ARRI CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) has a new look. Furthermore, more stuff is being added, like accessories, lighting equipment, and stabilizers. Dreaming on your own ALEXA? This is your chance. Have a glimpse at what ARRI has to offer.
ARRI CPO (Certified Pre-Owned)
We wrote about the CPO program a couple of times. If you haven’t heard of this great initiative by ARRI, you should definitely check it out. The program allows you to purchase a certified ARRI camera for about $13,000 including all essential accessories. The CPO program was born 2 years ago focused on ALEXA Classic cameras, and expanded to more ALEXA models (Mini and LF). As the cameras were sold out pretty quickly, ARRI has decided to expand the program to include Cine Primes and Zooms (Read our article: ARRI Approved Certified Pre-Owned Program is Expanding With More Cameras and Cine Lenses). The idea behind the program is to offer pre-owned cameras rechecked, refurbished, and certified by ARRI.
8,000 hours of operation
Some of the cameras have more than 8,000 hours of operation. Nevertheless, it’s ARRI which is the workhorse of cinema. Those beasts can take thousands of hours of operation more, especially after the examination and approval processes. As stated by ARRI: “You can be sure that every camera has undergone a thorough examination and service, is fully calibrated, and has been rigorously tested. Before we release it for sale, we ensure that it is worthy of an ‘ARRI Approved’ certificate, and the backing of our warranty scheme for one year. When you buy ARRI Approved Certified Pre-Owned equipment, you can be confident that you are not sacrificing performance for price”.
ARRI’s Stamp of Approval
During the certification process, the ARRI service center performs a thorough check of parameters, including image sensor quality, recording functions, connectors, flange focal distance, audio system, and ARRI Lens Control System. The overhaul also includes an update to the latest Software Update Packet (SUP) of the respective model. Before the ARRI Certificate of Approval is issued, the equipment goes through the same Final Function Test as new cameras, ensuring it meets the high standards expected of it. Once all functions have been checked and approved, ARRI engineers issue an official printed certificate, which will come with every camera.
Prices
The price range is very diverse and starts from $10,000. It depends mainly on the model and hours of operation. For instance, an ALEXA Classic with 5,000 hours of operation can cost about $10,000. Basically, the price is higher than buying a used ALEXA on eBay. However, it much safer due to the certification process and the 1-year warranty. As a reference, check out the PDF below which describes the CPO item: ALEXA SXT W.
[pdf-embedder url=”https://ymcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ALEXA-SXT-W-Operating-Hours-3426-25900.00-EUR.pdf” title=”ARRI CPO: ALEXA SXT W- Operating Hours- 3426 25,900.00 EUR”]
Demo products
Besides the pre-owned products, there are options to purchase demo products. These are carefully selected items that were displayed at trade fairs and in showrooms. According to ARRI, the demo products are checked, certified, and covered by a one-year warranty as well. For now, I couldn’t find any demo products in stock, but I’m sure those will be added later on. Moreover, the program now offers other accessories as well. For instance, check out the Wireless Compact Unit WCU-4 offer below.
[pdf-embedder url=”https://ymcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Wireless-Compact-Unit-WCU-4.pdf” title=”ARRI CPO: Wireless Compact Unit WCU-4″]
Final thoughts
ARRI CPO is your chance to make it into the big league with your own ALEXA. There is nothing like the color science of the ALEV III sensor combined with ARRIRAW. The CPO allows you to buy a used ALEXA that was meticulously well treated for a new life cycle to film more great movies.
