Arri SRI (French) Yes or No?

[Nick Centera]

Hey, I am looking in on getting a 16mm camera. Any pros and cons would be great, or advice on better cameras. I am looking at the package on visualproducts http://visualproducts.com/storeProductDeta...=17&Cat2=31

Thanks

[Tim Carroll]

Nick,

 

If you do an archive search you should find a number of posts about the French motored Arriflex 16SR cameras.

 

The cameras with the French motor and French electronics are the very first Arriflex 16SR cameras made. After camera 60901 (I may be wrong on that serial number as my 16SR manuals are still in storage in Portland) ARRI went to German motors and German electronics. The German motors and electronics were supposedly quieter and more reliable.

 

But the real difference is that there were minor changes made to the camera body when the switched from French to German and converting an older French camera to German can be costly. And there are no longer parts available for the French motors or electronics.

 

With prices for 16mm cameras coming WAY down, if you have $8500 to spend and you are looking at buying a camera that you want to hold on to for some time, you should have no problem finding a decent German Arriflex 16SR or even an Arriflex 16SRII. And even if you find one that needs an overhaul, an overhaul by ARRI in New York for one of the cameras, including two mags, is going to run you less than $2000. Then you'd have a top notch outfit.

 

Also remember that the camera Visual Products is selling is not a Super 16 camera, it is regular 16.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Best,

-Tim

[Gregory PAUL]

Hello,

 

I'm interested in buying a 16 SR 1.

How to recognize a "French electronics and motor" one from a German one ?

Is there a label somewhere to look at ? Or, is the only way to know is to look at the serial number ? (German made from 60901 according to Tim)

 

Another question, did the SR1 serial numbers started at 60000 ?

 

Thanks !

[Tim Carroll]

Greg,

 

Not sure exactly what the original serial number on the first SR was, but it was somewhere around 60000. Any Arriflex 16SR with a serial number below 60901 originally had French electronics and a French motor.

 

Some of them have been changed or converted to German motor or Electronics over the years, but you would still have a camera where it would be difficult to obtain parts if you needed a repair.

 

Best to look for Arriflex 16SR cameras with serial numbers above 60901, or even at Arriflex 16SRII cameras. The prices continue to fall, so you should be able to pick up an SR in regular 16 for under $5000 and a Super 16 SRII for under $10,000.

 

Best,

-Tim