The electronic shutter variant of the ARRI 435 (1999), offering in-shot shutter adjustment from 11.2° to 180°. Enables speed ramping and dynamic exposure changes within a single take.
What is the ARRI 435 ES?
The ARRI 435 ES (1999) – "ES" stands for Electronic Shutter – is a variant of the ARRI 435 with an electronically controllable shutter angle. Unlike the mechanically adjusted shutter, the ES allows the angle to be changed from 11.2° to 180° during recording – ideal for speed ramping with automatic exposure compensation.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | 35mm (2/3/4-perf) |
| Weight | 5.5 kg (Body) |
| Frame Rate | 1–150 fps |
| Shutter | 11.2°–180° (electronic) |
| Noise | <20 dBA @ 24 fps |
| Mount | PL Mount |
| Magazines | 120m / 300m / 600m |
The Electronic Shutter System
| Parameter | Standard 435 | 435 ES |
|---|---|---|
| Shutter Adjustment | Manual, before recording | Electronic, during recording |
| Adjustment Range | 11.2°–180° | 11.2°–180° |
| Change Speed | N/A | Up to 3°/Frame |
| Control | Mechanical | Electronic/Remote |
What is Speed Ramping?
Speed ramping is the smooth transition between different frame rates:
Example
Seconds 1-3: 24 fps (Normal)
↓
Seconds 3-4: Ramp 24→100 fps
↓
Seconds 4-6: 100 fps (Slow Motion)
↓
Seconds 6-7: Ramp 100→24 fps
↓
Seconds 7-10: 24 fps (Normal)The Exposure Problem
| fps | Shutter 180° | Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | 1/48 s | 100% |
| 100 | 1/200 s | 24% |
Without ES: Abrupt brightness change
With ES: Automatic compensation via shutter angle
Notable Films with Speed Ramping
| Film | Year | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| The Matrix | 1999 | Bullet-time effects |
| Gladiator | 2000 | Battle scenes |
| 300 | 2006 | Fight choreography |
| Sherlock Holmes | 2009 | Action sequences |
The "300" Aesthetic
The film "300" (2006) popularized extreme speed ramping:
Typical "300" Shot
- Warrior begins attack (24 fps)
- Sword rises (ramp to 100 fps)
- Impact in slow motion (100 fps)
- Impact (ramp back to 24 fps)
- Continue fight (24 fps)
Why 435 ES?
- Seamless transitions
- Automatic exposure
- In-camera instead of post
- Organic look
435 ES vs. Standard 435
| Function | 435 | 435 ES |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Ramping | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure Compensation | Manual/Post | Automatic |
| Shutter During Recording | Fixed | Variable |
| Complexity | Lower | Higher |
| Rental Price | ~€600/day | ~€800/day |
Technical Details
The Electronic Shutter
- Motor-driven – Precise angle control
- Frame-accurate – Adjustment per single frame
- Programmable – Preset ramps possible
- Remote-capable – Remote control
Control Options
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| FCC | Film Camera Controller |
| Manual | Directly on the body |
| Wireless | Via radio link |
| Programmed | Preset curves |
Typical Configurations
Action/Slow Motion Set
- 435 ES body
- 300m magazine
- Zeiss Ultra Prime
- FCC controller
- Wireless follow focus
- Rental: ~€900/day
Commercials with Speed Ramping
- 435 ES body
- 120m magazine
- Leica Summilux-C
- Programmed ramps
- Rental: ~€850/day
Limitations
Compared to Digital
- No real-time preview of the ramp
- Film must be developed
- Less flexible post-production
Mechanical
- More complex than the standard 435
- More potential sources of error
- Higher maintenance effort
The Legacy
In Cinematography
- Popularized in-camera speed ramping
- Foundation for digital systems
- Enabled the "300" aesthetic
Today
- Replaced by: Digital cameras with speed ramping
- Historically: Important for the film→digital transition
- Availability: Limited in specialty rentals
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Limited |
| Rental/Day | €800–€1,000 |
| Service | ARRI Network |
| Status | Discontinued |
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