Gate and Ground glass question

[chooser]

Looking at an older Arri BL3 and was wondering if someone would be so kind as to clarify a couple of points for me.

 

I have attached two photos.

 

1: The gate appears to be a full Aperture Standard 4 perf frame.

2: The ground Glass appears to be a 1:1,37 Academy Aperture

 

 

What would I need to do to shoot Super 35mm on this camera?

 

1: Change the gate?

2: Change the ground glass?

3: Realign / re-center of the PL mount/flange?

 

Any tips, advise, pointers, direction appreciated.

 

Regards Chooser

[chooser]

OK ... Arri Munich called and they can do it.

 

I was just hoping some one might know of a company in the US who could do the it for me.

 

Any leads appreciated.

 

Thanks C

[John Sprung]

Given that the gate is full aperture, the only thing you need to do is swap out the ground glass. I haven't done that on an early BL, but on most cameras, it's something that an AC can do on location. All you need is the GG that you want. Arri apparantly still has them, so all you need to do is have one little package shipped to you rather than sending the whole camera there and back. An old equipment dealer such as Visual Products might also have the GG. If you're in the LA area, you might ask Clairmont..... Shoot an alignment chart when you get the new GG in, just to be sure that it's right.

 

 

 

 

-- J.S.

[William Coss]

And center the mount to full ap.

 

Wilhelm

[Tom Jensen]

I'd call Otto Nemenz or Ken Stone in LA.

[John Sprung]

And center the mount to full ap.

 

Take a look at it. If the gate is factory original full ap, the mount is usually also centered on full ap. The offset is big enough to see just by eye if you look carefully.

 

 

 

 

 

-- J.S.

[Anna Martin]

Take a look at it. If the gate is factory original full ap, the mount is usually also centered on full ap. The offset is big enough to see just by eye if you look carefully.

 

 

 

 

 

-- J.S.

 

 

Really?

[John Sprung]

Really?

Yes. IIRC, the offset is something close to a sixteenth of an inch. The mount face and aperture plate are far enough apart that you have to be careful to look at it square on, but if you do, you can definitely tell by eye.

 

 

 

 

 

-- J.S.

[James Steven Beverly]

Regards Chooser

 

Chooser, no one else has mentioned it so I will, this being a forum created, maintained, ran and catering to film professionals and you must use your real name here as per forum rules. You can change "chooser" to your real name and comply by going to My Controls.