Dear Customers,

ALEXA Mini LFs are appearing on sets everywhere in the world now in large numbers, and more and more cinematographers are experiencing the unique large format image quality of our LF cameras. We have been (and are) busy building cameras and making sure that the entire camera eco system is up to date with the latest information and tools. Below, please find the latest info on ALEXA Mini LF and ALEXA LF software updates and news.

1. Software Update Package SUP ALEXA Mini LF SUP 6.0.21

This is a maintenance update that fixes various minor issues including a bug that sometimes prevents the Compact Drive 1TB from mounting properly. We recommend installing this update at your earliest convenience. The SUP can be found here. 

2. Software Update Package SUP ALEXA LF SUP 4.2

This is a maintenance update that fixes an issue that sometimes prevents the camera from booting correctly. With ALEXA LF SUP 4.1 we were able to remove the most frequent occurrence of this issue and with ALEXA LF SUP 4.2 we are now able to remove all occurrences of this issue by eradicating the root cause. We recommend installing this update at your earliest convenience. The SUP can be found here.

3. ALEXA Mini LF is Netflix Approved

While we have had preliminary approval for a while, and many Netflix shows have been happily using the ALEXA Mini LF since July, Netflix has successfully tested a production model ALEXA Mini LF and updated their Partner Help and their Prodicle websites. Please note that this includes approval for the anamorphic recording options detailed in the "ALEXA LF & Anamorphic Lenses.pdf" white paper and for the LF Open Gate 4.5K, LF 16:9 UHD and LF 2.39:1 4.5K recording resolutions.

The Prodicle website also contains links to a new “Netflix Camera Production Guide for the ALEXA Mini LF” and an updated “Netflix Camera Production Guide for the ALEXA LF”. These guides were written by us and edited by Netflix. They contain a lot of useful information about the cameras in a very concise form, so feel free to distribute them as you see fit. You can download pdf versions with the DOWNLOAD button in the top right corner.

4. ALEXA Mini LF Simulator is Online

Many of you have asked about this, and we now have the official ALEXA Mini LF Simulator on the ARRI website. This is a great tool to familiarize yourself with the menus and controls of the ALEXA Mini LF on your computer or smart phone.

5. Offline Functionality for Frame Line & Lens Illumination Tool 

It is now possible to download an offline version of the popular Frame Line & Lens Illumination Tool to your macOS computer running Google Chrome. Requested by DITs worldwide, now you can create custom framelines or check on the lens illumination capabilities of many lenses without an internet connection. You can find the guidelines on how to do this here.

6. Large Format ARRI Academy Online Training 

This ARRI Academy online training consists of a series of 6 online sessions and corresponding self-learning units covering all aspects of working with ARRI's large-format camera system comprised of the new ALEXA Mini LF, ALEXA LF, ARRI Signature Prime lenses, LPL lens mount, wireless video transmission, and wireless lens control. By the end of the course you will come away with a certificate indicating your product competence and ability to use the large-format camera system to its full potential in real-world situations.

7. Other News

Codex Device Manager 5.0 is now available from Codex. This free-of-charge, license-free macOS software is needed for the Compact Drive Adapter and provides access to Codex’ High Density Encoding. While the Compact Drive Reader allows downloading drives without the Device Manager, it is required to use High Density Encoding with the Compact Drive Reader. To learn more about High Density Encoding, have a look at our ARRIRAW FAQ and set the filter option to “HDE / High Density Encoding”.

We now have templates for the slide-in cards for the MVF-2 viewfinder available online. There is a separate A4 template and a US Letter template available, so you can print your own actor/character card or lens list.

The"ALEXA Mini LF Supporting Tools & Software Overview" document has been updated.

The"ALEXA LF Supporting Tools & Software Overview" document has been updated. 

Let us know how your experiences with the ALEXA Mini LF and ALEXA LF have been and send us some photos of the ALEXA Mini LF and the ALEXA LF on sets! You can send feedback and photos to msmueller[at]arri.de or to fmerten[at]arri.de.

We appreciate your continued support.

Your ARRI camera marketing team