ARRI, The Old Fashioned Kind

[fuzzynormal]

Recently came into possession of this nice and functional 35mm 2C-BV ARRIFLEX.  Before I eventually sell it I'm considering shooting a 200' roll to notch that experience; just to say "I done done that"  2 whole minutes of footage!  What the hell.  Ain't cheap, kind of financially stupid to do this sort of undertaking, but maybe ultimately worth the effort, I think? Anyone out there willing and able to offer advice regarding the lens situation with these old things?

 

[Aussie Ash]

You only live once Fuzzy - not much use sitting in your rocking chair thinking "I wish i'd done that when I was a young".Some people pay 3,000 English pounds for a 30 minute flight in a two seat Spitfire ,I bet they don't forget the experience !

[fuzzynormal]

1 hour ago, Aussie Ash said:

You only live once

I guess I just need to figure out a worthwhile story to tell with 1.5 minutes of film.

[Aussie Ash]

30 or more takes is probably not a good idea either !

[Aussie Ash]

Stanley is watching your activities

 

 

[Aussie Ash]

35,50 and 75mm

 

[BTM_Pix]

12 hours ago, fuzzynormal said:

I guess I just need to figure out a worthwhile story to tell with 1.5 minutes of film.

A time-lapse of the fuel price sign at your local filling station over the next month would be one for the ages.

[Aussie Ash]

Looks like you are seeking 35mm ARRi standard mount .Many of these standard mount lenses have been modernised to PL mount, however there are still standard mount lenses around and  more affordable than the same lens in PL.This one is US  $850.

There is also a 28mm in Schneider and

Cooke Speed Panchro 18mm,25mm,32mm,40mm,50mm,75mm

[fuzzynormal]

2 hours ago, Aussie Ash said:

there are still standard mount lenses around and more affordable

As a poor independent documentarian, we might need to have a talk about the word "affordable."

This 35mm film stuff is the deep side of the motion picture pool and I really shouldn't be swimming in it!

[kaylee]

24 minutes ago, fuzzynormal said:

we might need to have a talk about the word "affordable."

😂 no kidding right

that thing is so cool tho

[Aussie Ash]

some of the lens rental companies have ARRI standard mount for hire.Adam Savage from "Mythbusters "& explode a car ! has one of these cameras they have just had it serviced and will be filming on it soon.Kodak was kind enough to give them free film stock.

 

[kye]

On 3/31/2026 at 8:27 AM, fuzzynormal said:

Recently came into possession of this nice and functional 35mm 2C-BV ARRIFLEX.  Before I eventually sell it I'm considering shooting a 200' roll to notch that experience; just to say "I done done that"  2 whole minutes of footage!  What the hell.  Ain't cheap, kind of financially stupid to do this sort of undertaking, but maybe ultimately worth the effort, I think? Anyone out there willing and able to offer advice regarding the lens situation with these old things?

 

As this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and you'll likely be overwhelmed with the logistics of using a camera you've never used before + a format you've never used before + a cost per second you've never experienced, my suggestion is to keep it simple and keep it meaningful.

My suggestion for lenses....

Go to a rental house and tell them what you're doing and get their recommendations.  I'd suggest lenses that are neutral in look, easy to use, reliable, and probably not too heavy / expensive.  Perhaps something classic like a set of Zeiss Super Speeds (which were popular for a reason!) etc.

My suggestion for shooting.....

As this is a never to be repeated thing, I'd suggest shooting people and places and subjects you love.

Not only will this be a lower-stress approach, but you'll end up with lots of images that will be relevant for the rest of your life, and perhaps longer for friends and family.

Completely secondarily to this, shooting a range of different things will be fun, and it will also be great if you want to nerd out and pixel pee etc, as you'll have a range of different subjects and scenes.

[fuzzynormal]

1 hour ago, kye said:

overwhelmed with the logistics of using a camera you've never used before + a format you've never used 

35mm is daunting, but it's not my first time shooting film.  It's been decades, but I've rolled 16mm before.  I just think it's funny that I'm so frugal about modern digital gear, yet here I am seriously thinking about spending 200x more money to accomplish ... well, let's be totally honest, nothing of substantial IQ advantage!

I mean, I bought a EM10III for $300 a few years ago, and that camera will shoot impressive 4K.  I can't even get 1 minute of 35mm film shot and scanned for less than that.

I'm very amused at how ridiculous this all is.

[fuzzynormal]

3 hours ago, Aussie Ash said:

filming on it soon.

This video is really cool.  The density and scope of info is perfect for a neophyte.