Cinematographer
Moviecam war der Underdog, der ARRI das Fürchten lehrte. Die Compact war eine Offenbarung – leichter, kompakter, und genauso professionell. Viele meiner Lieblings-DPs schwörten auf Moviecam, bevor ARRI sie kaufte.
Austrian camera maker (1975–2003). Built compact 35mm cameras with minimal barrel length — fit tight rigging and handheld work. Solid engineering, easy to service on set. Acquired by ARRI in 2003.
What is Moviecam?
Moviecam was an Austrian camera manufacturer that produced innovative 35mm film cameras from 1975 to 2003. With models like the Compact and the SuperAmerica, the company established itself as a serious alternative to ARRI and Panavision and was used in numerous Hollywood productions. In 2003, Moviecam was acquired by ARRI, and its technology was incorporated into the ARRICAM development.
Company History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Founded in Vienna by Friedrich von Bhom-Raffay |
| 1980 | First Moviecam 35 introduced |
| 1988 | Moviecam Compact launched |
| 1992 | Moviecam SuperAmerica |
| 1997 | Moviecam SL (Super Lightweight) |
| 2003 | Acquired by ARRI |
The Moviecam Family
| Model | Year | Weight | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moviecam 35 | 1980 | 7.5 kg | First generation |
| Compact | 1988 | 5.0 kg | Revolutionarily compact |
| SuperAmerica | 1992 | 5.7 kg | Quiet + Versatile |
| SL | 1997 | 4.7 kg | Ultra-light |
Technical Innovations
Compact Design
Moviecam focused on a revolutionary compact design:
- Integrated electronics instead of external boxes
- Directly attached magazines
- Ergonomic housing
Quiet Operation
- All models under 22 dBA
- SuperAmerica achieved <19 dBA
- Competitive with ARRI BL series
PL Mount Compatibility
- Standard PL mount for all models
- Full compatibility with Zeiss, Cooke, ARRI lenses
- No proprietary restrictions
Notable Films Shot with Moviecam
| Film | Year | DP | Camera |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Instinct | 1992 | Jan de Bont, ASC | Compact |
| Interview with the Vampire | 1994 | Philippe Rousselot, ASC | SuperAmerica |
| Speed | 1994 | Andrzej Bartkowiak, ASC | Compact |
| Heat | 1995 | Dante Spinotti, ASC | SuperAmerica |
| Mission: Impossible | 1996 | Stephen H. Burum, ASC | Compact |
| L.A. Confidential | 1997 | Dante Spinotti, ASC | SuperAmerica |
| The Matrix | 1999 | Bill Pope, ASC | SuperAmerica |
| Gladiator | 2000 | John Mathieson, BSC | Compact |
Moviecam vs. Competition
| Feature | Moviecam Compact | ARRI 535B | Panaflex Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.0 kg | 7.5 kg | 8.2 kg |
| Noise Level | <21 dBA | <19 dBA | <20 dBA |
| Mount | PL | PL | PV (exclusive) |
| Available for Purchase | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price | More affordable | Standard | Premium |
The ARRI Acquisition
Reasons for the Acquisition
- Moviecam was serious competition
- Advanced technology (especially compact design)
- Established customer base in Hollywood
Consequences
- Moviecam production ceased (2003)
- Technology flowed into ARRICAM development
- Service continued by ARRI
- Used cameras still in use
The Moviecam Legacy
In the ARRICAM
The ARRICAM (2000) adopted several Moviecam concepts:
- Modular philosophy
- Compact dimensions
- Two-body system (ST/LT similar to SuperAmerica/Compact)
In the Industry
- Proved that alternatives to ARRI were possible
- Drove innovation among all manufacturers
- Established new weight and size standards
Today
Moviecam cameras are no longer produced, but:
- Rentals – Available from specialized providers
- Collectors – Compact models are particularly sought after
- Service – Possible through the ARRI network
- Spare parts – Limited availability
| Model | Used Price |
|---|---|
| Compact | €8,000–€15,000 |
| SuperAmerica | €10,000–€20,000 |
| SL | €12,000–€22,000 |
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Moviecam-Kameras hatten einen ausgezeichneten Ruf für Zuverlässigkeit und Bildqualität. Die Tatsache, dass ARRI sie übernahm, zeigt, wie ernst die Konkurrenz war. Einige legendäre Filme wurden mit Moviecam gedreht.
Producer
Moviecam bot oft günstigere Verleihpreise als ARRI oder Panavision, bei vergleichbarer Qualität. Nach der ARRI-Übernahme floss die Technologie in die ARRICAM-Entwicklung – gut für die Industrie, traurig für die Vielfalt.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Camera · Kameras
Moviecam Compact
35mm camera, around 5 kg, from 1988 onward. Light enough for Steadicam work: operator can…
Camera · Kameras
Moviecam SuperAmerica
Camera · Kameras
Moviecam SL
Manufacturers
ARRI
Camera · Equipment
ARRICAM
Professional 35mm digital cinema camera system bridging film and digital acquisition with…
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