ARRI ALEXA Mini LF Ready to Shoot V-Mount Set (LPL) - Manual (Page 16)

Introduction to the ALEXA Mini LF 16
7 Introduction to the ALEXA Mini LF
The ALEXA Mini LF (Large Format) camera is part of a complete large-format system that meets and
exceeds modern production requirements. Based around a large-format 4.5K version of the ALEXA
Mini sensor, the system comprises the ALEXA LF camera, ALEXA Mini LF camera, ARRI Signature
Prime lenses, LPL lens mount and PL adapter. These system elements have been designed to take the
fullest advantage of the enlarged sensor, while also offering maximum compatibility with existing lenses,
accessories and workflows.
Featuring a sensor slightly larger than full frame, ALEXA Mini LF records native 4.5K with ARRI’s best
overall image quality. This allows filmmakers to explore an immersive large-format aesthetic while
retaining the sensor’s proven suitability for HDR and WCG workflows. Versatile recording formats,
including efficient ProRes and uncompressed ARRIRAW up to 60 fps, provide unprecedented creative
freedom.
ALEXA LF and ALEXA Mini LF have the biggest sensor area of any cinema camera on the market,
second only to ARRI Rental’s ALEXA 65. Maintaining the ALEXA family’s optimal pixel size for highest
overall image quality results in a 4448 x 3096 picture, which can be recorded in full using the LF
Open Gate recording resolution. An LF 16:9 sensor mode maximizes lens options while meeting 4K
deliverable standards, and an LF 2.39:1 recording resolution offers a cinematic widescreen image.
All recording resolutions offer true 800 ASA sensitivity as well as reduced noise, providing the perfect
canvas for modern, subtle lighting techniques.
A crucial element of the system is the LPL lens mount, with dimensions optimized for large format
sensors. A wider diameter and shorter flange focal depth allow the ARRI Signature Primes and
all future large format lenses to be small and lightweight with a fast T-stop and pleasing bokeh, a
combination of features that would not be possible within the confines of the PL lens mount. The LPL
mount is also available for other ARRI cameras such as the ALEXA Mini, ALEXA SXT or AMIRA so the
ARRI Signature Primes can be used for large format and Super 35. In addition, the LPL mount is being
licensed to other lens and camera manufacturers, creating a new universal standard.
Although camera, lens mount and lenses are new, compatibility with existing PL mount lenses and
ALEXA Mini accessories is a cornerstone of the system's design. A PL-to-LPL adapter offers full
backwards compatibility with all PL mount lenses, be they Super 35 or full frame. The PL-to-LPL
adapter clips securely into the LPL lens mount without tools, so crews can rapidly switch between PL
and LPL lenses on set, offering an unlimited lens choice to the cinematographer. Since the ALEXA Mini
LF is based on the proven, robust ALEXA Mini camera design, most existing ALEXA Mini accessories
will work right out of the box.
ALEXA Mini LF offers the same proven, versatile workflows as other ALEXA cameras. Recording at
various resolutions is possible in uncompressed, unencrypted ARRIRAW up to 60 fps or in fast, efficient
Apple ProRes up to 90 fps. Lens metadata can be recorded from LDS-1, LDS-2 or Cooke /i capable
lenses. Existing ARRI Look Files (ALF-2) can be used with ALEXA Mini LF and the entire range of
ARRI workflow software tools has been reworked to support ALEXA large-format images.