ALEXA LF Software Update Package 4.
Copyright Copyright All rights reserved. This document is provided under a license agreement containing restrictions on use and disclosure and is also protected by copyright law. Due to continued product development this information may change without notice. The information and intellectual property contained herein is confidential between ARRI and the client and remains the exclusive property of ARRI. If you find any problems in the documentation, please report them to us in writing.
Contents 3 Contents 1 Disclaimer............................................................................................... 7 2 About This Manual................................................................................ 9 3 Scope.................................................................................................... 10 4 Introduction to the ALEXA LF............................................................11 5 Layout of the ALEXA............................................
Contents 11 Connectors........................................................................................... 30 11.1 BAT...................................................................................................... 31 11.2 RET IN.................................................................................................31 11.3 MON OUT 1/2/3.................................................................................. 31 11.4 EXT.............................................
Contents 5 15.1.4 Function Buttons................................................................................73 15.1.4.1 TC................................................................................................................ 74 15.1.4.2 INFO............................................................................................................ 75 15.1.4.3 USER........................................................................................................... 78 15.1.4.
Contents 20.3 False Color Display........................................................................... 157 20.4 Warning and Error Messages............................................................158 20.5 Dimensions and Weights...................................................................162 20.6 Declarations of Conformity................................................................
Disclaimer 1 7 Disclaimer Before using the products described in this manual be sure to read and understand all respective instruction. The ARRI ALEXA is only available to commercial customers. The customer grants by utilization that the ARRI ALEXA or other components of the system are deployed for commercial use. Otherwise the customer has the obligation to contact ARRI preceding the utilization.
Disclaimer SxS and are trademarks of SONY corporation. mkdosfs Portions ©1998, Robert Nordier. All Rights Reserved. © 1998, Robert Nordier. All rights reserved. Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met: Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
About This Manual 2 About This Manual ARRI recommends that all users of the ALEXA read the manual in its entirety prior to use. For experienced users, the manual's structure also provides quick access for reference. How to Use This Manual All directions are given from a camera operator's point of view. For example, cameraright side refers to the right side of the camera when standing behind the camera and operating it in a normal fashion.
Scope 3 Scope This instruction manual applies to the following hardware, software and firmware versions: ALEXA LF: with Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1 or EVF-2; Camera Software Update Package (SUP) for ALEXA LF cameras: 4.0 Document revision history Document ID: D45 10003373 Version Release Date 2.0 K09699 19 March 2018 K09716 6 April 2018 3.0 K09810 7 August 2018 4.
Introduction to the ALEXA LF 4 11 Introduction to the ALEXA LF The ALEXA LF (Large Format) camera is part of a complete large-format system that meets and exceeds modern production requirements. Based around a large-format 4.5K version of the ALEXA sensor, the system comprises the ALEXA LF camera, ARRI Signature Prime lenses, new LPL lens mount and PL adapter.
Layout of the ALEXA 5 Layout of the ALEXA
Layout of the ALEXA 13
Safety Guidelines 6 Safety Guidelines Any violation of these safety instructions or non-observance of personal care could cause serious injuries (including death) to users and affiliates and damage to the equipment or other objects. 6.1 Explanation of Warning Signs and Indications Indicates a possible risk of injury or damage to the equipment Indicates the risk of electric shock or fire danger that could result in injury or damage to the equipment.
Safety Guidelines 15 Do not cover the fan openings at the camera back top and bottom! Do not subject the system to severe shocks! Do not place the system on an unstable trolley/hand truck, stand, tripod, bracket, table or any other unstable support device! The system may fall, causing serious personal injury and damage to the system or other objects.
General Precautions 7 General Precautions 7.1 Storage and Transport Use a lens port cap to prevent damage to the sensor cover glass and sensor whenever there is no lens attached. Unplug all cables when transporting the ALEXA in a camera case. Do not store the camera in places where it may be subject to temperature extremes, direct sunlight, high humidity, severe vibration, or strong magnetic fields. 7.
Sensor related image issues 8 17 Sensor related image issues Single Frame Spots of Various Shape – also known as “Digital Dust” or “White Flecks” Natural and/or artificial radiation may cause a “false exposure” on the image sensor. The shape of these spots may vary from dots to lines or other, sometimes irregular shapes. These spots occur in random locations of the image, last only for a single frame and are more visible in dark images.
Power Supply 9 Power Supply Use only ARRI-recommended power supply solutions. Manipulation of power supplies could result in serious injury or death, or damage to the ALEXA. The ALEXA accepts an input voltage range from 18.5 V to 34 V DC on the on-board battery and a range from 19.5 V to 34 V DC on the BAT connector. Do not supply power outside the specified voltage range.
Power Supply 19 Fig. 1: BAT connector 9.3 Mains Unit NG 12/26 R Use of the mains unit is recommended for shooting in the studio and when using electronic accessories with high power consumption. To power the ALEXA using the Mains Unit NG 12/26 R: 1. Set the correct mains voltage on the mains unit using the fuse on the back of the unit. For example, set it to 220 V if the AC mains power source is 220 V. 2. Connect the mains unit to AC mains power. 3. Ensure that the camera power is turned off. 4.
Power Supply 9.5 Onboard Batteries The camera can be equipped with battery adapters that accommodate a number of on-board batteries. When a battery equipped with the TI-protocol for battery communication is used, the ALEXA will display remaining capacity as a percentage on the HOME screen. The top end of the ALEXA LF power draw at 12V can generate currents that various components in the camera/battery-adapter/on-board-battery system are not rated for.
Power Supply 21 To release a Gold Mount battery: 1. Press the release button on the camera-left side of the battery adapter. 2. While pressing the release button, slide the battery camera-left, and pull it straight out. 9.6 Power Outputs The ALEXA LF has four 24 V power outputs, two at the front and two at the back of the camera, and one 12 V power output. For detailed information, see Chapters "RS", page 32 and "12 V", page 33.
Camera Support 10 Camera Support 10.1 Minimum Equipment Recommended For Operation ALEXA LF camera body and LPL mount Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1 or EVF-2 Viewfinder Mounting Bracket KC 150-S Viewfinder Cable short 0.35m/1.2ft CCH-1 Center Camera Handle BP-12 Bridge Plate with base plate, or BPA-1 with BP-5/BP-8 Bridge Plate and base plate, or WA-1 Wedge Adapter and Quick Release HD Baseplate SD card Compatible power supply Suitable media for recording 10.
Camera Support 23 The electronic viewfinder EVF-1 employs a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) imaging device with a temperature-stabilized LED light source to provide a bright, accurate view of the sensor image in all operating conditions. Each EVF-1 is calibrated to precisely match the image on the ALEXA's HD-SDI outputs. The EVF-1 has a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, with 32 additional lines of resolution above and 32 below the image to display camera status information.
Camera Support NOTICE Do not point the viewfinder into direct sunlight, very bright light sources, or highenergy light sources (e. g. laser beams)! This may cause permanent damage to the viewfinder display and optical elements. If possible, cover the eyepiece when not in use to prevent any damage. 10.3.1 Viewfinder Cables The viewfinder cables are unidirectional with a male plug to connect to the camera and a female plug to connect to the viewfinder.
Camera Support 25 The Viewfinder Extension Bracket VEB-3 extends the mounting point of the EVF further back. It can be attached to a tripod head for use with geared heads or greater comfort when using fluid heads using its standard attachment point for the ARRI Eyepiece Leveler EL-3. To avoid damage to the VMB-3 when using the VEB-3 with an eyepiece leveler, loosen the friction on VMB-3’s rotating assembly. Fig.
Camera Support Fig. 3: VEB-3 with opened fold-out arm 10.4 Center Camera Handle CCH-1 The Center Camera Handle CCH-1 is attached to the camera top with three captive 3mm hex socket head screws (two at the front and one at the back). Ensure that the CCH-1 is securely fastened before attempting to lift the camera.
Camera Support 27 The Handle Extension Block HEB-2 mounts to the front end of the CCH-1 and adds one more focus hook to the camera in a high position, allowing the tape measure to clear the matte box. 10.5 Bridge Plates BP-12/BP-13 The bridge plate BP-12 for 19 mm studio rods has been specifically developed for ALEXA.
Camera Support 10.6 Bridge Plate adapter BPA-1 The bridge plate adapter BPA-1 can be used to attach a BP-3/BP-5/BP-8/BP-9 to ALEXA. First attach the BPA-1 to the camera with the two screws. Then attach the bridge plate to the adaptor with its two screws. Make sure the screws are tightened firmly with a screwdriver. 10.7 Wedge Adapter WA-1 and Quick-Release Plate QR-HD-1 The WA-1 can be mounted at the same position as a bridge plate.
Camera Support 29 Fig. 5: Leveling Block LB-1 10.9 Shoulder Pad SP-3 The camera base has an integrated arch to fit to the operator's shoulder. For extended handheld shots, the shoulder pad SP-3 can be attached to the base of the camera with velcro. NOTICE The SP-3 can only be used with a BP-12 and 19 mm rods or with 15 mm rods and a Wedge Adapter WA-1 and a Quick-Release Plate QR-HD-1. When using the BPA-1 with a BP-5/BP-8, the bridge plate has to be removed prior to attaching the SP-3. Fig.
Connectors 11 Connectors Camera back Left column MON OUT 1A RET IN EXT MON OUT 2 MON OUT 3 BAT ETHERNET Right column ECS antenna connector MON OUT 1B LCS (2x) RS (2x) Camera right From top to bottom, left to right: CLM connectors IRIS, ZOOM, FOCUS, SD CARD (camera bottom), 2x RS (24 V) out, TC in/out, AUDIO OUT, 12V out, AUDIO IN
Connectors 31 Camera left Camera front 11.1 BAT The BAT connector can be used to power the camera from an external power source with cables KC-20S and KC-29S. It is located at the back of the camera on the camera-right side. 11.2 RET IN A return signal from another image source can be fed into the ALEXA’s RET connector for displaying on EVF and/or MON OUT. The signal must be a 1920x1080 422 1.5G single link according to SMPTE 274M and 292M.
Connectors The connectors are located at the back of the camera on the camera-right side. 11.4 EXT The EXT connector is a multi-pin accessory connector that carries signals for communication with various accessories and 24V power. The maximum power output is 2.2A, shared with the RS outputs. Cables are currently available for: Connecting a UMC-3 remote motor controller (model UMC Connection Cable (0.80m/2.
Connectors 11.9 33 12 V The 12 V output with a 2-pin LEMO connector is located on the right side of the camera. It is limited to 12 V and can supply a device with a current of up to 2.2 A, depending on the camera power supply. The connector is located at front of the camera on the camera-right side. 11.10 TC The TC connector is a 5pin LEMO socket. It accepts and distributes a Longitudinal Time Code (LTC) signal.
Connectors The SD card can be formatted on the ALEXA or the following folder structure can be created manually on a computer. The SD card must be properly formatted prior to its first use. SD card folder structure: – ARRI – ALEXA – – – – – – – – – Firmware Framelines Grabs LDA Licenses LookFiles ScreenCaptures Sensor Setups To format an SD card on the ALEXA: 1. Press the MENU button. 2. Using the jogwheel, select System. 3. Select SD Card. 4. Select Format + prepare SD card. 5.
Connectors 35 LBUS accessories compatible with ALEXA LF: cforce mini lens motors cforce plus lens motors cforce mini RF lens motors Needs cforce mini RF SUP 1.1 (planned for Q4 2018) The cforce mini RF motor must be set to "client mode". Then it works like a cforce mini motor without the RF functionality, which the ALEXA LF has built-in anyway. Master Grips Needs at least Master Grip/OCU-1 SUP 1.1.2 For override function it needs Master Grip/OCU-1 SUP 2.
Recording Module 12 Recording Module The ALEXA records clips using the recording module on the camera-left side. For every recording medium type, the respective adapter needs to be inserted before a medium can be inserted. The media slot can take SXR Capture Drives with the SXR Capture Drive Adapter and SxS PRO+ cards with the SxS Adapter 2. When the ALEXA is in ProRes mode, it can record onto SXR Capture Drives or SxS PRO+ cards.
Recording Module 37 NOTICE Keep the door closed to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the camera. Only Sony SxS PRO+ cards can be used with ALEXA. Sony SxS-1 and SxS PRO cards are not supported. SXR Capture Drives are specified for a temperature range from 0° Celsius to 70° Celsius (32° Fahrenheit to 158° Fahrenheit).
Recording Module NOTICE Do not force any media into the slot or into the adapter in wrong orientation— the contacts could be damaged. Do not force the door closed if the media is not fully inserted. Removing media: When the camera is in ProRes recording mode, SxS PRO+ cards and SXR Capture Drives do not have to be mounted or unmounted—they can be inserted or removed whenever the camera is in STBY mode. If media is removed during recording, only the last second of the current clip will be lost.
Recording Module 39 Explanation of LED States SXR Capture Drives and SxS Adapter 2 have an LED that signals the media's state to the user. LED state Off Media state No media present Media is unreadable (e.g.
Lens Mounting 13 Lens Mounting The ALEXA is equipped with an interchangeable lens mount. NOTICE Lenses must cover a diameter of at least 36.35 mm for LF 16:9 sensor mode, 39.76 mm for LF 2.39:1 sensor mode and 44.71 mm for LF Open Gate sensor mode to prevent vignetting. 13.1 LPL mount The ALEXA LPL lens mount supports the ARRI Lens Data System LDS-2. An LDS lens must be mounted with the LDS contacts in the 12 o'clock position to enable the LDS functions.
Lens Mounting 13.2 41 PL-to-LPL Adapter The PL-to-LPL adapter allows to attach PL lenses to the ALEXA LF without using any tools. The PL-to-LPL Adapter can be mounted with the LDS contacts in the 12:00 or 3:00 position. In both positions, it supports LDS-1 and /i. The three most common uses of Super 35 PL lenses on the ALEXA LF are: 1 2 3 Using an image expander. Cropping the Super 35 area in post. Using the large illumination circle of Ultra Primes, Master Primes or Ultra Wide Zoom (UWZ).
Lens Mounting Slide the bridge into position on the rods directly under the lens support ring on the lens, and fix it in place by tightening the lever on its side. Align and tighten the center screw in the lens support ring, adjusting the height of the center screw with the lever on the back of the lens bridge.
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 14 43 In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM The In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM is standard to the ALEXA LF, which allows the use of ARRI Large Format Full Spectrum Neutral Density (LF FSND) filters (available separately). By using internal filters you can rate the camera at the base sensitivity of EI 800 without the need for external filters, even in bright light conditions.
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM LF IFM filter holder is standard to the ALEXA LF. 14.1 Safety instructions for in-camera filtration Proper shimming is crucial for the safe use of in-camera filters. Only correct shimming ensures the proper flange focal depth. 14.1.1 Maximum lens mounting depth for PL lenses Only cameras with the original LF IFM Shim allow for 31.50 mm maximum lens mounting depth of PL mount lenses, when using in-camera filters.
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 45 CAUTION! Risk of damage and injury from insufficient shimming! All internal filters require a properly shimmed lens mount. Otherwise, even PL mount lenses with a nominal mounting depth of less than 31.50 mm might damage internal filters and the camera. Shards from broken filter glass might cause injury. To ensure maximum allowable lens mounting depth, and to avoid damage or injury, always shim your camera correctly (see page 46).
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM IFM/Extenders Depth Gauge DG-1 (4) LF IFM Shim (5) Microfiber Cloth (6) Cleaning Instructions (6) Eight Internal Filters LF FSND 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4 (7) Fig. 9: The FSND Filter Set (Full) for ALEXA LF The LF IFM Empty Filter Frame is also available separately to create custom filters. When mounting filters into the filter frame, use the provided shims to ensure the filter is sitting neither too loose nor too tight.
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 47 Mount all proper shims correctly without omitting, adding or losing any. Otherwise, the flange focal depth will not be correct. Mark your cameras shimmed for LF IFM to avoid confusion. Once the camera is shimmed for LF IFM: Immediately replace the LF IFM Empty Filter Frame with an FSND filter or the LF IFM Optical Clear filter.
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 2. Unscrew (only with a TX6 torx screwdriver!) the four accessible torx screws (1) that hold the lens lock (the other four torx screws are still hidden by lock position CLOSED). 3. Turn the lens lock into position OPEN (2) to unhide and unscrew the other four torx screws (1).
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 4. Remove the lens lock (1) from the LPL mount. Keep all installed shims (if any) carefully in place (2): 5. Remove the LDS pin support and MCA print (2) by unscrewing the two TX6 torx screws (1).
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 6. Add three 0.1 mm washers (1) on each of the four positioning pins (see detailed section). 7. Reattach the LDS pin support and MCA print (2) by fastening the two TX6 torx screws (1) hand-tight.
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 51 8. Accurately place the LF IFM Shim, with its inscription always facing cameraoutwards (2), onto the LPL mount. The shim's screw holes must line up exactly with the mount's thread holes and the index pin (3): 9.
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 10. Turn the lens lock into Position CLOSED (2) and fasten the other four torx screws hand-tight (1). Check if all screws and the shim fit correctly: 11. Before mounting a lens, always check its mounting depth (see "Safety instructions for in-camera filtration", page 44 and "Maximum lens mounting depth for PL lenses", page 44) NOTICE Make sure the LDS connection between lens and camera’s LPL mount works properly. If not, add more washers (see step 6). 14.
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 53 To insert or change an in-camera filter: 1. Remove the lens or lid (1) from the LPL lens mount (2). 2. Carefully screw the filter insertion tool (1) into the filter ring’s (2) thread hole in the 12 o'clock position (1).
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 3. Pull the filter (2) from the bottom ring in the camera's LPL mount. If the filter position is held by an LF IFM Empty Filter Frame, remove it likewise. 4. Clean the removed filter and stow it properly in its individual box and the storage case. If the filter position was held by an LF IFM Empty Filter Frame, store it likewise (in case the camera is no longer shimmed for LF IFM in the future). 5. Place the removed filter into its padded filter box in the storage case.
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM 55 7. Place the next filter onto the bottom ring in the camera’s LPL mount. The filter insertion tool has to be in the 12 o’clock position (1). 8. Align the filter ring’s main notch with the bottom ring’s red nut in the 6 o’clock position. To ensure an accurate fit, align the filter ring’s other notches with the two red noses in the bottom ring’s 10:30 and 1:30 positions. 9.
In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM To clean the filters: NOTICE To avoid in-camera damage, always clean all filters outside of camera. 1. Ensure a clean, dust-and-moisture-free environment 2. Wear fresh rubber gloves to avoid fingerprints and smear 3. Never touch the sensor 4. Check the coating for dirt, smear and scratches 5. Remove sand, dust or solid particles with micro bellows 6.
Camera Controls 15 57 Camera Controls The ALEXA can be controlled through three user interfaces: Main controls Location: camera-right side Interface: 3-inch LCD-screen with floating-function buttons, a jogwheel to navigate through menus and adjust parameters, and a range of fixed-function buttons. Operator controls Location: camera-left side Interface: three assignable function buttons plus three fixedfunction buttons for easy operator access.
Camera Controls 15.1.2 Screen Buttons Six screen buttons are located above and below the LCD display. Their function varies depending on the screen content and is shown directly above or below each button. If no function is shown above or below a button on the LCD, it has no function for that screen. As a failsafe, operations that cannot be reversed and can result in the loss of data require pressing two buttons simultaneously to confirm the operation. 15.1.
Camera Controls 59 Button Function WB Sets the camera’s white balance. This is the color temperature of the light source that the ALEXA is currently adjusted for. In addition to the red/blue correction of the white balance, the ALEXA can also compensate for a green/magenta tint. This value, called CC (color compensation), is shown as an exponent of the WB value. Positive values are marked with a "+" and negative values with a "-".
Camera Controls During standby, shows remaining capacity of the inserted media in hours, minutes, and seconds. It is calculated for the current framerate and codec.* During recording, shows remaining length for current clip in hours, minutes, and seconds, prefixed with 'C'. Shows media status when media is not ready for recording. * When recording is set to ProRes, the value shown is the minimum available recording time for the current sensor frame rate and codec combination.
Camera Controls 61 Name Icon Description SD Card An SD card is present. The icon turns orange when the card is accessed. Grab The GRAB icon flashes while a still frame is being taken and written to the SD card. Radio The ARRI Wireless Remote System (WRS) radio is active. The wireless network/WiFi radio is active. The ARRI Wireless Remote System (WRS) radio and the wireless network/WiFi radio are active.
Camera Controls Adding a list value If the desired list value does not appear in the list, a user-defined value can be added. To add a list value: 1. Press the ADD button. 2. On the ADD screen, use the jogwheel and + or – buttons to enter a new list value. 3. When you are finished entering the new list value, press the jogwheel to add it to the list. NOTICE Each list supports a maximum of 16 entries.
Camera Controls 63 NOTICE Access to this screen is disabled during record. The maximum frame rate that can be set is dependent on the type of media and the codec. If the desired frame rate cannot be set because it is grayed out, change the codec to one with a lower data rate. There are shortcut buttons on the FPS screen for CODEC, INFO and SDI FPS. In the SDI FPS screen, MON OUT 1/2/3 frame rates can be adjusted within the limits of their current format. The MON OUT should match the sensor frame rate.
Camera Controls Fig. 12: Audio screen Gain can be applied to the audio channels by turning the jogwheel to set both channels, or by pressing the CH 1+, CH 1-, CH 2+ and CH 2- buttons. The amount of gain applied by the camera is indicated next to the levels as light gray numbers. NOTICE When adjusting audio input levels, a "clicking" noise can be heard on audio outputs. Adjustment of audio levels therefore is disabled during recording.
Camera Controls 65 Option Description Channel 2 level Manual allows the user to manually apply gain to the input signal on channel 2 to reach a correct level. Unity matches a 4 dBu input signal to -20 dBFS. This setting leaves enough headroom for recording and avoids audio clipping. When Unity is selected, audio levels cannot be adjusted by the user. Channel 1 source Select the left or right input signal as the source for Channel 1.
Camera Controls Audio out level Set the level of the audio out channels manually, or set it to fix the maximum output. NOTICE These settings do not influence the audio signal embedded in the HD-SDI connectors or recorded in QuickTime clips. They only affect the AUDIO OUT connector. ALEXA automatically determines the internal signal run time and matches audio and images so they are always in sync.
Camera Controls 67 Fig. 17: Exposure Index screen NOTICE The Exposure Index list has fixed content, meaning that it cannot be changed by the user. When changing the EI setting during recording, one or more frames on the recorded material may show artifacts resulting from the change. An area that is overexposed more than eight stops above clipping can appear darker than its surroundings. Applying the exposure indexes at the extremes of the range will nonetheless have an influence on the images.
Camera Controls 15.1.3.6 COLOR The ALEXA LF comes with very powerful color processing capabilities that can be configured on the COLOR screen, similar to the ALEXA SXT. As the possible combinations of color processing parameters may become quite complex, ARRI provides a white paper titled "ARRI Look Management in ALEXA SXT", available for download on the ARRI ALEXA webpage. Press the COLOR button to open the COLOR screen.
Camera Controls 69 Processing defines the type of processing that is applied to the image path. The following list describes which image processing settings are available. Note that in case of ARRIRAW recording, REC processing is always set to ARRIRAW and cannot be changed. Log C Log C is a logarithmic gamma based on the Cineon format for output to film print or digital intermediate. Color-grading is a required post-production step in the Log C workflow.
Camera Controls video image with lower contrast compared to the standard REC 709 output. As a result, the image holds as much dynamic range information as possible, without using Log C encoding. Highlight and shadow detail that would be lost in the typical REC 709 tone mapping can still be accessed. ARRI Look Creator, a free application from ARRI, and some third-party applications can be used to create ARRI Look File 2 files, which can be based on frame grabs taken with the ALEXA.
Camera Controls 71 When a clip recorded with Look processing is played back, no ARRI Look File 2 will be applied by the camera during playback. For the duration of that clip, ARRI Look File 2 files will be disabled. 15.1.3.7 WB White Balance (WB) is the color balance of the camera that should be set to the value appropriate for the light in use.
Camera Controls To add a white balance: 1. On the HOME screen, press the WB button. 2. Press the ADD button. 3. Rotate the jogwheel to adjust the white balance value in steps of 100K or press the + 1000K and – 1000K buttons. 4. Press the jogwheel or <> button to select the CC adjustment. 5. Rotate the jogwheel to adjust the CC value. 6. Press the jogwheel to add the new white balance to the WHITE BALANCE list. To perform an automatic white balance: 1. On the HOME screen, press the WB button. 2.
Camera Controls 73 NOTICE Default white balance values cannot be renamed. 15.1.4 Function Buttons The main controls feature the following function buttons: ON/OFF Press once to switch the camera on. Press and hold for 5 seconds to switch off the camera. A countdown will be displayed on the HOME screen. If the button is released before the countdown has elapsed, the camera does not switch off. REC Press to start and stop internal recording.
Camera Controls HOME Press to return to the HOME screen from any menu or screen. 15.1.4.1 TC Press the TC button to open the TIMECODE screen. The TIMECODE screen displays the current timecode and timecode format settings. Fig. 20: Timecode screen NOTICE Individual frame values are not shown but are still counted. Press the SET TC button to set the TC counter (only when the timecode source is set to Int TC).
Camera Controls 75 Regen Rec Run TC is regenerated from the last valid TC value. When set to Ext LTC, the camera continuously reads the TC signal at the LTC connector as long as it is present. Upon disconnection or loss of signal, the camera continues counting on its own. When the external signal is reconnected, the camera uses the values of the external signal again. When set to Int TC, the value increases with each new frame generated by the sensor. Jam sync Only Ext LTC can be jam sync'd.
Camera Controls Fig. 21: LIVE info screen VERSION Info Cam serial no. The serial number of the camera. Cam ID Translation of the camera serial number to Base36, with an additional prefix for 3D applications. This encoding of the serial number has been chosen so it can be part of each filename while using the fewest number of characters. Firmware Version number of the currently installed camera Software Update Packet (SUP). EVF serial no.
Camera Controls 77 Max. fps current Maximum frame rate with current codec. Size Total available storage space on media Firmware version Firmware version of the media Fig. 23: MEDIA info screen SYSTEM Info Time/Date Current date and time. To set the date and time, press the MENU button, select SYSTEM and select DATE/TIME. Fan speed Speed of the camera’s cooling fan in rotations per minute. Sensor mode Shows the active sensor mode. Sensor temperature Current temperature of image sensor.
Camera Controls FPS Info The FPS Info screen displays an overview of the current frame rates set in the camera and the maximum frame rate possible on the media loaded in the camera at the current settings.
Camera Controls 79 Name Description 1-3 4-6 None button has no function X X MON OUT 1 surround toggles surround view of the MON OUT 1 on or off X X MON OUT 1 processing toggles processing of MON OUT 1 between Log C, Look, and ALEXA Classic 709 X X MON OUT 1 frame lines toggles frame lines on the MON OUT 1 on or off X X MON OUT 1 status info toggles status info on the MON OUT 1 on or off X X MON OUT 1 smart zoom When MON OUT 1 zoom is off, switches zoom on.
Camera Controls Name Description 1-3 4-6 MON OUT 2 zoom toggles zoom on MON OUT 2 on or off X X MON OUT 2 zoom pos toggles zoom position on MON OUT 2 X X MON OUT 2 false color toggles false color display on MON OUT 2 on or off X X MON OUT 2 peaking toggles peaking on MON OUT 2 on or off X X MON 2 desqueeze toggles anamorphic desqueeze on MON OUT 2 on or off X X MON OUT 3 surround toggles surround view of the MON OUT 3 on or off X X MON OUT 3 processing toggles processing of
Camera Controls 81 Name Description 1-3 EVF frame lines1 toggles frame lines on the EVF image on or off X EVF status info1 toggles status info on the EVF image on or off X EVF smart zoom1 When EVF zoom is off, switches zoom on. X 4-6 When EVF zoom is on, short press toggles zoom positions, long press switches zoom off.
Camera Controls Name Description 1-3 Circle clip marks the clip as a good take X 4-6 Only available during recording Auto WB Press once to open the AUTO WB sceen. Press again to perform an automatic white balance. X Grab GUI takes a still image of the current main camera control screen on the LCD and saves it to the SD card as a .
Camera Controls 83 NOTICE Do not eject media during playback. Recorded clips do not contain the surround view portion of the EVF or MON OUT 1/2/3 image. When playing back clips, the surround view portion will not be visible. Playback of ARRIRAW footage may show a thin black border around the image that is not part of the recorded material. PLAY screen buttons STEPSIZE Toggle the scrub step size between one frame and one second. +10% Advance the current clip by ten percent of the clip duration.
Camera Controls CLIPLIST Press the CLIPLIST button to open the CLIPLIST screen and access all the clips recorded internally. To play a clip from the cliplist: 1. Press the CLIPLIST button. 2. Use the jogwheel to select a clip. 3. Press the jogwheel to load the selected clip. 4. Press the jogwheel to play the selected clip. Additional CLIPLIST screen information: number of selected and total number of clips on the media codec of selected clip duration of selected clip circled or not Fig.
Camera Controls 85 15.1.4.5 Wireless Remote System Radio System The ALEXA LF contains a radio unit that enables wireless lens control, lens data communication and remote control of basic camera functions. The radio system is called white radio and it can be identified by a white ring at the base of the antenna mount point. It offers 8 channels to choose from: Channel Frequency 0 2.410 GHz 1 2.415 GHz 2 2.430 GHz 3 2.435 GHz 4 2.450 GHz 5 2.455 GHz 6 2.470 GHz 7 2.475 GHz 8 2.
Camera Controls Canada China Egypt Europe Hong Kong India Israel Japan New Zealand Philippines Singapore South Africa South Korea Taiwan Thailand United Arab Emirates USA World In case of doubt please contact ARRI Service to ensure that the region is configured correctly. Note that all settings fulfill FCC requirements. Plus Camera Controls The WRS button gives access to the WRS screen, from where all camera settings related to the Wireless Remote System can be handled.
Camera Controls 87 Fig. 30: WRS radio screen CAUTION! WRS region settings specify where the wireless function can be used in compliance with local regulations. It may be illegal to use the wireless function in a region other than specified in the setting. Please ensure that the region is configured correctly (e. g. when traveling). CAM LEVEL Shows the tilt and roll of the camera in degrees as measured by the camera's position sensor. This sensor can be reset if it appears to have an offset.
Camera Controls LENS DATA Fig. 32: LDS info screen Shows the type of LDS lens connected and the LDS status. The LENS DATA screen button leads to the LDS screen, where lens type, current focal length, iris, focus distance and close and far point of depth of field are shown. The OPTIONS screen button opens the LDS options screen, where the following parameters can be set: Lens distance unit Metric Imperial Default unit (as provided by the lens) Circle of confusion 0.013 mm 0.025 mm 0.035 mm 0.
Camera Controls 89 The LDA screen consists of a user list and a main archive list. The user list should only contain the lenses currently used to achieve quick access to the desired lens tables. The main archive contains a set of lens tables for ARRI/Zeiss High Speeds (also known as Super Speeds), Master Primes and Ultra Primes and can be extended with additional lens tables for any PL-Mount lens. NOTICE Custom lens tables may have to be created manually beforehand.
Camera Controls Lenses can also be equipped with the lens data mount LDM. The mount contains a chip with the lens table stored inside, so the lens transmits its data to the camera as soon as it is connected. For information on current ring positions, these lenses must be used in combination with controlled lens motors. CLM screens The screens for IRIS, FOCUS and ZOOM controlled lens motors all have the same layout. They show the motor type, motor direction, motor torque, and motor teeth count mode.
Camera Controls 91 NOTICE Use only one lens motor per lens axis. Lens motors should be connected, according to their position on the lens, to the IRIS, FOCUS and ZOOM sockets on the camera-right side. It is also possible to connect LBUS motors like the cforce mini with an LCS-to-LBUS cable via the LCS connectors at the camera back. Motor calibration After connecting a lens motor to the camera and the lens, it must be calibrated.
Camera Controls 3D lens sync When two ALEXA LF cameras are set to Sensor sync EXT master and EXT slave, the slave camera will switch off its radio module and receive motor control commands from the master camera over the EXT connection. NOTICE Matching of the master and slave cameras' lenses in terms of focus, iris and zoom ring positions depends on the mechanical accuracy of the lenses. Make sure the lenses in use are matched as closely as possible.
Camera Controls 93 cmotion pan-bar and steady zoom cmotions pan-bar and steady zooms are small clamp-on zoom controllers. They can be connected to the camera via cable to an LCS port. Zoom Main Unit ZMU-3 The ZMU-3 controls the zoom axis. It can be connected to the camera via cable to an LCS port, or via cable through an LCS port of an WCU-3, or wirelessly by using a WZE-3. Wireless Zoom Extension WZE-3 The WZE-3 is a radio system that enables direct wireless connection of a ZMU-3 and a camera.
Camera Controls 15.1.5.1 Recording Select the RECORDING submenu to adjust parameters for internal recording. Format Select for recording options: ProResTM ARRIRAW Switching between recording modes takes approximately 20 seconds. Setting Select to set the codec: ProRes 422, ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 4444, ProRes 4444 XQ Resolution Select to set the resolution. See the tables below for available resolutions.
Camera Controls 95 NOTICE Power loss during formatting of media may lead to irreversible damage to the media! Please ensure steady power supply before starting formatting. Before formatting or erasing an SxS PRO+ card, make sure the write-protect tab on the back edge of the SxS PRO+ card is disengaged. Do not engage or disengage the write-protect tab while the card is loaded in the SxS slot. Formatting or erasing media removes all data irreversibly.
Camera Controls 15.1.5.2 Monitoring Select the Monitoring submenu to adjust parameters for monitoring on the EVF and the MON OUT 1/2/3 output. These outputs are meant for monitoring and not recording. Frame lines set in the Frame lines submenu apply to both MON OUT 1/2/3 and EVF. Select the Electronic viewfinder and MON OUT 1/2/3 submenus to switch the set frame lines on or off individually. Electronic viewfinder Select to adjust EVF settings. MON OUT 1/2/3 Select to adjust MON OUT 1/2/3 settings.
Camera Controls 97 False color index Select to open the FALSE COLOR INDEX screen which has a reference chart explaining the false color coding. NOTICE When activating RET IN with status info on, status info will stay active and partially overlay the RET IN image. Left, right, top and bottom edges of the RET IN image are cropped on MON OUT 1/2/3. On EVF, only left and right edges are cropped. Set status info off to view the full RET IN image.
Camera Controls Smooth mode Select to set smooth mode On or Off. With smooth mode on, the EVF image shutters less when panning. The effect is only noticeable with sensor frame rates of 15 fps or above. Slightly reduces the image brightness in the EVF. Note: Smooth mode is only possible with frame rates up to 30 fps and shutter angles of 180.0 or less. If smooth mode is switched on but not available, the camera issues a warning. Surround view Select to set surround view on the EVF On or Off.
Camera Controls 99 Status info brightness Select to adjust the brightness of the status info overlays. Status info Select to set status info to On or Off. When set to On, camera shooting parameters are displayed across the top of the EVF-1’s image, outside the active image area and camera status information is displayed across the bottom of the EVF’s image, outside the active image area. Electronic horizon Select to set the electronic horizon level to On or Off.
Camera Controls Surround view Select to set surround view on the MON OUT On or Off. When set to on, the additional pixels outside the recorded image area on the ALEXA’s A2X sensor are displayed, allowing the operator to see outside the recorded image and keep unwanted objects, such as microphone booms, out of the shot. To view only the recorded image, set surround view to off.
Camera Controls 101 Frame lines Select to set frame lines to On or Off. Frame lines are a reference for framing that typically consist of an image frame, a center mark and an aspect ratio reference. See the appendix for more information on the ALEXA frame line format. Surround mask Select to adjust the surround mask settings. If surround view is set to On, it must be separated from the recorded image area to allow proper framing.
Camera Controls A standard set of frame lines for different aspect ratios is provided in the camera, including: Sensor mode LF 16:9 1.78:1 (ARRI 1.78) 1.78:1 for HD cropping (ARRI 1.78 HD) * 1.85:1 (ARRI 1.85) 1.85:1 for 2K DCI-compatible cropping (ARRI 1.85 2K DCI) * 2.00:1 (ARRI 2.00) 2.39:1 (ARRI 2.39) 2.39:1 for 2K DCI-compatible cropping (ARRI 2.39 2K DCI) * Super 35 6:5 (ARRI S35 6x5 2.6K Scope 2x) Super 35 16:9 (ARRI S35 16x9 2.8K) Super 35 16:9 (ARRI S35 16x9 3.
Camera Controls 103 5. Using the jogwheel, select the new frame line in the FRAME LINES list. 6. Press the jogwheel to set the new frame line. Frame line 1 Select to set the primary frame line template. Frame line 2 Select to set a secondary frame line, if desired. User rectangles Select to open the User rectangles menu, where two custom user rectangle overlays can be adjusted. Color Select to set the color of the frame lines.
Camera Controls False Color Index Select False color index to display a reference chart showing the relationship between the color overlays, signal level in percent and descriptions. False color is available on the EVF and over the MON OUT outputs. Fig. 35: False Color Encoding 15.1.5.3 Project Sensor mode Select to set which sensor mode is active: LF 16:9, LF 2.39:1, or LF Open Gate. Note: When changing the sensor mode, the camera resets the recording resolution to the default value.
Camera Controls 105 Production info Select to open the PRODUCTION INFO screen where the user can enter metadata information specific to the production. NOTICE At this point in time, the two new lens squeeze factors (1.65x and 1.80x) will not be recorded in ARRIRAW motion picture metadata. Instead, the motion picture ARRIRAW metadata will list a lens squeeze factor of 1.0 (however, the 1.25x, 1.30x, 1.50x and 2.00x squeeze factors will be recorded properly in metadata).
Camera Controls 15.1.5.4 System The System menu contains submenus of system settings.
Camera Controls 107 Sensor mode Select to set which sensor mode is active: LF 16:9, LF 2.39:1, or LF Open Gate. Note: When changing the sensor mode, the camera resets the recording resolution to the default value. Noise reduction Note: When recording ARRIRAW, noise reduction is only applied to monitoring image paths (EVF and MON OUT 1, 2 and 3) and not to the recorded images. Information about noise reduction is stored in metadata.
Camera Controls to mark the least number of pixels necessary, as too many marked pixels can be counter productive. 4. Save the User Pixel Mask into the folder /ARRI/ALEXA/Sensor/ on the SD card and load it into the camera via the SD card. 5. After a restart of the camera, the marked pixels will be masked using information from surrounding pixels.
Camera Controls 109 Power BAT1 (Plug) warning Select to adjust the voltage level at which a power warning is displayed for the power source connected to the BAT plug. The level can be adjusted to match the battery type used. The default value is 22.0 V. BAT2 (Onboard) warning Select to adjust the voltage level at which a power warning is displayed for the onboard battery. The level can be adjusted to match the battery type used. The default value is 24.0 V.
Camera Controls Eye index Select to set the Eye index to left (L) or right (R). The first letter of the Camera ID will be changed to L or R for stereoscopic productions to identify left and right eye cameras. The eye index is reflected in clip names recorded internally. Sensor sync Select to sync the sensors of two ALEXAs. See page 140 for more information. Off: The camera is in non-synced mode for regular use.
Camera Controls 111 Color bars Select to activate SMPTE color bars on all MON OUTs. The color bars are a 10-bit signal according to SMPTE RP 219-2002. Note: Color bar is switched off when recording is started. Color bars will always bypass the ALF-2 look file. These are SDR color bars. Use only on SDR displays. They will, however, work properly when the camera MON OUT color space is set to either Rec. 709 or Rec. 2020.
Camera Controls System Time + Date Time Displays the current time in HOURS:MINUTES:SECONDS format. Date Displays the current date in YEAR-MONTH-DAY format. Set time + date Select to set time and date. Time zone Select to set the time zone to match your current location. DST Select to set daylight savings time. Set time + date Use the lower screen buttons to navigate between the elements in the screen and to finish your setting. To set the time and date: 1.
Camera Controls 113 Fan mode Fan mode Select to set the fan mode to Regular for locations with ambient temperatures up to 30°C (86°F). For locations with ambient temperatures higher than 30°C (86°F), set to Rec low. When the fan is set to Rec Low, it will run at a high rate when the camera is in Standby, and run at a low rate when the camera is recording.
Camera Controls WiFi power Select to turn WiFi power on or off WiFi host password Select to enter the password for the WiFi network NOTICE When activating or deactivating the ARRI Wireless Remote System (WRS, also known as Electronic Control System (ECS) or "white radio"), the WiFi module changes its channel to minimize interferences. Devices connected via WiFi will lose their connection temporarily, but most devices reconnect automatically.
Camera Controls 115 Firmware - Software Update Packages (SUPs) To keep the ALEXA up to date with new features, the camera firmware can be updated by the user. Download the latest Software Update Package (SUP) from http://www.arri.com/camera/alexa and be sure to read the included instructions. NOTICE ARRI discourages downgrading cameras to lower SUP versions.
Camera Controls NOTICE On rare occasions, the update process can fail. If the update procedure fails, try it again until you succeed. Licensed Features The Licensed Features screen shows all installed licenses, and allows to export a HW INFO file. This file contains information about the hardware configuration of the ALEXA and might be requested by ARRI Service for troubleshooting. 15.1.5.5 Frame Grabs It is possible to take still frames from the camera's sensor.
Camera Controls 117 Press OPTIONS to access the options for frame compare. The following options are available: Compare mode Interleave Toggle Active on EVF On/Off Active on MON OUT 1 On/Off Active on MON OUT 2 On/Off Active on MON OUT 3 On/Off Press COMPARE on the COMPARE FILE screen to activate or deactivate frame compare. When compare mode is set to Interleave, every other line is replaced by content from the loaded file.
Camera Controls To save a user setup: 1. Press the MENU button. 2. Use the jogwheel to select User Setups. 3. Select Save current setup. 4. To apply a custom name to your user setup, press the RENAME button. Erase the default user-setup name by pressing the CLEAR ALL button. 5. Use the jogwheel to enter a new name by scrolling to the desired character and pressing to select it. 6. When you have finished entering the new user setup name, press the DONE button. 7.
Camera Controls 119 A recommended procedure for working with user setups is as follows: 1. Before shooting, perform a factory reset to restore factory default settings. 2. Save a user setup named "Reset" or similar. This will be used instead of performing the ALEXA’s factory reset. 3. Adjust the camera's shooting parameters and settings, and load the desired frame lines and ARRI Look File 2 files. 4. Save another user setup with a descriptive name, such as "Show Title A-Cam". 5.
Camera Controls Fig. 36: Operator UI 15.3 EVF Controls The EVF controls are located on the electronic viewfinder. They consist of a number of function buttons and a jogwheel. CAM Press the CAM button to open the EVF's CAM menu. EVF Press the EVF button to open the EVF's EVF menu. ZOOM Press the ZOOM button for a temporary zoom-in to quickly check focus. Being zoomed in is indicated by an orange frame around the image. Frame lines are deactivated while zoom is active.
Camera Controls 121 Fig. 38: EVF-1 right side When the LOCK button on the main controls is engaged, the CAM and EVF buttons are locked with the main controls and operator controls. The ZOOM and EXP buttons are not affected by the lock. The message "Button is locked!" is displayed in the EVF when the CAM or EVF button is pressed while the main controls are locked. 15.3.1 Viewfinder EVF menu Press the EVF button to open the Viewfinder EVF menu in the EVF display and set the viewfinder parameters.
Camera Controls Surround view Select to set surround view on the EVF On or Off. When set to on, the additional pixels outside the recorded image area on the ALEXA’s A2X sensor are displayed, allowing the operator to see outside the recorded image and keep unwanted objects, such as microphone booms, out of the shot. To view only the recorded image, set surround view to off. Note: Only available in sensor mode LF 16:9 Surround mask Select to adjust the surround mask settings.
Camera Controls 15.4 123 FPS Select to set the sensor frame rate. Preconfigured and previously added user-defined values can be selected in the FPS list. SHUTTER Select to set the shutter angle. Preconfigured and previously added user-defined values can be selected in the Shutter list. EI Select to set the exposure index. Settings from EI 160 to EI 3200 can be selected, in steps of 1/3 stop. WB Select to set the white balance.
Wireless Video 16 Wireless Video The HD video transmitter transmits the video signal of MON OUT 3 to a Wireless Video Receiver (WVR-1) or Transvideo Starlite ARRI-WVS monitor. It can wirelessly transmit at 5 GHz up to a distance of 600 m with less than 1 ms delay. The transmission is always secured by 128 bit AES encryption and is uncompressed. The camera can transmit to up to four receivers simultaneously. NOTICE The WVS is not compatible with any other wireless video transmission system.
Wireless Video 16.1 125 Setting the region of the wireless video function Setting the region of the wireless video module can only be done by ARRI Service Centers. Please note that only devices with the same region setting are compatible with each other. CAUTION! Wireless region settings specify where the wireless function can be used in compliance with local regulations. It may be illegal to use the wireless function in a region other than specified in the setting.
Wireless Video Pairing: 1. Make sure the transmitter and receivers you want to pair are at least 1 m apart. 2. Turn on WVR-1. Make sure no other transmitters and receivers are powered up. 3. Press PAIR on WVR-1 until NETWORK LED blinks fast. 4. Press PAIR on the camera until NETWORK LED blinks fast. 5. Pairing is complete when NETWORK LEDs turn to solid. 6. Repeat the procedure for each additional WVR-1.
Wireless Video 16.5 127 Supported resolutions 1080p 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 1080psf 16.6 23.976 (displayed as 1080i48) 24 (displayed as 1080i48) 25 (displayed as 1080i50) 29.97 (displayed as 1080i60) 30 (displayed as 1080i60) Sample setups The number of WVS systems that can be used in parallel depends on the number of channels available, which is different for each region, and the radio noise present. In general, four to six systems can work in parallel.
Wireless Video 16.7 Software update To up- or downgrade the HD wireless video module, it is necessary to connect it via USB to a Windows computer that runs the ARRI Wireless Video software, which is available for download on the ARRI web page. You need to have the current firmware installation file available to perfom the upgrade. The user software guides you through the process of up- or downgrading.
Operation of the Camera 17 129 Operation of the Camera This chapter covers tasks the user will encounter while using the ALEXA. While previous chapters contained specific procedures for basic use, this chapter will outline broader tasks and offer recommendations and best practices, including camera configuration. 17.1 Internal recording This chapter contains information and recommendations for internal recording.
Operation of the Camera ProRes Recording in ProRes is a cost-efficient alternative to shooting ARRIRAW, as it requires less storage space and no further processing in post. The following resolutions are available with ProRes recording: Sensor Mode Resolution LF 16:9 HD (1920 x 1080) 2K (2048 x 1152) 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) LF 2.39:1 4.5K (4448 x 1856) LF Open Gate 4.
Operation of the Camera 131 NOTICE CAUTION! RAID redundancy is very helpful if data from one of the two internal drives is corrupted or one of the internal drives is damaged. But the SXR Capture Drive still appears as one volume, and if it gets erased accidentally by the user, the data is gone.
Operation of the Camera Choosing a Recording Format The selection of the recording format is a crucial decision which needs to be discussed with the production company and post production. While lower bit rate codecs offer longer recording times, they introduce compression artifacts that can limit creative choices. ProRes 422 Use for basic television production. Limited options in color correction. ProRes 422 HQ Use for high quality TV production. Suitable for creative color correction.
Operation of the Camera 133 Copy After recording is finished, the footage needs to be copied to another device in order to free up the media. The copy process should be verified using checksum calculation to ensure that no errors have occurred. Backup The footage should ideally be copied to two physically separate destinations. The first copy should be the "working copy", and the second copy should be the "backup copy".
Operation of the Camera The file formats, file naming and directory structure that will be presented by the VFS are fully configurable through the Codex Platform software. This makes the VFS a highly flexible tool for providing exactly the material you require, when you want it, without redundant processing and storage overhead on your drives. The default VFS configuration for the output of only ARRIRAW files uses the following file path: ///..
Operation of the Camera 135 The file name for ARRIRAW files on SXR Capture Drives is controlled by the VFS configuration. We highly recommend to use the standard file naming convention "..", whereas "shot" automatically uses the ALEXA naming scheme described above. The reel counter should be set to 001 at the beginning of a shoot.
Operation of the Camera Even if the user forgets to assign different camera indices to two cameras on the same project, the Camera ID metadata guarantees unique tape names. The Quicktime file carries a single timecode track. For more information about ALEXA metadata, please refer to the ALEXA Metadata white paper, available at http://www.arri.com/camera/digital_cameras/downloads in the "Technical Information" section. 17.
Operation of the Camera 137 2.39:1 (ARRI 2.39) 2.39:1 for 4K DCI-compatible cropping (ARRI 2.39 4K DCI) Super 35 3:2 (ARRI S35 3x2 3.4K) Super 35 6:5 (ARRI S35 6x5 2.6K Scope 2x) Super 35 16:9 (ARRI S35 16x9 2.8K) Super 35 16:9 (ARRI S35 16x9 3.2K) Frame lines starting with "ARRI S35" mark the corresponding sensor area of a Super 35 ALEXA when using standard PL mount lenses with the PL-to-FPL adapter. To create custom frame lines, use the Frame Line Composer on the ARRI website.
Operation of the Camera Indicates that the current recording mode is set to ProRes. Indicates that the current recording mode is set to ARRIRAW. Indicates that the processing of the recording is set to Log C. Indicates that the processing of the recording is set to ARRI Look File 2 file. Indicates that the current recording resolution is set to HD. Indicates that the current recording resolution is set to 2K Cine. Indicates that the current recording resolution is set to 4K UHD.
Operation of the Camera 139 Warns that audio recording has been switched on, but is currently disabled, e.g. because of an off-speed framerate. Indicates that the camera controls are locked. Only shown in EVF Indicates that a frame grab is currently in progress. Indicates that the signal from the RET IN connector is currently being displayed.
Operation of the Camera Setup: The sound department acts as the timecode master, and generates timecode which uses the time of day as a value, and a time base matching the project frame rate. Twenty-four hours of time will translate into twenty-four hours of time code. Timecode is fed to the camera via the TC connector. The timecode source must be set in the camera to Ext LTC and the mode to Free Run.
Operation of the Camera 141 To sync the sensors of two ALEXAs: 1. Connect an EXT cable KC 155-S to the EXT ports on each ALEXA. 2. In the System menu on the master camera, select External Sync. 3. On the EXT SYNC screen, set Sensor sync to EXT master. 4. In the System menu on the slave camera, select External Sync. 5. On the EXT SYNC screen, set Sensor sync to EXT slave. It takes approximately five seconds for the two ALEXAs to sync.
Operation of the Camera NOTICE In a setup with sensor sync, but without settings sync, recording needs to be started first on the slave camera, and then on the master camera. When the mirror shutter is switched on, an ALEXA Studio can only be synced to another ALEXA Studio. Recording on the slave camera may stop a few frames later than on the master camera. Sync up the clips by timecode to ensure matching master/slave footage. 17.
Operation of the Camera 143 COLOR>EVF Processing MENU>Recording>Mode MENU>Recording>Codec MENU>Recording>Resolution MENU>Monitoring>EVF>Surround view MENU>Monitoring>EVF>Anamorphic desqueeze MENU>Monitoring>MON OUT 1>Frame rate MENU>Monitoring>MON OUT 1>Scan format MENU>Monitoring>MON OUT 1>Status info MENU>Monitoring>MON OUT 1>Surround view MENU>Monitoring>MON OUT 1>Surround mask MENU>Monitoring>MON OUT 1>Framelines MENU>Monitoring>MON OUT 1>Anamorphic desqueeze MENU>Monitoring>MON OUT 2>Frame rate M
Operation of the Camera NOTICE An error will be triggered on pressing record when at least one of the synced cameras is not ready for recording (e.g. because of missing medium). Automatic white balance for synced cameras can only be initiated on the master camera. Sensor mode needs to be switched manually on all synced cameras. Do not start recording until all cameras have loaded the same sensor mode.
Remote Control Unit RCU-4 18 145 Remote Control Unit RCU-4 The camera can be remotely controlled with an RCU-4. This device mirrors the controls on the camera's right side. It is connected to the camera's Ethernet port. Power is supplied via the Ethernet cable. To power the RCU-4, connect it to a camera, make sure the camera is powered up, and press the power button. During boot-up, the RCU-4 compares its firmware version with the camera firmware version.
Index 19 Index 1 12 V............................................................................................................................................................... 33 A About This Manual.......................................................................................................................................... 9 Appendix......................................................................................................................................................
Index 147 I Imaging........................................................................................................................................................ 106 In-Camera Filter Module LF IFM.................................................................................................................. 43 INFO.............................................................................................................................................................. 75 Internal recording..
Index T TC........................................................................................................................................................... 33, 74 Technical data............................................................................................................................................. 149 Test Signal...................................................................................................................................................
Appendix 149 20 Appendix 20.1 Technical data Image Sensor Type A2X CMOS sensor Sensor frame rates 0.750 - 150.000 fps (depending on sensor mode and recording format) Shutter angle 5.0° - 358.0° Active photo sites (incl. surround view) 4448 x 2502 (LF 16:9) 4448 x 1856 (LF 2.39:1) 4448 x 3096 (LF Open Gate) Aperture of recorded image 31.68 x 17.82 mm (LF 16:9) 36.70 x 15.31 mm (LF 2.39:1) 36.70 x 25.54 (LF Open Gate) Photo site pitch 8.25 μm Aspect ratios 1.78:1 (16:9) 2.39:1 1.
Appendix Technology LCOS imaging device Resolution 1280 x 784 pixels Viewfinder EVF-2 Technology OLED imaging device Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels Power Power supply (BAT) DC 19.5 - 34 V Power supply (onboard battery) DC 18.5 - 34 V Power management Active ORing between BAT connector and onboard battery adapters Power consumption ca. 120 W (recording ProRes 4444 at 24 fps in LF 16:9 sensor mode onto an SxS PRO+ 256 GB card with EVF-1 and wireless video on but without accessories) ca.
Appendix 151 Type Tunable TC clock generator with crystal oscillator TC input LTC in TC outputs LTC out HD-SDI LTC/VITC out Others SD card most SD cards with FAT/FAT32 up to 4 GB Sound level under 20 dB(A) @ 24 fps and ambient temperature < 25° C / 77° F Environmental -20° C to +45° C @ 95% relative humidity max, non condensing HD video transmitter Power consumption 7W Output resolution 1920 x 1080 Frame rates p: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30 psF: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.
Appendix 20.2 Connector Pin Outs NOTICE The drawings of the connectors are not to scale. All pin-outs for camera interfaces appear as seen by the user.
Appendix 153 12V 1 2 GND 12V-AUX TC 1 2 3 4 5 GND LTC IN ASCII TUNE OUT LTC OUT
Appendix EXT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 RS422-TXD(+) RS232-TXD CAN1-L CAN1-H CAN2-L CAN2-H 24V-AUX RS232-RXD RS422-RXD(-) RS422-RXD(+) RS422-TXD(-) GND TTL-IN1 TTL-IN2 24V-AUX GND
Appendix 155 ETHERNET Camera Side 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MX-1P CTS (white-orange) MX-1N DTR (orange) MX-2P GND (white-green) MX-2N DCD (green) MX-3P TXD (blue) MX-3N RXD (white-blue) MX-4P DSR (white-brown) MX-4N RTS (brown) GND 24V-ETH
Appendix ETHERNET PC Side RTS DSR DCD RXD TXD GND DTR CTS brown white-brown green white-blue blue white-green orange white-orange AUDIO IN 1 2 3 4 5 AGND L-IN(+) L-IN(-) R-IN(+) R-IN(-)
Appendix 157 AUDIO OUT 1 2 3 20.3 GND R-OUT L-OUT False Color Display The false color display is a tool to check correct exposure. It can be activated on EVF and MON OUT, and takes the respective gamma setting as a basis for calculation. When active, the image is turned into a greyscale image with important luminance ranges shown in signal colors. Note that the false color tool is only suitable for checking exposure and is not an appropriate tool for checking other image parameters or sensor quality.
Appendix Fig. 43: Night scene with false color active 20.4 Warning and Error Messages If anything unwanted occurs in the camera, it will give a message to the user. These states, which require attention from the user, are indicated by icons in the main display, the viewfinder and the MON OUT. Warnings inform the user that a state has changed or that an error is likely to occur, but recording is still possible.
Appendix 159 Media: Low capacity The recording medium has less than 3 minutes recording time left. Prepare a new card for recording. Media: Rec. inhibited The recording medium is protected. Remove the card from the camera, slide the switch located on the camera back end to the Rec enable position and re-insert the card. Media full The recording medium is full. Media: Wrong file system The recording medium is not formatted in the file system required by the camera. Format the medium.
Appendix TC source forced to internal Sensor fps does not match Project fps. External Free Run TC cannot be used, camera has switched to Int Rec Run TC. TC mode forced to Rec Run Sensor fps does not match Project fps. External Free Run TC cannot be used, camera has switched to Int Rec Run TC. Interface bit error. Check image. Reboot camera. If error continues to occur, contact ARRI service. Internal processing problem Reboot camera. If error continues to occur, contact ARRI service.
Appendix 161 Calibrate lens motors. New lens motors are attached to the camera. Prior to use they must be calibrated. Temperature at limit. Fan RPM raised Although camera fan is in "Rec low" mode, fan noise might exceed silent level because camera is becoming too hot. Some buttons are defect Camera button signals are failing. Reboot camera. If reappearing after reboot, contact service for button replacement. Mostly hardware problem. Media: Data rate low. Check last clip.
Appendix Codec error. Reboot. An error in the compression module has occurred, and recording was aborted. Reboot the camera. Sensor error. Reboot. The image sensor has a problem. Reboot the camera. Sensor boot error The sensor has not booted. Reboot the camera. Interface error. Reboot. An internal data interface has a problem. If rebooting does not solve the problem, contact the ARRI service. Fan error. Contact service. The fan module is not working properly.
Appendix 163 Note: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Appendix India ECS transceiver module: Certification no.: ETA-1386/2018/ERLP Wireless video module: Certification no.: ETA-1307/2017/ERLO Israel Model: ALEXA LF _IL Manufacturer: ARRI - Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co Manufacturing country: Germany Type Approval No.: 51-66210 Valid from: 12.09.2018 Japan ECS transceiver module: MIC-ID: 020-180029 WiFi module: MIC-ID: 204-510009 Wireless video module: MIC-ID: 001-A03519 Philippines No.
Appendix 165 South Korea ECS transceiver module: Certification No: R-CRM-Arg-EMIP400 WiFi module: Certification No: MSIP-CRM-ULX-ODIN-W260 Wireless video module: Certification No: MSIP-CRM-ARg-AVTS35253 ALEXA LF: Certification No: R-REM-Arg-ALEXA-LF Taiwan ECS transceiver module: NCC: CCAH18LP0650T0 Wireless video module: NCC: CCAH17LP4190T1 WiFi module: NCC: CCAJ16LP1230T0 低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法 警語一 經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非 經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅 自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之 特性及功能。 (即低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法第十 二條) 警語二 低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安 全及干擾合法
Appendix United Arab Emirates ALEXA LF: Dealer No: DA68290/17 (valid until: 28th Aug. 2022) ALEXA LF: Registered No: ER61078/18 (valid until: 04 Feb 2021) The wireless video module of the ALEXA LF is certified for indoor and outdoor use in the USA, for all other countries it is certified for indoor use only.
Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG Business Unit Camera Systems, Türkenstr.89, D-80799 München EU–Konformitätserklärung EU–Declaration of Conformity Markenname / Brand Name: ARRI Produktbezeichnung / Product Description: Digitalkamerasystem / Digital Camera System: • ARRI ALEXA LF + Electronic Viewfinder EVF1 or EVF2 + Europa Settings der Software 2.
Leiter Qualitätsmanagement / Head of Quality Management Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG Business Unit Camera Systems, Türkenstr.89, D-80799 München APPENDIX I – Liste der Objektive - List of Primes Lfd. Nr.
ALEXA LF CAMERA DIMENSIONS – Version 2018-01 Technical Data are subject to change without notice. Camera Right Image Plane Camera Front UNC 3/8“–16 (10 mm deep) 102.8 mm 4.05” 76.2 mm 3” 171.2 mm 6.74” 120,3 mm 4.74” 59.4 mm 2.34” UNC 3/8“–16 (10 mm deep) Optical Center 40 mm 1.58” ALEXA LF ø 15 mm 30 mm 1.18” 30 mm 1.18” ø 15 mm 14.8 mm 0.58” 10 mm 0.39” 17.6 mm 0.7” M6 (3.5mm deep) 85 mm 3.35” 128.8 mm 5.07” 157.8 mm 6.21” 223.8 mm 8.81” 199 mm 7.84” 66 mm 2.6” 264 mm 10.
ALEXA LF CAMERA DIMENSIONS – Version 2018-01 Camera Left Technical Data are subject to change without notice. Image Plane Camera Back Optical Center 98 mm 3.86” 142 mm max. 5.59” 171 mm 6.73” UNC 3/8“–16 (10 mm deep) 120 mm 4.72” 102.8 mm 4.05” 83.5 mm 3.29” 80 mm 3.15” UNC 3/8“–16 (10 mm deep) 17.6 mm 0.7” 128.8 mm 5.07” M6 (3.5 mm deep) 10 mm 0.39” 213.8 mm 8.42” 223. 8 mm 8.81” UNC 3/8“–16 (10 mm deep) M3 (6 mm deep) 64.9 mm 2.56” 69.9 mm 2.
ALEXA LF CAMERA DIMENSIONS – Version 2018-01 Camera Top Technical Data are subject to change without notice. Image Plane Image Plane Camera Bottom 230 mm 9.05” 46.7 mm 1.84” 25.4 mm 1” 25.4 mm 1” 25.4 mm 1” oval hole 7 mm (+0.022) wide and 8 mm long (4.5 mm deep) 25.4 mm 1” UNC 3/8“–16 (10 mm deep) 98 mm 3.86” 67 mm 2.64” 171.22 mm 6.74” 98 mm 3.86” 103 mm 4.06” 50.8 mm 2” 37.5 mm 1.48” 75 mm 2.95” 83.5 mm 3.29” 1.5 mm 0.06” UNC 3/8“–16 (10 mm deep) 2.5 mm 0.1” 120 mm 4.72” 27.
ALEXA LF CAMERA DIMENSIONS – Version 2018-01 Image Plane Camera Top 67 mm 2.64” 26.5 mm 1.04” 364 mm 14.33” Optical Center 26.5 mm 1.04” 98 mm 3.86” 35.5 mm 1.4” 35.5 mm 1.4” 12.6 mm 0.5” 35.5 mm 1.4” 43 mm 1.69” 43 mm 1.69” 40 mm 1.58” 40 mm 1.58” M4 (4 mm deep) 3 mm 0.12” 23 mm 0.91” 38.5mm 1.52” 55 mm 2.17” 88.8 mm 3.5” 180 mm 7.09” 183 mm 7.21” 230 mm 9.06” 201 mm 7.91” Camera Top Technical Data are subject to change without notice.
