ARRI ARRIFLEX D-21 User manual

08/2008
ARRIFLEX D-21/D-21 HD
PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTION MANUAL
COPYRIGHT © 2007 ARNOLD & RICHTER CINE TECHNIK GMBH & CO BETRIEBS KG. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
NO PART OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE USED FOR DISTRIBUTION, REPRODUCTION, TRANSMISSION,
TRANSCRIPTION, STORAGE IN A DATA RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, OR TRANSLATED INTO ANY LANGUAGE IN ANY
FORM BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF ARRI.
IF YOU ARE DOWNLOADING FILES FROM OUR WEBPAGES FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE, MAKE SURE TO
CHECK FOR UPDATED VERSIONS. ARRI CANNOT TAKY ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR DOWNLOADED
FILES, AS TECHNICAL DATA ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

ARRILFEX D-21/D-21 HD Instruction Manual 08/2008, Page 1

ARRILFEX D-21/D-21 HD Instruction Manual 08/2008, Page 2
*Note: Output board HD-SDI 2 not available on the ARRIFLEX D-21 HD

ARRILFEX D-21/D-21 HD Instruction Manual 08/2008, Page 3
1. Contents
1.Contents...................................................................................................................3
2.Safety Instructions and Legal Disclaimer .............................................................6
2.1.Safety Instructions.................................................................................................................6
Explanation of Warning Signs and Indications ......................................................................6
General Safety Instructions ...................................................................................................6
Specific Safety Instructions....................................................................................................7
2.2.Disclaimer..............................................................................................................................8
3.General Description.................................................................................................9
4.Power Supply.........................................................................................................10
4.1.Mains Unit NG 12/26 R........................................................................................................10
4.2.Battery NC 24/7 R................................................................................................................10
4.3.Charger NCL 24 R...............................................................................................................10
4.4.Main Camera Switch............................................................................................................10
4.5.Accessory Power Supply.....................................................................................................11
12 V Accessories.................................................................................................................11
24V Accessories..................................................................................................................11
Overload Display .................................................................................................................11
5.Installation of the Camera.....................................................................................12
5.1.Minimum equipment needed for operation:.........................................................................12
5.2.Packing, Storage and Transport..........................................................................................12
Condensation.......................................................................................................................12
5.3.Tripod and Remote Heads...................................................................................................12
5.4.Horizontal Levelling .............................................................................................................13
5.5.Bridge Plate Set BP-8, BP-9................................................................................................13
Attaching the Bridge Plate to the Camera ...........................................................................13
Putting the Camera on the Tripod........................................................................................13
Removing the Camera from the Tripod ...............................................................................13
5.6.Lens Support .......................................................................................................................14
5.7.Grip System.........................................................................................................................14
Attaching Additional Handgrips............................................................................................14
Removing the Grip System..................................................................................................14
6.Optics......................................................................................................................15
6.1.Lenses.................................................................................................................................15
Lens Mount..........................................................................................................................15
Changing Lenses.................................................................................................................15
6.2.Viewfinder System...............................................................................................................15
Eyepiece..............................................................................................................................16
Viewfinder Arm ....................................................................................................................16
Image Orientation ................................................................................................................16
Removing the Viewfinder System........................................................................................17
Universal Finder Arm...........................................................................................................18
6.3.Ground Glasses...................................................................................................................18
Exchanging the Ground Glass.............................................................................................18
6.4.ARRIGLOW.........................................................................................................................19
Exchanging the ARRIGLOW Mask......................................................................................19
7.Camera Output Configuration ..............................................................................20
7.1.Output Interfaces.................................................................................................................20
7.2.Video Menu..........................................................................................................................20
Using the Video Menu .........................................................................................................20
Status Indications ................................................................................................................20
7.3.Setting Operational Parameters ..........................................................................................21
User Mode ...........................................................................................................................21
White Balance......................................................................................................................22
Standard Frame Rate ..........................................................................................................23
Output Board (Advanced Mode)..........................................................................................23
HD-SDI Mode ......................................................................................................................24

Overview of Available Output Formats*...............................................................................24


ARRILFEX D-21/D-21 HD Instruction Manual 08/2008, Page 4
Output Range (Advanced Mode)*........................................................................................24
Colour Matrix (Advanced Mode)..........................................................................................25
Suitable Combinations of Contrast Characteristics, White Balance and Colour Matrix* .....25
Contrast Characteristics*.....................................................................................................25
SD Mode..............................................................................................................................27
Diagnostics ..........................................................................................................................28
7.4.OSD Tools...........................................................................................................................29
8.Signal Connections...............................................................................................30
8.1.Signal Wiring Instructions....................................................................................................30
HD422 Setup (Standard Mode)...........................................................................................30
HD422 High Speed Setup (Standard Mode) .......................................................................31
HD444 Setup (Standard Mode)*..........................................................................................31
Data Mode/ARRIRAW Setup (Advanced Mode) .................................................................32
9.Camera Operation..................................................................................................33
9.1.Running and Stopping the Camera .....................................................................................33
9.2.Camera Display Modes .......................................................................................................33
Overview of Display Modes*................................................................................................34
Overview of Display Symbols ..............................................................................................34
Shutter Angle Display (Mode 1)...........................................................................................34
Locking Camera Controls ....................................................................................................34
9.3.Standard and Programmed Frame Rates............................................................................35
General Procedure for Changing Frame Rates*..................................................................35
Setting a Programmed Frame Rate (Mode 2) .....................................................................35
9.4.Frame Counter and Battery Information..............................................................................36
Switching between Display of Frame Counter and Mirror Shutter Angle (Mode 1).............36
Setting the Frame Counter Configuration (Mode 3).............................................................37
Displaying the Power Supply Voltage (Mode 3) ..................................................................37
9.5.Mirror Shutter Angle and Warning Signal............................................................................37
Enabling/Disabling the Asynchronous Running Warning Signal (Mode 4)..........................37
Enabling/Disabling the Mirror Shutter (Mode 4)...................................................................38
Setting the Mirror Shutter Angle (Mode 5)...........................................................................38
10.Recording.............................................................................................................39
10.1.Recording Format Setup......................................................................................................39
10.2.Starting and Stopping the Recording...................................................................................39
Recording devices with variable frame rate (VariFrame) support:.......................................39
Recording devices without variable frame rate (VariFrame) support:..................................39
11.Functional Expansion Module FEM-2................................................................40
11.1.Lens Data System ...............................................................................................................40
11.2.Wireless System..................................................................................................................41
Installing the URM-3 radio receiver .....................................................................................41
Using the Wireless System..................................................................................................41
Changing the radio channel.................................................................................................41
Wireless System Status Indications.....................................................................................41
11.3.Remote Lens Control...........................................................................................................42
CLM-2 Status Indications.....................................................................................................42
11.4.Camera Remote Control......................................................................................................42
Wired Camera Remote Control ...........................................................................................43
11.5.Compatibility ........................................................................................................................43
ARRIFLEX D-21 FEM-2 Compatibility List ..........................................................................43
11.6.Replacing the FEM-2...........................................................................................................44
Removing the FEM-2...........................................................................................................44
Attaching the FEM-2............................................................................................................44
12.Accessories..........................................................................................................45
12.1.External Synchronization Unit ESU-1..................................................................................45
12.2.Flash Mag Mounting Adapter FMA-1...................................................................................45
12.3.Heated Eyecup (HE-4/HE-5) ...............................................................................................45
12.4.Isolating Power Adapter IPA................................................................................................46
12.5.Low Mode Support...............................................................................................................46
12.6.

Remote Run Switch (RS-4) .................................................................................................47


ARRILFEX D-21/D-21 HD Instruction Manual 08/2008, Page 5
12.7.RS Socket Distributor (24 V Plug-on module) .....................................................................47
12.8.Sony Fibre Interface SFI-1...................................................................................................47
Sony Fibre Remote SFR-1 ..................................................................................................48
12.9.Wireless Remote Control WRC-2........................................................................................49
12.10.Work Light............................................................................................................................49
12.11.General Note .......................................................................................................................49
13.Camera Care.........................................................................................................50
13.1.General Information.............................................................................................................50
13.2.Imager Check ......................................................................................................................50
Imager Surface ....................................................................................................................50
Mechanical Damage to Imager Surface ..............................................................................50
Cleaning the Sensor ............................................................................................................51
Condensation.......................................................................................................................51
Pixel Failure.........................................................................................................................51
13.3.Cleaning the Field Lens.......................................................................................................52
14.Technical Data - ARRIFLEX D-21 .......................................................................53
15.Technical Data - ARRIFLEX D-21 HD.................................................................54
16.Appendix ..............................................................................................................55
16.1.Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................55
16.2.Glossary...............................................................................................................................57
Clipping................................................................................................................................57
Colour Signals and Chroma (Sub-)Sampling.......................................................................57
Data Mode/ARRIRAW .........................................................................................................57
Dead Pixels..........................................................................................................................58
Defective Pixels ...................................................................................................................58
HD422 dual link ...................................................................................................................58
Pixel Failure.........................................................................................................................59
Scanning Methods (p, i, PsF) ..............................................................................................59
Signal Range .......................................................................................................................60
17.Index .....................................................................................................................61
18.ARRI Group Addresses.......................................................................................62

ARRILFEX D-21/D-21 HD Instruction Manual 08/2008, Page 6
2. Safety Instructions and Legal Disclaimer
2.1. Safety Instructions
Always follow these instructions to ensure against injury to yourself and damage to the system or other objects.
This safety information is in addition to the product specific operating instructions in general and must be strictly
observed for safety reasons.
Explanation of Warning Signs and Indications
Possible risk of injury or damage to equipment.
This Symbol indicates the risk of electric shock or fire danger that could result in injury or equipment damage.
Note: indicates further information or information from other instruction manuals.
➪image indicates objects, which are shown in an illustration or picture.
General Safety Instructions
Read and understand all safety and operating instructions before you operate or install the system!
Retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference!
Heed all warnings on the system and in the safety and operating instructions before you operate or install the
system! Follow all installations and operating instructions!
Do not use accessories or attachments that are not recommended by ARRI, as they may cause hazards and
invalidate the warranty!
Do not attempt to repair any part of the system! Repairs must only be carried out by authorized ARRI Service
Centres.
Do not remove any safety measures of the system!
Do not operate the system in areas with humidity above operating levels or expose it to water or moisture!
Do not place the system on an unstable trolley/hand truck, stand, tripod, bracket or table! The system may fall,
causing serious personal injury and damage to the system or other objects.
Operate the system using only the type of power source indicated in the manual! Unplug the power cable by
gripping the power plug, not the cable!
Never insert objects of any kind into any part of the system through openings, as the objects may touch
dangerous voltage points or short out parts! This could cause fire or electrical shock.
Unplug the system from the power outlet before opening any part of the system or before making any changes to
the system, especially the attaching or removing of cables!
Do not use solvents to clean!
Do not remove any screws that have been secured with paint!
Attention! Danger of injury!
Never place your hand in the lens mount receptacle or the inside of the camera while it is running!

ARRILFEX D-21/D-21 HD Instruction Manual 08/2008, Page 7
Specific Safety Instructions
Never run the camera without a lens or a protective cap in the lens mount receptacle!
Remove the all cable connections before transport or servicing!
Changing camera lenses should be done in a dry and dust-free environment. If this is not possible, take extra
care that no dust enters the camera while the lens is off!
Before removing the lens, always make sure to stop the mirror shutter! This not only prevents damage to the
shutter in case a wrong lens is inserted (e.g. 16 format lens). The shutter in "finder-open" position acts also as a
protective cover to the sensor.
When no lens is attached to the camera, use the protective cap to avoid sensor contamination!
After changing lenses, always perform a dust check to make sure no dust has settled on the sensor cover glass!
Clean optical lens surfaces only with a lens brush or a clean lens cloth! In cases of solid dirt, moisten a lens cloth
with pure alcohol!
Discard contaminated lens cloth after use!
Do not use it to clean lens!
If the sensor cover glass has been contaminated NEVER USE CANS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR GAS TO
BLOW OFF THE DUST! This can severely damage both the mirror shutter and the sensor cover glass.
Loose dust can be blown off with a blower bulb or a lens brush.
If the sensor cover glass has been contaminated by solid dirt or grease, special optical cleaning kits should be
used very carefully for removal. If the contamination cannot be removed, the camera should be taken to an ARRI
Service Centre for cleaning.
Never clean a lens brush with your fingers!
NEVER USE METHANOL OR ACETONE TO CLEAN THE SENSOR COVER GLASS!
NEVER REMOVE THE SENSOR COVER GLASS!
Do not point the camera into direct sunlight if the mirror shutter is not running!
Any violation of these safety instructions or non-observance of personal care could cause serious injuries (including
death) and damage to the system or other objects.

ARRILFEX D-21/D-21 HD Instruction Manual 08/2008, Page 8
2.2. Disclaimer
Before using the products described in this manual be sure to read and understand all respective instructions.
The ARRIFLEX D-21/D-21 HD is only available for commercial customers. The customer grants by utilization, that the
ARRIFLEX D-21/D-21 HD or other components of the system are deployed for commercial use. Otherwise the customer
has the obligation to contact ARRI preceding the utilization.
While ARRI endeavors to enhance the quality, reliability and safety of their products, customers agree and acknowledge
that the possibility of defects thereof cannot be eliminated entirely. To minimize risk of damage to property or injury
(including death) to persons arising from defects in the products, customers must incorporate sufficient safety measures
in their work with the system and have to heed the stated canonic use.
ARRI or its subsidiaries do not assume any responsibility for incurred losses due to improper handling or configuration of
the camera or other system components, due to sensor contamination, occurrence of dead or defective pixels, defective
signal connections or incompatibilities with third party recording devices.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent of
ARRI. ARRI assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. The information is subject to
change without notice.
For product specification changes since this manual was published, refer to the latest publications of ARRI data sheets
or data books, etc., for the most up-to-date specifications. Not all products and/or types are available in every country.
Please check with an ARRI sales representative for availability and additional information.
Neither ARRI nor its subsidiaries assume any liability for infringement of patents, copyrights or other intellectual property
rights of third parties by or arising from the use of ARRI products or any other liability arising from the use of such
products. No license, express, implied or otherwise, is granted under any patents, copyrights or other intellectual
property right of ARRI or others.
ARRI or its subsidiaries expressly exclude any liability, warranty, demand or other obligation for any claim,
representation, or cause, or action, or whatsoever, express or implied, whether in contract or tort, including negligence,
or incorporated in terms and conditions, whether by statue, law or otherwise. In no event shall ARRI or its subsidiaries be
liable for or have a remedy for recovery of any special, direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including,
but not limited to lost profits, lost savings, lost revenues or economic loss of any kind or for any claim by third party,
downtime, good-will, damage to or replacement of equipment or property, any cost or recovering of any material or
goods associated with the assembly or use of our products, or any other damages or injury of the persons and so on or
under any other legal theory.
In the case one or all of the foregoing clauses are not allowed by applicable law, the fullest extent permissible clauses by
applicable law are validated.
ARRI is a registered trademark of Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co Betriebs KG.
Note: This product and the accessories recommended by the manufacturer fulfill the specifications of the EU-
Guideline 89/336/EWG.

ARRILFEX D-21/D-21 HD Instruction Manual 08/2008, Page 9
3. General Description
The ARRIFLEX D-21 is a film style digital camera based on ARRI's innovative technologies, continuous in-depth
customer feedback and decades of experience. To allow directors and cinematographers to shoot the same way as they
would with 35 mm film, the D-21 combines the immediacy of digital cameras with high-end film style functionality,
handling and creative options.
The D-21 is equipped with a bright optical viewfinder that works without power and shows extra image area outside the
primary image. The basic principle of seeing the image optically through the lens ensures zero delay and fatigue-free
viewing. All these features are crucial for accurate framing and picture composition.
Combining leading edge image research with decades of practical experience, ARRI Imaging Technology (AIT) is the
smart orchestration of a custom-designed CMOS sensor, a powerful imaging hardware engine and unique image
processing algorithms. Through AIT the D-21 produces outstanding images with a cinematic look and feel, showing
sharp pictures, high dynamic range, high contrast and the most natural color reproduction of any motion picture CMOS
camera. The D-21's rotating mirror shutter leads to a unique progressive image capture for film-like motion portrayal.
Through its single, Super 35-sized CMOS sensor and industry standard PL lens mount, the D-21 accepts the same
unequalled variety of 35 mm prime, zoom and specialty film lenses as used on 35 mm film cameras. In addition it has the
same cinematic depth of field as 35 mm film and can be used with anamorphic lenses*.
Further film style features are variable frame rates** and full compatibility with the extensive line of ARRI film style
accessories. The D-21 is a true ARRI camera featuring qualities ARRI cameras are famous for, including completely
silent running, simple to use controls, robust construction and ergonomic design.
Flexible output options include 4x3 ARRIRAW sensor data output** and standard 16x9 HD signals to suit different
production requirements and budgets, including a 2K data workflow and regular HD tape recording.
The D-21 modular system architecture allows upgrading when advances in sensor and/or electronics technology become
available, thus ensuring a long product cycle for the D-21.
* Note: Use of anamorphic lenses is not recommended with the ARRIFLEX D-21 HD, as this model does not allow
capturing the full sensor height, which is required to obtain a 2.39:1 aspect ratio using anamorphic lenses.
** Note: Variable frame rates and ARRIRAW raw sensor data output for 2K data workflow are not available on the
ARRIFLEX D-21 HD.
Product Identification
When ordering parts or accessories, or if any questions should arise, please advise the model type and serial number of
the product in question.
Scope
This instruction manual applies to the following cameras and software versions:
•ARRIFLEX D-21, CM version 05/2007, SW Version 1.14/CRC 65b8c
•ARRIFLEX D-21 HD, CM Version, SW Version 1.14/CRC 65b8c
Different software versions can result in different behavior.
Note: Unless noted otherwise (corresponding sections will be marked with a footnote), all instructions and
descriptions stated in this manual apply to both, the ARRIFLEX D-21 and the ARRIFLEX D-21 HD.