Arriflex 35-2 “A” mystery

[Ian A Vatcher]

I was wondering if anyone could help me identify what’s going on with my Arriflex II “A” Franken-camera. It’s in great shape, however it has some quirks (mods) that I can’t quite line up with historical info to place what model it is exactly. There’s some weirdness going on with this, and I love weirdness. 

The camera is stamped as being a IIA however it says Röntgen above it in the stamped engraving. From the existing info I’ve been able to glean, the Röntgen models started with the IIB and then the official Röntgen models without the turret, the whiter body color, lack of eyepiece etc started as a IIC variant. Please correct me if I’m mistaken here. I’ve never seen a IIA “Röntgen” version. As well, the 200ft mag has “X-Ray” stamped in it. I’ve also never seen this anywhere online. 

Outside of these quirks it looks to have been upgraded to a IIC eyepiece and door. It has a vented cardioid movement like you would see on a IIC or B. The movement cover says “oel” like the original IIa and unlike the c versions that said “oil” or  Fett “grease”.

The only makings on the ground glass are five vertical lines. Unlike any other ground glass markings I have been able to find, so it looks as though it may have been set up for a particular application as opposed to any aspect markings you would usually see. 

Outside of those quirks, the motor, the 3 lens turret (non-bayonet steel ring type) all look to be normal to a IIa (or what you would find on the B/C common parts) it also has the standard black paint and looks to set up for normal cine “non-medical” use.

Curious if any of you have ever seen anything similar, or if you know what might be going on with this particular one.

I took some quick haphazard iPhone shots this morning in a rush to set, as I figured these may at least provide some context. I can get some better shots later if it helps hunt down the mystery.

Thanks in advance

Quick photos

[Simon Wyss]

The vertical lines you see in the finder are thin sheet baffles that sit in front of the ground glass. They’re there to prevent light reflected from the ground glass to reach the film.

[Ian A Vatcher]

21 minutes ago, Simon Wyss said:

The vertical lines you see in the finder are thin sheet baffles that sit in front of the ground glass. They’re there to prevent light reflected from the ground glass to reach the film.

Thanks Simon, that’s amazing info. I had no idea.

[Simon Wyss]

Peep through the lens port.

[Ian A Vatcher]

5 hours ago, Simon Wyss said:

Peep through the lens port.

Totally, Simon. I can see the baffles sitting on the ground glass now like you mentioned. That’s great. I hadn’t inspected it as closely in my haste to figure out what model I had, but I can totally see what you mean now. All I could tell is that it was a different ground glass setup (no little pull handle for removal) than a standard IIC like I had used in the past. Albeit it’s been a number of years since I’ve handled a 35-II a swapped out a GG on one. Thanks for this!