steadicam | Optimized | Optimized |
Today
The ARRICAM LT is no longer in production, but:
- Premium Rental – Available from ARRI Rental and specialist providers
- Film Renaissance – Increasing demand
- Steadicam Operators – Preferred film camera
- Service – ARRI ensures support
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Used Price | €25,000–€40,000 |
| Rental/Day | €700–€900 |
| Availability | Specialized rental houses |
| Service | ARRI worldwide |
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Die LT gibt mir Freiheit. Ich kann meinem DP sagen 'folge dem Schauspieler durch die ganze Szene' und weiß, dass die Bildqualität auf dem Niveau der Studio-Aufnahmen bleibt. Das war mit früheren Kameras ein Kompromiss.
Producer
Die LT kostet etwa 700-900 Euro pro Drehtag – etwas weniger als die ST, und für Produktionen mit viel Bewegung oft die bessere Wahl. Die gemeinsamen Magazine mit der ST vereinfachen die Logistik enorm.
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