Lens choices with the ALEXA LF center around the new LPL mount. Since ARRI’s Signature Primes and other LPL mount lenses are only available in small numbers, and fairly expensive right now, we utilized the PL adapter and chose the Cooke S7i lenses for their full frame coverage and unique look.
We were also aiming for an overall warmer look for the majority of the piece, and knew that the Cooke glass would help push us in that direction. Our overall experience with the Cooke full frame lenses was no different than with any other camera as ARRI made the PL adapter incredibly easy to use. During this shoot, we didn’t utilize ARRI’s internal ND solution, but we are looking forward to testing them on future shoots.
We knew powering the camera was going to be a challenge, due to it’s 19.5-34 volt requirement which presented limited options at the time we were shooting. Bebob is set to release a special gold-mount battery plate for the ALEXA LF, but that wasn’t an available option so we were left to choose between powering the camera with an AC power adapter or a block battery.
Regarding a wireless follow focus system we would’ve loved to have had our hands on an ARRI or Preston unit, but budgetary constraints forced us to think of other options. That led us to the Tiltamax Nucleus-M follow focus. Having tried many affordable units in the past, we were a little nervous going in.In the end, we were blown away by the build quality and dependability of the Nucleus-M unit.
