What film format does the ARRI 16S use?

The ARRI 16S uses standard 16mm film with a 10.41 x 7.21mm gate. It does not support Super 16 without conversion.

What lens mount does the ARRI 16S use?

The ARRI 16S uses the ARRI Standard (Arri-S) lens mount, a 54mm diameter bayonet mount that was the industry standard for 16mm cameras before the transition to PL mount.

What magazines are compatible with the ARRI 16S?

The ARRI 16S accepts 100ft and 400ft displacement magazines. The camera can also run with a 100ft internal daylight spool.

Is the ARRI 16S still serviceable today?

Yes. Replacement parts are increasingly scarce but the 16S is a mechanically robust camera and experienced cinema equipment technicians can still perform full overhauls.

What is the maximum frame rate of the ARRI 16S?

The ARRI 16S runs at 8 to 50 frames per second, making it suitable for both slow motion and time-lapse work.

Arriflex 16S Camera Profile

Technical Specifications

Model	Arriflex 16St, Arriflex 16M
Predecessor	None
Successor	Arriflex 16BL
Format	Standard 16mm only
Movement	Single claw and registration pin
Viewfinder	Mirror reflex, 180º butterfly shutter, fixed viewfinder
Lens Mount	ARRI Standard, ARRI Bayonet (lens turret)
Power	8.4V DC
Speeds	24 or 25 fps fixed, 5 - 50 fps with variable speed motor
Film Capacity	100' internal daylight spools, 400 ft (120m) magazines (16M 400' magazines only)
Silent Operation	No
Crystal Sync	Only with aftermarket accessory, no longer available
Current Status	Discontinued (date unknown), unsupported by ARRI or CinemaTechnic. Due to single-claw movement these cameras can still be used with currently available film if properly lubricated.

CinemaTechnic Camera Profile – Arriflex 16S Series

Arriflex 16S/ 16ST

These vintage cameras, the oldest of which are now nearly 75 YEARS OLD, are unsupported and should be viewed as collectibles. CinemaTechnic is no longer supporting Arriflex 16S cameras. Questions regarding these cameras will not be answered.

Model: Arriflex 16St, Arriflex 16M
Predecessor: none
Successor: Arriflex 16BL
Format: Standard 16mm only
Movement: Single claw and registration pin
Viewfinder: Mirror reflex, 180º butterfly shutter, fixed viewfinder
Lens Mount: ARRI Standard, ARRI Bayonet (lens turret)
Power: 8.4V DC
Speeds: 24 or 25 fps fixed, 5 – 50 fps with variable speed motor
Film capacity: 100′ internal daylight spools, 400 ft (120m) magazines (16M 400′ magazines only)
Silent operation: NO
Crystal sync: Only with aftermarket accessory, no longer available
Current status: Discontinued (date unknown), unsupported by ARRI or CinemaTechnic. Due to single-claw movement these cameras can still be used with currently available film if properly lubricated.

Introduced in the early 1950’s, the Arriflex 16S was the first ARRI 16mm camera. It was the first 16mm camera to combine mirror-reflex and a registration pin movement. It has long been recognized for being versatile, compact, lightweight and extremely durable.

16 S, 16SB: 100′ internal daylight spools, with optional toploading 400′ magazine.

16M, 16MB (above), works only with 400′ top-loading film magazines. Mags are geared and do not require a torque motor. Compatible with all 16S accessories except magazines and power cables.

Camera Profile – Arriflex 16S Series