It's All Here: Arriflex Debuts Camera Guide

NEW YORK--It's everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask. The subject, while not sex per se, is pretty sexy--as far as film technology goes. Cinematographer Jon Fauer's new work is The ARRI 35 Book, considered by the Arriflex Corporation to be the definitive source for information on both the ARRI 35BL-4's and the ARRI 35-3.

Cogently written and clearly indexed, the book is full of information that will interest not only directors of photography and their assistants, but agency producers and others, as well. "The industry hasn't had anything like it," said Peter Arnell, chief creative director of advertising and marketing agency Arnell/Bickford Associates here. "It's going to change the industry."

What makes Arriflex 35mn cameras a "sexy" topic is the fact that they are integral to the television, film and advertising industries. Anything shot on 35 millimeter film--and that includes most features, television movies and commercials today--are shot with either Arriflex or Panavision cameras.

Until now, 35 millimeter lore was passed down by word of mouth, from directors of photography to assistants. This is the first time the general public has had access to explanatory text compiled with excellent illustrations. (Those illustrations, by New York artist and camera assistant Mary Mortimer, are worthy of special note.)

Back To The Basics

Fauer covers basic topics like camera prep, camera mounting and magazine maintenance. But he takes the whole thing a step further with copious appendices listing the suppliers of all manner of camera equipment and accessories. From helicopter mounts to underwater...