User Guide

Servicing and Maintenance
The Arriflex 16S is built with utmost precision and is famous for its
ruggedness. It will give absolute satisfaction if treated as any precision
instrument should be treated, and if serviced at regular intervals, consistent
with the amount of use, and the following recommendations.
The most important rule is:
KEEP THE CAMERA SPOTLESSLY CLEAN – INSIDE AND OUT!
Particular attention must be given to the film gate. It is precision-lapped and
chrome-plated to minimize film emulsion to settle. However, some emulsion
deposit is inevitable and will vary with the type of film used, the relative
humidity and other factors.
The film gate should be checked and cleaned every 400 ft. roll and it
should be carefully inspected and thoroughly cleaned at the end of each
day's filming. Remove emulsion deposit with the plastic skewer supplied
with the camera (NEVER METAL). If emulsion is hardened on film gate,
remove it with a Q-tip dipped in acetone or alcohol. Be careful not to get
any solvent on any optical surface. Acetone will also dissolve paint. After
cleaning, polish gently with chamois or other soft, clean optical cloth.
From time to time, the lens mounts and the three lens sockets in the turret
should be cleaned to remove dirt and dust. After such cleaning, re-lubricate
lightly with the special grease supplied with the camera.
The standard lubricants used with the Arriflex are suitable for use in
temperatures down to -20°C, provided the camera is in good working
condition, and the lubricants in the camera mechanism itself are clean and
uncontaminated by dirt.
On special request and for extra charge, Arriflex cameras can be winterized
at our Service Department to function at still lower temperatures. For
details, consult section on "low temperature operation."
Lubrication
Your camera has been properly lubricated at the factory and is ready for
operation. Do not oil before using unless camera had been stored and
not been used for more than 12 months.
After each run of 30,000- 50,000 feet of film through the camera, camera
should be lightly oiled at two oil valves marked with arrows (one near the
film gate, and one near the supply spindle). Only use the ball and pressure
oiler supplied with your camera and the special oil contained therein. Do
not overoil -too much oiling is as bad as too little!