ARRI Debuts Camera Control Monitor CCM-1 for ALEXA 35 and ALEXA Mini LF at Cine Gear LA 2023

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An interview from the 2023 Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles with Chase Hagen of ARRI. ARRI is a leading designer and manufacturer of camera and lighting systems for the film, broadcast, media, and entertainment industries, with a worldwide distribution and service network.

Ahead of Cine Gear, ARRI announced an exciting new control option for its latest cameras: The CCM-1 is a 7” onboard monitor that provides full camera control and menu access for the ALEXA 35 and ALEXA Mini LF. Opening up new camera configuration possibilities, the CCM-1 combines ARRI color accuracy and a bright display with customizable controls and rugged build quality.

In response to requests from camera operators who prefer to judge framing and exposure with an onboard monitor rather than a viewfinder, ARRI offers its new Camera Control Monitor CCM-1. Developed collaboratively by ARRI and SmallHD, the CCM-1 provides an alternative control, menu, and image interface to the MVF-2 viewfinder, which it can either replace entirely or work alongside.

The CCM-1 displays a bright, high-contrast HD image on its 7” IPS LCD screen that is easily viewable in daylight from a range of viewing angles. Like the tried and trusted MVF-2, it connects via the camera’s VF connector and provides an image that faithfully conveys the accuracy and subtlety of ARRI color management. Sensor-level monitoring functions make use of the sensor’s full resolution, for example zooming into the image for more accurate focus checking. The false color tool on the CCM-1 is much more user-friendly than on standard SDI-connected monitors because it affects only the image from the camera, and not the status overlays.

By using the camera’s VF connector, the CCM-1 leaves both SDI outputs free for other uses. VF cables of up to 10 m in length are supported, providing flexibility of operation for tight spaces, cranes, dollies, and car rigs. The CCM-1 can alternatively be connected via SDI like a normal onboard monitor, allowing application of ALF-2 and ALF-4 look files, full access to the SmallHD toolset, and use with third-party cameras. Multiple other connection options facilitate different camera configurations and use cases.

The flexible user interface of the CCM-1 is perfectly suited to professional environments. All functions are adjustable via the touchscreen or via buttons and a joystick that are positioned on one side of the monitor and can be operated with one hand, leaving the other hand free. The power and back buttons have unique tactile indicators that make them easy to find without looking, or with gloves on, while the dedicated menu button provides fast access to the familiar menu of the MVF-2. Four user buttons allow personalized settings, and a lock slider disables the touchscreen and all buttons, preventing accidental triggering of functions.

Interactive status overlays permit rapid adjustment of settings without interrupting the live view, and a new playback screen can be accessed through the menu or assigned to a user button. The large clip list on the playback screen includes metadata display and remains visible during playback, improving the user experience for smaller crews relying on the CCM-1 for reviewing takes. The specially designed home screen will be familiar to ARRI users, while the SmallHD PageOS user interface allows endless customization of live view pages.

The CCM-1 comes with an innovative sun hood that snaps onto the monitor like a protective case on a smartphone, eliminating the need for Velcro or straps. With a scratch-resistant faux leather finish, the sun hood’s soft but rigid side and top flaps are held in place with magnets and can be folded flat for easy storage and safe transportation. Also included is the two-axis MAC-1 monitor arm for rapid positioning of the CCM-1 without affecting the horizon relative to the camera. The MAC-1 features an adjustable friction system for one-handed repositioning and inserts for different mounting standards.

Constructed from aluminum, the CCM-1 is durable, weather-sealed, and temperature-resistant, embodying ARRI’s reputation for rugged, set-ready equipment. Various mechanical interfaces using the new ARRI Pin-Lock standard allow flexible mounting options.

Also showcased at the ARRI booth, the new line of Impression Filters with eight Impression V Filters that give a vintage feel to Signature Prime and Zoom lenses. The four negative and four positive diopter filters incrementally shift the focus characteristics of the image, allowing a range of detuned looks to be created for Super 35 or large format with one set of Signature lenses.

Diopters are traditionally positioned in front of a lens to reduce its close focus distance, but ARRI’s new Impression V Filters are completely different. Attaching to the back of Signature lenses via the built-in rear magnetic filter adapter, they alter the appearance of out-of-focus image elements. Known as bokeh, these elements play a significant role in the emotional impact of images. All bokeh is affected by the Impression V Filters, but it is particularly noticeable in background highlights, which get more of a “donut” effect (bright around the edges) with negative filters, and more of a “bauble” effect (brighter in the middle) with positive filters. In general, the positive filters have a nostalgic, glamorous feel, with swirly bokeh, glowing skin tones, and softer backgrounds; while negative filters have a grittier look, with inward-pulling bokeh and intense, vibrant backgrounds.

The four positive Impression V Filters are named IV 070P, IV 140P, IV 230P, and IV 330P, while the four negative filters are IV 050N, IV 100N, IV 200N, and IV 290N. In both cases, the increasing numbers signify a stronger diopter effect. Impression V Filters are designed to be used at T1.8, where the effect is strongest and lens scales remain accurate. Positive filters attach directly to the rear of each Signature lens, whereas the negative filters require a shim to be added to the back of the lens first. There is a 2 mm shim for shooting at T1.8, and a 1.85 mm shim to act as a base for the additional shimming required to shoot with Signature Zooms, or at higher stops with Signature Primes.

ARRI states that Impression V Filters work with its latest cameras: the ALEXA 35, ALEXA Mini LF, ALEXA LF, and ALEXA 65. The filters are sold in a kit that contains all eight positive and negative diopters, as well as a shim set, an adjustable torque screwdriver for adding shims, and inscribable Velcro tabs for labeling filtered lenses on set, all packaged in a specially designed aluminum flight case. For customers who don’t need a full kit, or perhaps are replenishing one, each of the eight filter types can be purchased in a separate three-filter set that includes foam inlays, Velcro tabs and—in the case of the negative filters—a shim set. Velcro sets and shim sets can also be purchased separately.

For more information please visit: www.ARRI.com