Published: March 13, 2025 | Last Updated: May 21, 2025
Since its founding in 1917, ARRI has been a powerhouse in camera innovation. Starting with film lights and lab gear, it wasn’t long before ARRI began redefining how movies are shot. From the legendary Arriflex 35 to the digital dominance of the Alexa series, ARRI has consistently been at the center of major breakthroughs in cinematography. This is the story of the ARRI camera.
Arriflex 35: The Camera That Changed Everything
Released in 1937, the Arriflex 35 was the world’s first reflex viewing 35mm camera, designed by Erich Kästner. This game-changing technology allowed camera operators to see exactly what was being captured through the lens, eliminating guesswork.
Before the Arriflex 35, framing and focus mainly were left to chance, especially in dynamic shooting environments. The lightweight design also made it perfect for handheld shooting, even in combat zones during WWII. German combat cameramen favored it for its mobility, while Hollywood quickly took note.
In the 1960s, movies like Bullitt (1968) and Easy Rider (1969) leaned into their handheld capabilities, paving the way for New Hollywood’s grittier, on-location aesthetic.
Arriflex 16ST & 16SR: The Documentary Workhorses
In the 1950s, ARRI brought its reflex technology to 16mm film with the Arriflex 16ST. It quickly became a staple for documentaries, TV news, and student films.
Its successor, the 16SR, debuted in 1975, offering an even more compact design that could be carried on the shoulder for agile shooting. The 16SR’s quiet operation made it ideal for synchronized sound, a first for lightweight cameras of its kind. Its impact was huge—if you were shooting a doc or TV segment in the ‘70s or ‘80s, chances are it was on a 16SR.
Arriflex 35 BL: Bringing Sync Sound to the Streets
The 1972 release of the Arriflex 35 BL answered Hollywood’s call for a camera that could record clean dialogue without the need for massive blimps. Its internal soundproofing allowed directors to take the camera out of the studio and onto real locations, leading to iconic scenes like the gritty streets of Taxi Driver (1976).
This was a turning point—cinematographers could shoot vérité-style with synchronized sound, making stories feel raw and immediate.
Arriflex 765: Big Format, Big Vision
In 1989, ARRI unveiled the Arriflex 765, a 65mm giant built for grandeur. Used in films like Little Buddha (1993) and Hamlet (1996), it brought an epic scale to the big screen. Its whisper-quiet operation and massive negative space allowed for stunning clarity and rich detail, proving ARRI could handle large format just as well as 35mm.
Arriflex 435: High-Speed Mastery
When the Arriflex 435 came out in 1994, it redefined high-speed cinematography. With frame rates up to 150fps and in-camera ramping, it was perfect for commercials, music videos, and action sequences.
It’s the camera that helped make The Lord of the Rings trilogy’s battle scenes look so crisp and frenetic. Even today, it’s the go-to for high-speed VFX work.
Arricam ST & LT: The Pinnacle of 35mm
By 2000, ARRI had perfected its 35mm line with the Arricam ST and LT. Merging ARRI’s tech with Moviecam’s mechanics, these became the standard for Hollywood blockbusters throughout the 2000s.
If you watched Gladiator (2000), No Country for Old Men (2007), or The Dark Knight (2008), you were seeing the Arricam at work.
ARRI Alexa: Redefining Digital
ARRI’s Alexa, launched in 2010, wasn’t just another camera—it was a digital revolution. Built with a focus on dynamic range and color fidelity, it instantly became the gold standard.
Films like Skyfall (2012), Birdman (2014), and The Revenant (2015) leveraged its superior image quality to stunning effect.
Alexa Mini and Alexa 65: Expanding the Alexa Line
The 2015 Alexa Mini brought that same quality to a compact, lightweight design, making it perfect for drones and gimbals. That same year, the Alexa 65 revived large-format filmmaking for modern cinema, delivering the grandeur of 65mm with digital reliability.
The Revenant and Dunkirk (2017) both used the Alexa 65 for their breathtaking visuals.
Summing Up
For over a century, ARRI’s innovations have shaped the way movies are made. From handheld war footage to Oscar-winning epics, ARRI has been the silent partner behind the lens, trusted by the best in the business.
Read Next: Want to learn more about cameras and how they shape your image?
Browse all camera-related articles, including camera types, sensors, resolution, and dynamic range.
Or return to the Cinematography section for lenses, lighting, framing, and more.
