Arriflex model BL
The BL model of the Arriflex 16 mm line has become one of the most widely used cameras in the field
of documentary film making and for television report work. It combines the characteristics and advan-
tages of the M and ST models, as described above, but has the added advantage of a noiseless run-
ning mechanism, use of zoom lenses of special characteristics, and facilities for double or single
sound recording using a magnetic sound module.
CAMERA BODY. The body consists of a unit mounted on a single platen which is floating acoustically
within the camera housing in order to isolate the noise of the running motor. In this way, the intemit-
tent system has a noise level of no greater than 31 dB.
FILM TRANSPORT MECHANISM. This is the same as that used in other models, with a single claw
shuttle and register pin.
LENS MOUNT. The great improvement in the image quality of zoom lenses has brought them into
almost universal use. The Arriflex BL, therefore, has been provided with a single mount design for
zoom lenses, with their own special housing which limits motor noise. Several models of zoom lens
with housing are available: Angenieux f 2.2, 12-5-75 mm; Angenieux f 2.2, 12-120 mm; Angenieux
f 2.2, 9.5-95 mm or Zeiss Vario Sonnar f 2.8, 10-100 mm. The lens housing provides facilities for
lens controls with scales for diaphragm and focusing. On the front of the unit there is an extendible
bellows sunshade and matte box. In view of the weight of the complete optical unit the lens mount is
of rugged construction in steel. Zoom lenses can be operated automatically by a motor with controls
set on the handgrip.
MOTORS. The motors are interchangeable and are positioned on one side of the camera. The motor is
connected to the camera mechanism by two gears. The standard motor is for 12 v. DC, running at 3000
r.p.m. for a camera speed of 24 f.p.s. By interchanging the gears the camera speed can be changed to
25 f.p.s. The motor is provided with a governor to maintain a speed constancy within a limit of 1.5%.
A special device to change the running speed can be supplied as an accessory. There are models which
the Pilotone signal corresponds to 60 c/s instead of 50 c/s. The company supplies synchronous motors
for 100 to 240 v, and 50 or 60 c/s.
16BL with 400ft. (120m) mag.,
periscope finder and zoom lens
blimp.
A. Blimp front release; B. Focus
scale; C. Focus control; D. Zoom
control; E. Aperture control; F. Lens
blimp lock; G. Camera door lock; H.
Viewfinder release.
16BL.
A. Auto start mark indicator lamp; B. Operation indica-
tor lamp; C. Manual start mark indicator lamp; D.
Earphone jack; E. Manual start mark connection; F.
Pilotone and auto start mark socket; G. Power connec-
tion; H. Forward/reverse switch; I. Footage counter
reset: J. Footage counter; K. Tachometer; L. Inching
knob; M. Sound amplifier connection; N. Focal plane
indicator; 0. Start button; P. Footage remaining.
16BLEQ crystal control model.
A. Switch for sync / pre select / vari-
able speeds; B. Speed for pre select
control; C. Footage counter reset;
D.’Off speed’ warning; E. Electronic
accessory socket: F. Emergency con-
nector; G. Power socket.
