ARRIFLEX 16BL - the first self-blimped ARRI camera

As popular as the ARRIFLEX 16ST and 16M had proved for newsgathering, by the 1960s it was clear that the market needed a sync-sound 16 mm option. ARRI launched the ARRIFLEX 16BL (Blimped Lightweight) in 1965; its moving parts were mounted on a platen that ‘floated’ within the camera housing to insulate operating noise.

Zoom lenses were factory-installed in special lens blimps to further reduce noise levels. The lens itself connected to the film movement, while the blimp connected to the camera housing, preventing an acoustic bridge. A later version of the camera was designated 16BLEQ and featured a built-in crystal-controlled motor.

Prototype development

The early prototype pictured below has the serial number 50002, making it camera number two. It was tentatively named the ARRIFLEX 16MQ and shows that initial work on the 16BL evolved out of the existing 16M. The door has yet to be finessed and hinges downward instead of to the right; the new magazine is absent; the viewfinder is not quick release; and on the camera right side the handgrip and motor are not in their final form. An interesting work in progress.

An early ARRIFLEX 16BL prototype, designated the 16MQ

Main features

Quiet 31 dB at 1 m (3 ft)
Slim magazine with sound-insulated gear drive
Interchangeable self-blimped zoom lenses
Constant 24/25 fps (5-50 fps variable)
Bespoke accessories and carry cases

Modular sound options

The 16BL could be used with an external magnetic tape recorder, outputting a Pilotone signal that kept the picture and sound in sync. Alternatively, a ‘single system’ sound module accessory could be fixed inside the camera to enable direct audio recording onto magnetic striped film.

Shoulder-mounted operating

The 16BL eyepiece is further forward than on previous ARRI cameras, positioning the camera closer to a standing operator’s center of gravity. A shoulder pod accessory was offered for handheld support, or the camera could rest directly on the shoulder when used with the offset viewfinder attachment.

Integrated light meter

At the request of users, ARRI added a built-in exposure control device to the 16BL that was integrated into the viewing system, measuring light levels through the lens and showing exposure values in the viewfinder. The light meter uses a CD cell and has a film speed range from 16 to 500 ASA.

A light meter was added to the ARRIFLEX 16BL by popular request

Motorized zoom drive

ARRI offered a zoom control motor that mounted to the lens blimp and was paired to an alternative version of the contoured hand grip, which incorporated not just a camera start/stop button, but also a three-way toggle switch for zoom in/out/stop and a dial for adjusting the zoom speed.