Arriflex BL1 experience

scharky

scharky

Veteran
Ok, so I got a job Dp'ing this summer for a film. The director and I have settled on the Arriflex BL1, but I won't be able to get my hands on the camera for a while. I was wondering if any of you knew a place where you can buy old camera manuals or even download them (leagally please). Or if any of you have used the Bl1 in the past I would appreciate any tips/tricks you could fill me in on.
thanks for the help.
 
The BL1 is nice camera, if you are into film. I've used it back in 98 on a film we shot on black and white. It's not that hard to use. It's pretty basic. Check on ebay.. I'm sure someone is selling theirs. Good luck man.
 
Stephan,

Are you shooting a lot of syncronous sound, because the 35BL / BLII required a blimp or barnie at minimum for this purpose. It is a fixed shutter camera at 180 degrees, where you have a variable angle on the later model BL cameras.

If you can source a BLIII or BLIV, you'll largely negate the need for sound control. It [the BL1] is nice because it has dual registration and a higher variable speed (close to 100fps), but again, I've never used it for anything other than MOS work.

I'd really try for a BLIV if at all possible, as these were very well accessorized, or a Golden Panaflex II (variable shutter 50 - 200 degrees) if you're shooting lots of sync. sound.

e
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I will pass it along to the director, and I'll see what the budget allows for.
 
Don't bother trying to get sound with the Arriflex BL1, capture the sound with a dat recorder. The BL1 tends to be a little too noisy.
 
Lack of variable shutter could be a bummer. As an aside, I have observed time lapse of clouds from an A-Minima (fixed shutter at 172.8) look really neat when the "noise reduction" effect on the Spirit/DaVinci system is applied during transfer.. I was told that it blends frames to create a blurred kind-of look. Interesting stuff. Obviously wouldn't help much if you're trying for the opposite, but still an interesting effect. Hope this helps.. and I wish I was filming your movie! : )
 
Thanks guys. Yeah, this is a great opportunity as I am just finishing school and go out into the real world. I just want to make sure I do this right. While I have shot a lot of film, I have never shot 35mm, just 16mm and 8mm, so i am not that familiar with 35mm cameras. But, of coarse, I want to do it right, so I really appreciate your openness to work with me. This is absolutely the best film making forum out there.
 
Not to question this is the best forum out there, but I think the film forums at cinematography.com and cinematography.net will probably be able to help you out in a ton of ways. ASC member David Mullen frequents many of the "film" forums online, including studentfilmmakers.com. He probably wouldn't remember anything I ever asked, but he has been incredibly helpful at answering my questions. Also, John Pytlak from Kodak is a regulard on cinematography.com and has only joy and best wishes to filmmakers and offers wonderful advice on anything technology/film related. Both of these guys have really helped me with their altruistic replys. I would suggest going there to postulate any questions as you'll get excellent, insightful advice from the finest people in the film business. Go for it!

brian wells
student filmmaker
 
David Mullen is perhaps *the* most knowledgeable and helpful guy on the net, as far as film stuff goes. He's also an incredibly talented cinematographer. I have learned an incredible amount from him. He will most definitely know the ansewrs!
 
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