In this article we allow ourselves to look back at a very special camera announced more than a decade ago – The ARRI ALEXA M. With all the new cameras introduced lately combined with the innovative spirit of NAB 2022, It’s nice to be reminded of the very intriguing talked-about ALEXA M that was made for 3D rigging and action cinematography back in 2011. Let’s have a closer look.

The introduction was made at NAB 2011

In our opinion, NAB 2011 was a turning point in cinematography. The race of 4K has initiated by RED Digital Cinema. Back then, ARRI revealed the plan to concentrate on anamorphic imaging and the dynamic range of the ALEXA rather than trying to compete with high frame rates or 4K. Therefore, the ALEXA M was introduced. Check out the video below, in which Marc Shipman-Mueller, ARRI Product Manager of Cameras and Lenses, talks about the ALEXA M (=Modular) features:

ARRI ALEXA M

This is how ARRI has described the ALEXA M: “The ALEXA M is a flexible solution consisting of a separate camera head and body; it is tailored for action and aerial photography, tight corner shots, and 3D productions. Based on cutting-edge ARRI technologies, the M model features the same sensor, image processing, build quality, efficient workflows, and exceptional image quality that have made ALEXA such a worldwide success. The head and body of the M are connected with a fiber optic cable, which is a hybrid form that can also be used for powering the head. Weighing well under 3 kg, the compact front end offers multiple mounting points and versatile maneuverability. Meanwhile, the body provides various options for recording images, sound, and metadata, accommodating as many different workflows as the standard ALEXA”. Below you can watch the presentation of the ALEXA M and discussion with Director James Cameron who utilized its 3D capabilities:

And here’s another video of the camera at IBC 2011

Way before Rialto

The ARRI ALEXA M is basically an ALEXA that has been cut in two. You have a 12.1lb body connected to a 6.4lb head by a cable up to 20 feet long. That cable can be even longer if you aren’t sending power to the head from the body. We are all familiar with the Rialto – Extension Unit of the Sony VENICE which was released a long time after the ALEXA M. It’s interesting noting that eventually, Cameron went all the way with the VENICE which was extensively utilized in the Avatar movie (and will continue to be the major camera in the sequels as well). Furthermore, the ALEXA M owned a solid price tag of $100,000. Here’s the key feature:

• Sensor Type: CMOS (ALEV III)
• Sensor Dimensions: 23.76 mm x 13.37 mm (0.935 in x 0.526 in)
• Image Resolution: 2880 x 1620
• Output Type: 12-bit ARRIRAW (HD-SDI) | 12-bit 1080p Apple ProRes 4:4:4 and between. 

In April 2012, ARRI has released a short film called ‘The Specialist’ which was shot entirely on the ALEXA M by DP Tom Faehrmann. Watch it below:

Movies shot on ALEXA M

There are a few movies shot on the ALEXA M. The most recent is Mad Max: Fury Road. According to ARRI, the latest ALEXA XT’s capable of in-camera ARRIRAW recording was unavailable at that time, so the production team decided to use four ALEXA M cameras and six ALEXA Plus cameras all geared up with Onboard Codex CDX 3010 recorders. ARRI has stated that the four ALEXA M cameras were in handheld configuration; 3 cameras with wide-angle lenses were designated to the main unit and were used on the huge battle truck where most of the action happened. The other 3 ALEXA M cameras were dedicated to the action unit. Another acclaimed film shot with the camera is Skyfall. According to DP Roger Deakins, there were scenes shot by 11 cameras, including the ALEXA M which was used on filming one big stunt of a train crashing through a ceiling.

How can you get one?

Well, basically you can find a few on eBay, BTW, we found one on ShareGrid to be rented for $800 a day. Nevertheless, ARRI has its ALEXA Mini and Mini LF which are of the same size without the need for a cable between the camera body and the sensor. Furthermore, the forthcoming ALEXA 4K S35 will be in the same size as well. Hence, there’s no valid need for the ALEXA M. Anyway, the ALEXA M was one of the most talked-about cameras in the years 2011-2012 when the efforts to reduce the size of cinema cameras were accelerated. Thus, the ALEXA M constitutes an important milestone regarding ARRI Camera Systems.