ARRI ALEXA Mini Quick Manual
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ARRI ALEXA Mini Quick Manual

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ALEXA Mini
ALEXA Mini
Q U I C K
Q U I C K
G U I D E
G U I D E
Date: 23rd March 2016
Date: 23rd March 2016

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Summary of Contents for ARRI ALEXA Mini

  • Page 1 ALEXA Mini ALEXA Mini Q U I C K Q U I C K G U I D E G U I D E Date: 23rd March 2016 Date: 23rd March 2016...
  • Page 2 Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Errors, omissions, and modifications excepted. AMIRA, ALEXA, ALEXA XT, and ALEXA Mini are trademarks or registered trademarks of Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG. All other brands or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and should be treated as such.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Contents For your safety / 为了您的安全..............5 Risk levels and alert symbols / 危险级别和警示标志......5 Vital precautions / 重要安全措施............6 General precautions / 般安全措施............7 Audience and intended use..............9 Scope of delivery and warranty............10 Camera layout..................11 Product identification................17 Power supply..................
  • Page 4 MVF-1 and EVF cable.................56 14.2 Camera handle..................58 14.3 Antenna....................59 14.4 Changing a lens mount............... 60 14.5 CCP-1....................62 14.6 Transvideo StarliteHD5-ARRI Monitor..........64 Licensing and updating..............67 15.1 Camera update..................67 15.2 Licensing....................67 15.2.1 Deleting a license................67 Appendix....................69 16.1 Technical data..................69 16.2...

  • Page 5: For Your Safety / 为了您的安全

    For your safety / 为了您的安全 For your safety / 为了您的安全 Before use, please ensure that all users comprehensively read, understand, and follow the instructions in this document. / 使用前，请确保所有的用户都已经阅读、理 解，并遵循本文档内的操作说明。 Risk levels and alert symbols / 危险级别和警示标志 Safety warnings, safety alert symbols, and signal words in these instructions indicate different risk levels: DANGER! DANGER indicates an imminent hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will...

  • Page 6: Vital Precautions / 重要安全措施

    For operation, always use a power source as indicated in the instructions. Always unplug the power cable by gripping the power plug, not the cable. Never try to repair. All repair work should be done by a qualified ARRI Service Center.

  • Page 7: General Precautions / 般安全措施

    Protect the sensor: Always keep a lens or protective cap on the empty lens mount. Change lenses in dry, dust-free environments only. Always clean the sensor cover glass according to ARRI instructions. Only use the tools, materials and procedures recommended in this document. For...
  • Page 8 For your safety / 为了您的安全 提示 即使本摄影机非常坚固，也是由敏感的组件所组成的，请谨慎使用。 当改变摄影机安装支撑设备或系统时（特别是更换电缆），请务必断开摄影机电源。 注意保护光学系统和影像传感器：切勿将摄影机或取景器直接面朝直射阳光。 避免对影像传感器造成永久性伤害：切勿让任何来自高能量光源（例如激光）的直射 光或反 射光进入摄影机的光路系统。 注意保护影像影像传感器：空镜头卡口上务必安装镜头或保护盖。更换镜头时，务必 在干燥、 无尘的环境中进行。 请完全并仅按照用户手册中所描述的方法来清洁影像传感器保护玻璃。若清洁不成 功，请咨 询ARRI 维修中心。切勿尝试打开保护玻璃。 清洁影像传感器保护玻璃时，务必遵守ARRI说明书中描述的方法。 仅使用本文档中建议使用的工具、材料和操作方法。若要正确地使用其他设备，请参 阅其制 造商的说明书。...

  • Page 9: Audience And Intended Use

    Use the product only for the purpose described in this document. Always follow the valid instructions and system requirements for all equipment involved. The ALEXA Mini is a 35 mm digital camera solely and exclusively for recording images at various resolutions suitable for a variety of distribution formats: ProRes 422, ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 4444, ProRes 4444 XQ, and ARRIRAW* •...

  • Page 10: Scope Of Delivery And Warranty

    ARRI offers an increasing variety of product bundles and additional accessories. For details, please consult our website or your local ARRI Service Partner. Warranty For scope of warranty, please ask your local ARRI Service Partner. ARRI is not liable for consequences from inadequate shipment, improper use, or third-party products.

  • Page 11: Camera Layout

    Camera layout Camera layout Right Fan intake LBUS connector integrated WiFi antenna I/O panel...
  • Page 12 Camera layout Left Function button Camera buttons 1-3 Recording button Status LED...
  • Page 13 Camera layout MAP-1 MVB-1 MVF-1 buttons Record button...
  • Page 14 Camera layout Bottom MVF-1 type label PLAY button Camera type labels LBUS connector...
  • Page 15 Camera layout Front RMB-3 Lens mount (here: titanium PL) LBUS connector Audio connector...
  • Page 16 Camera layout Back Fold-away monitor (MVF-1) OLED eyepiece Timecode connector White radio antenna I/O panel Media panel (CFast 2.0 card slot, USB) Ethernet connector Boot status LED Power button Recording status LED Fan outlet CAUTION! Hot surfaces! Risk of injury and damage! During extended operation or operation in high ambient temperatures, the fan outlet at the camera rear, the CFast drive and the CFast card can get hot.

  • Page 17: Product Identification

    Camera layout Product identification The FCC conformity label and the CE type label with serial number (1) are on the camera bottom. The serial number consists of the last 5 digits of the equipment number K1.0003873-XXXXX.

  • Page 18: Power Supply

    Power supply Power supply The camera power is supplied by external power sources only. NOTICE If the power supply is interrupted with the camera switched on, the camera will automatically repower and boot-up on reconnection. Use the 8-pin LEMO connector and a KC50-S or KC50-SP-S ca- ble to supply the camera with 10.5 to 34 V DC.

  • Page 19: Switching On/Off

    For mounted MVF-1 only: During the boot process, the ARRI logo appears in the monitor of the MVF-1 (4). To switch off the camera: ► Press and hold the power button (1) until the camera has switched off and the boot status LED (2) turns off.
  • Page 20 Switching on/off To check the recording status The recording status is indicated as follows: Record status LED (3) is... Camera is... solid green ready for recording solid red recording not ready for recording. Check, if the CFast 2.0 card is valid. If not: Insert a valid CFast 2.0 card.

  • Page 21: Connectors

    Connecting or disconnecting devices or cables while recording can disturb the audio/image signal due to static electricity. Front connectors Audio in L-Bus Audio in (5-pin LEMO) 2-channel line level audio input. LBUS (4-pin LEMO) LBUS output for daisy-chainable active lens motors. Supports CMotion cforce motor and ARRI cforce mini motor.

  • Page 22: I/O Panel

    Connectors I/O panel NOTICE If the power supply is interrupted with the camera switched on, the camera will automatically repower and boot-up on reconnection. Timecode connector BAT main power in White radio antenna EXT connector MVF-1 or CCP-1 Ethernet connector HD-SDI image out 1 &...
  • Page 23 ETH (10-pin LEMO) Standard Ethernet connectors don't deliver the durability and re- liability required by ARRI, so ALEXA Mini uses a 10-pin LEMO connector. A special cable, available from ARRI (model KC-153- S), is required to connect the Ethernet connector to a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector.

  • Page 24: Media Panel

    Connectors Media panel Status LED CFast 2.0 card slot Card (CFast 2.0) Storage media slot for CFast 2.0 recording cards. Interface for USB memory sticks with FAT file system. Can also be used to charge USB devices. Supplies 5V with a maximum current of 500mA.

  • Page 25: Preparing A Usb Memory Stick

    Connectors 7.3.1 Preparing a USB memory stick USB memory sticks for the ALEXA Mini must have a specific folder structure which can be created with the camera. 1. To prepare a USB memory stick: Open the media lid (1). 2. Connect a FAT-formatted USB stick (3) to the camera (2).

  • Page 26: Changing A Cfast 2.0 Card

    NOTICE ALEXA Mini does not accept ALEXA-formatted CFAST 2.0 cards, and vice versa. Before using a CFAST 2.0 card with ALEXA Mini, you must erase it in-camera to create the required file system. Avoid damage to the contacts of both camera and card. Always insert cards as described in this document.
  • Page 27 Connectors 5. For card removal: Open the lid (1). 6. Push the card in until it audibly unlocks (2). 7. Remove the card.

  • Page 28: Lens Mount/Filters

    For detailed info, please contact Cooke Optics directly. ND filter module NOTICE ALEXA Mini uses FSND (Full Spectrum Neutral Density) filters, which are linear across the full spectrum of the camera sensor. This prevents artifacts from infrared wavelengths and the need for additional IR filters.

  • Page 29: Changing A Lens

    Lens mount/filters Changing a lens NOTICE Protect the sensor: Always keep a lens or protective cap on the empty lens mount. Change lenses in dry, dust-free environments only. Never exceed the maximum lens dimensions. Have every lens properly shimmed as prescribed by the manufacturer. PL mount Note: Please use a lens support system for PL lenses above 3 kg/6.6 lbs.

  • Page 30: Lens Control

    Lens mount/filters EF mount Note: Please use a lens support system for EF lenses above 3 kg/6.6 lbs. 1. Observe maximum lens dimensions. 2. Turn the lever counter-clockwise (1) to unlock the mount. 3. Either: Remove the cap. 4. Or: Press and hold the button (2) to unlock the lens. 5.

  • Page 31: Iris Control Via User Button

    Lens mount/filters Pressing the wheel (1) changes the step size between full and sub-stops (2). Note: Sub-stop precision depends on the lens type and is automatically set by the camera. On the live screen, you can activate and deactivate iris adjustment (1) by short- pressing the lower round (not oval!) button (2).

  • Page 32: Auto Iris

    Lens mount/filters 8.3.3 Auto iris HOME > EI > IRIS > OPTIONS Via jogwheel (1), you can define the auto iris behavior. Auto iris mode: Defines the iris calculation: Integral: Iris is calculated based on full image content. • Center: Iris is calculated with higher priority on image center. •...

  • Page 33: Camera Controls

    Camera controls Camera controls In this chapter the camera controls of the Alexa Mini are shown. Function button FN and camera buttons 1-3 Camera buttons as user buttons: By default, the camera buttons 1 to 3 function as user buttons.

  • Page 34: Recording Button

    Camera controls Function button & Function camera button User button Function Select Backward Select Forward Confirm Arms the card erase. To trigger the card erase, press user button 3 twice. Any other button can be pressed to cancel the action. After the erase, the overlay can be reset by pressing any button.

  • Page 35: To Start Recording

    Camera controls To start recording: Prerequisite: The camera is prepared. 1. Preset all buttons. 2. Press REC (1) on the left camera side. The camera starts recording. The recording status LED (2) reflects the recording status: Recording status Camera is... LED (2) is...
  • Page 36 Camera controls 3. For mounted MVF-1 only: Press REC (1) on the MVF-1: NOTICE Never change memory cards when recording - this may damage the recorded clip. NOTICE Connecting or disconnecting devices or cables while recording can disturb the audio/image signal due to static electricity.

  • Page 37: Mvf-1 Controls

    The sensor is placed either on the bottom left-hand side of the viewfinder (Generation 1), or it is integrated in the eye cup (Generation 2). The Alexa Mini MVF-1 contains the generation 2 proximity sensor. NOTICE...

  • Page 38: Evf Image/Monitor

    MVF-1 controls 10.1 EVF image/monitor When you look through the eyepiece, the proximity sensor (3) activates the EVF display (2). You can add status data from the home screen (1) to the MVF-1 image (2). If activated, overlays around the EVF image show essential camera, audio, and recording statuses.

  • Page 39: Mvf-1 Buttons

    MVF-1 controls Safe mode In Safe mode, all status bars appear in a black frame (1) outside the active MVF-1 image. Note: If surround view is active, the area is marked by a surround mask. 10.2 MVF-1 buttons 10.2.1 PK peaking button 1.

  • Page 40: Exp Exposure Tool Button

    MVF-1 controls 10.2.2 EXP exposure tool button The EXP button (2) activates the set exposure tool on the monitor (1) and EVF image (3). Use the tool for evaluation of the image exposure levels. An activated tool lights up the button (2). For EXP setting: Go to MENU >...

  • Page 41: Vf1 & Vf2 User Buttons

    MVF-1 controls 10.2.3 VF1 & VF2 user buttons ► Via the camera menu, you can assign a function to both VF-1 and VF-2 buttons (1). For details, see the user manual. 10.2.4 PLAY button 1. Press PLAY (1) for one second to see the last clip of the active CFast 2.0 card. 2.

  • Page 42: Playback Screen Controls

    MVF-1 controls 10.2.4.1 Playback screen controls 10.3 Diopter adjustment ► Twist the ring left or right for diopter adjustment (1). 10.4 Adjusting the monitor ► Fold (1), swivel (2) and flip (3) the monitor according to your needs.

  • Page 43: Changing The Monitor Mode

    MVF-1 controls 10.5 Changing the monitor mode 1. To change the monitor mode between live view and user interface: Press M (1). 2. In live mode, toggle the status bar content (1) via the lower buttons. 3. Via Menu > Monitoring > EVF/Monitor > Settings > Monitor flip mode, you can disable the location sensor that automatically flips the user interface to match a left- or right-sided monitor position (3).
  • Page 44 MVF-1 controls Surround mask Exposure index Camera temperature warning (warning=red) 7 White balance ALERT message Shutter value (° or sec) Center mark Sensor frame rate Active ND filter Camera status (here: Standby) Surround mask This grayed-out frame marks all non-recorded parts of the sensor image.

  • Page 45: User Monitor

    MVF-1 controls 10.7 User monitor Screen buttons and jogwheel There are eight screen buttons, four above (2) and four below (3) the display (4). Their function depends on the screen content (4) and is labeled directly above or below each button. Unlabeled buttons have no function for that screen.

  • Page 46: Adjusting The Monitor Brightness

    MVF-1 controls 10.8 Adjusting the monitor brightness 1. Open the home screen. 2. Via jogwheel (1), open MENU > Monitoring > EVF/Monitor > Settings. 3. Scroll to Monitor brightness. 4. Press the jogwheel. 5. Adjust the brightness by scrolling to the required value: 1 (= minimum) to 10 (= maximum).

  • Page 47: Overlay Menu

    Overlay menu Overlay menu The overlay menu offers a reduced set of camera parameters for adjustment. When activated, it is visible in the top section of the image on the MVF-1 monitor and EVF and on any SDI output which has SDI processing activated. The overlay menu is a quick way to change the following camera settings: Sensor FPS •...

  • Page 48: Camera Buttons

    Overlay menu For detailed instructions on how to activate and operate the overlay menu, see the following sections. Camera buttons Activate the overlay menu by pressing FN + 1. Select a parameter with buttons 1 or 2. Start editing the parameter by pressing button 3. Select the new parameter value with buttons 1 or 2.

  • Page 49: Web Remote

    Web remote Web remote ALEXA Mini has a web remote function for full remote control of the camera with a web browser. It requires a connection to the camera via WiFi or Ethernet (with ALEXA Ethernet/RJ-45 Cable KC-153-S, K2.72021.0). By default, WiFi is active. If WiFi is inactive, enable WiFi via the MVF-1, by navigating to MENU>System.
  • Page 50 Web remote MAIN: Contains the same UI as the camera monitor (no live screen). Click/tap the screen button tabs to enter a screen/trigger a function. Menu items can be clicked/ tapped directly. PLAY: Starts playback on the camera. Provides the same controls as the MVF-1, but no video signal.
  • Page 51 Web remote USER: Shows configuration of user buttons and allows to trigger them. Press number icons to trigger user buttons.

  • Page 52: Camera Preparation

    Camera preparation Camera preparation 13.1 Adjusting the MVF-1 1. Place the camera bottom-down. 2. Slightly loosen the clamp (1) to move the MVF-1 (2) left/right and up/down. 3. Unclamp the hinge (3) to swivel the MVF-1 horizontally. 4. Close all clamps (1, 3) when the MVF-1 is in the desired position (2).

  • Page 53: Mounting To A Bridge Plate

    Camera preparation 13.2 Mounting to a bridge plate To mount the camera to a bridge plate, you need the following accessories and tools: Step Accessory Mount to Tool MAP-2 camera (bottom) 3.0 mm Allen key BAP-4 MAP-2 Flat screwdriver (no coin!) BP-8 BAP-4...
  • Page 54 Camera preparation Step 2: Mounting the BAP-4 to the MAP-2 1. Place the BAP-4 (2) exactly above the mounting points (3) of the MAP-2 (2). 2. With a flat screwdriver, attach the screws (1) to the MAP-2 and tighten. NOTICE Always use a flat screwdriver to connect the BAP-4 to the MAP-2.
  • Page 55 Camera preparation Step 3: Mounting the BP-8 to the BAP-4 1. Place the BP-8 (2) exactly above the mounting points (3) of the BAP-4 (2). 2. With a flat screwdriver, attach the screws (1) to the BAP-4 and tighten. NOTICE Always use a flat screwdriver to connect the BP-8 to the BAP-4.

  • Page 56: Assembly And Retrofits

    Work on an unpowered camera only. 14.1 MVF-1 and EVF cable Connecting the EVF cable to the camera Note: Use original ALEXA Mini-EVF cables only. ► Connect the EVF cable (1) to the camera (16-pin ODU connector (2) on the I/O panel).
  • Page 57 Connecting the EVF cable to the MVF-1 1. Switch off; interrupt the power supply. Note: Use original ALEXA Mini-EVF cables only. 2. With your fingers, unscrew and remove the MVF-1’s lid (1). 3. Connect the cable (2) to the EVF port.

  • Page 58: Camera Handle

    Assembly and retrofits 14.2 Camera handle Tool needed 3.0 mm Allen key • 1. Place the camera handle (1) exactly above the mounting points (3) of the camera. 2. With the Allen key, attach the screws (2) to the camera and tighten. NOTICE Always ensure a proper lock.

  • Page 59: Antenna

    Assembly and retrofits 14.3 Antenna 1. With your fingers, thread the antenna for white radio (1) onto the camera. 2. To unmount: Unthread the antenna (1) with your fingers.

  • Page 60: Changing A Lens Mount

    After each lens mount change, always check the back focus of the camera. Have the back focus always corrected by properly skilled personnel. Back focus correction requires special tools and training that meet ARRI guidelines. For all back focus issues, contact a qualified ARRI Service Center.
  • Page 61 Assembly and retrofits Deinstallation (here: a PL mount) 1. Perform task with care to protect optical surfaces. 2. Crosswise, loosen all four screws (2) with an Allen key. 3. Carefully remove the mount (1). 4. Store the mount in a case for dust protection. Note: To protect the sensor (3), immediately install another original ALEXA lens mount.

  • Page 62: Ccp-1

    Assembly and retrofits 1. Properly align the two guiding pins (1) for correct lens mount fit (2). Note: Never apply force, align the guiding pins instead. 2. Crosswise, hand-tighten all four screws (1). 3. Only then, tighten all screws crosswise with the Allen key. Note: Always store the camera with a lens mount properly installed and capped.
  • Page 63 Assembly and retrofits Recording button Monitor button VF-1 user button Play button VF-2 user button Jogwheel MVF-1 connector CAM connector Connect CCP-1 to the EVF out port of the camera. When it is used alone with the camera, it always shows an image. When a MVF-1 is chained to the CCP-1, the MVF-1 will show an image in the EVF, but only one of the two monitors, either of the MVF-1 or the CCP-1 is active.

  • Page 64: Transvideo Starlitehd5-Arri Monitor

    9. Exit the overlay menu by pressing the exit icon. ► Activate the ARRI menu by pressing the blue "A" touch icon on the monitor. The main screen is opening up and you can access the user menu (1), the control menu (2), and the playback menu (4).

  • Page 65: Playback Menu

    Assembly and retrofits ► The grey button indicates an active user function (e.g. (1)). ► Exit the user menu by pressing the "BACK" touch icon on the monitor. Control menu In the control menu, camera parameters can be edit similar to the overlay menu. page 47 ►...
  • Page 66 Assembly and retrofits ► Play or pause clip by pressing the "Play" (2) touch icon on the monitor. ► Skip to previous or to next clip by pressing the "Skip previous" (1) or "Skip next" (3) touch icon on the monitor. ►...

  • Page 67: Licensing And Updating

    15.2 Licensing You can further enhance the camera capabilities through licensed features available for online purchase. Visit the ARRI license shop at http://alshop.arri.de and follow the instructions for purchasing and downloading license keys. License keys are linked to each camera's serial number and cannot be transferred from one camera to another.
  • Page 68 Licensing and updating 3. Select the feature you want to delete. 4. Press CONFIRM (1). Cancel with BACK. A green message confirms the successful deleted license.

  • Page 69: Appendix

    140 mm Width 125 mm Weight 2.3 kg / 5 lbs (camera body with titani- um PL mount) Sensor 35 mm format ARRI ALEV III CMOS with Bayer pattern color filter array Sensor photo ProRes: Resolution: sites S16 HD 1600x900 1920x1080 HD Ana.
  • Page 70 Appendix Exposure latitude 14+ stops over the entire sensitivity range from EI 160 to EI 3200 as mea- sured with the ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart (DRTC-1) Exposure index adjustable from EI 160-3200 in 1/3 stops EI 800 base sensitivity ND filters Built-in motorized ND filters 0.6, 1.2,...
  • Page 71 Appendix 2.39:1 2K Ana. (OG 3.4K) Recording ProRes 422 LT, 422, 422 HQ, 4444, codecs 4444 XQ ARRIRAW Maximum recording frame rates Camera settings Maximum frame rate in fps Resolution Codec CFAST 2.0 60 CFAST 2.0 128 S16 HD ProRes 422 LT ProRes 422 ProRes 422 HQ ProRes 4444...
  • Page 72 Appendix 4K UHD ProRes 422 LT ProRes 422 ProRes 422 HQ ProRes 4444 ProRes 4444 XQ 4:3 2.8K ProRes 422 LT ProRes 422 ProRes 422 HQ ProRes 4444 ProRes 4444 XQ 2.8K ARRIRAW OpenGate 3.4K ARRIRAW 4:3 2.8K (OG ARRIRAW 3.4K) 16:9 HD Ana.
  • Page 73 Appendix Markers at -20, -18 and -9 dBFS Warnings from -5 dBFS (yellow) and -2 dBFS (red) to 0 dBFS Input clipping indication through red frame around audio meter Internal test tone generator 1 kHz sine @ -9 dBFS / -18 dBFS / -20 dBFS...

  • Page 74: Dimensional Drawings

    ARRI website: https://www.arri.com/alexamini 16.3 Declarations of conformity EC Declaration of Conformity The product ALEXA Mini conforms with the specifications of following European directives: Directive 2014/30/EU of the European parliament and the Council of 26 • February 2014 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating...
  • Page 75 2.45” Optical Center 42.16 mm 124.83 mm 1.66” 4.91” ALEXA Mini Length Width Height Weight ALEXA Mini (camera body with titanium PL lens mount) 184.75 mm - 7.27” 124.83 mm - 4.91” 140 mm - 5.5” ~ 2.3 kg/5 lbs...
  • Page 76 4 mm 2.38” 0.63” 0.16” M4 (8x) 4.4 mm deep ALEXA Mini Length Width Height Weight ALEXA Mini (camera body with titanium PL lens mount) 184.75 mm - 7.27” 124.83 mm - 4.91” 140 mm - 5.5” ~ 2.3 kg/5 lbs...

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