I will be posting more behind the scenes videos about this project and more footage on my other channel! Go subscribe there so you don"t miss it! ruclips.net/channel/UCJja0_rtfD8bNlyYD7D9TsA
Bro so happy for you. I know the feeling I actually started repairing RED DSMC1 and had to go through this same process, and now I'm the only repair center worldwide for these cameras. When going through SDI P, I'm guessing it is level A and Pf is level b, so depending on the format your device is programmed for, it will only accept one or the other some devices can accept both.
Amazing. Just awesome. I worked for ARRI (rentals) when they had a place in Heston UK. I learned so much back in 1996, how to change a film in a bag, what a marking disc was, I cleaned enough of them, bodies (ARRIFlex), lenses (ARRI/Zeiss), lighting (ARRILux), and so much more! But this, this is next level. It eclipses what I learned back then. Rebuilding a working ARRI Alexa is just incredible. What an achievement. Congratulations Sir.
I too started tearing things apart at a young age. This is a perfect example of my own philosophy: "If someone was smart enough to design and build it, then I'm smart enough to figure out how to fix it." Many times I've been told that I was 'super smart'; my response is "I dunno about smart, I'm just good at figuring sh*t out." I see that in you. I also see that you are a good filmmaker. Part 1 had me on the edge of my seat before you even placed the order! Speaking of filmmaking, a little 'cost of replacement' insurance and you could RENT this camera to other budding filmmakers. I've seen this camera rent for $600US per week, by itself; and that's at the low end. Add accessory package(s) and you'd really be cooking with solar. VERY WELL DONE! I'm glad I took the time to watch.
My parents stopped buying me electronics stuff when I was younger because I would always take it apart 🤣😂 now at 48 years old I have my own workshop fixing electronics 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I worked as a DIT in Germany for many years and during the time the Alexa came out. Such a great video, thanks! Was kind of a ride down memory lane ;) If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will try to answer them. Cheers PS: the footage looked quite contrasty, did you do grading? did you use Log-C? Did you try the Open Gate mode? As I mentioned in another comment, there are dead pixels in your footage and there is a fix.
Thank you! I shot in Log-C and color graded with FilmConvert Nitrate. I have lots of practice to do with color grading with it so it can definitely use some improvements. Also im currently working on pixel masking to fix the dead pixels!
@@sem_skywalker Agreed, they seem to take up more than one pixel each, and looks softer than if it were a cluster of dead pixels. I guess this may just be because this camera doesn't seem to shoot in 4k but has been included in a 4k video? This doesn't seem super likely though, due to the nature of the dots. As you say, lighting affects it also. I definitely agree with you that the sensor/protective glass just needs a clean. I have a Lumix G7 that had a very similar issue and blowing air onto the sensor fixed it. The defects looked almost identical.
Literally what I did growing up too. My father and Mother had an electronics repair business, that pretty much meant I had an unlimited amount of things to pull apart and experiment with. Loved every minute of Both these videos.
Congratulations! That's a big achievement 👏 In my eyes, repairing stuff has to be one of the coolest things you can do in life. I hope you make more videos about this topic :)
Thank you so much! Also i'm a huge fan of your channel, i've been watching since the start of your "Making a Film Company" series! Keep up the great work.
@@FoxTailWhipz Ah, that's fun to hear! :) New episodes coming soon, including buying a bunch of used stuff for our new office. Can't wait to release that episode and put more focus on "re-use" :)
If I remember correctly, CAM1 has missing parts and CAM3 has a bad sensor. Is there any possibility to swap out the PCB containing the CMOS on 3 with the one on 1 and see if that works? I really don't think the camera is 100% broken. Also try hitting the white sensor with a projector or something that makes vertical and horizontal stripes. if you can see some trace of that, it might just be a wrong voltage regulator. I am no expert but I guess the boost circuit is fine, but the CMOS has something broken inside, that's why when you shift ISO, it works, but when you shift shutter, the integration time of the CMOS doesn't get applied correctly.
Glad that I was able to contribute with the IR filter suggestion but wow that was a huge amount of legwork in testing and troubleshooting the other things. Great that you had a happy ending with a mostly working camera in the end!
This is such a great recourse for anyone trying to fix these alexa classics. They’re all over the market right now and I’m sure more people like you will get ahold of them to bring back to life. Awesome work 🙏🏼
Amazing that you've managed to get a seemingly dead ARRI Alexa Classic up and running, the footage looks incredible too! Considering the price you paid vs. the cost of a fully working used model, it's probably a keeper too. Great series!
Im a tech and started pulling radios apart... So enjoyed seeing you working on this, of course your personality makes it all a pleasure to watch. keep going young man
I might have a few more answers for you: (I'm wirting these as I watch the video so you might already found a solution) 1. internal battery low (doesn't really matter as it's just the one supplying the internal clock when the camera powered off) 2. SDI connectors don't last forever but they can be replaced quite easily (atleast on the newer Alexas, Classic shouldn't be different). 3. you figured that out ... (the pink image could be different causes: not mached color spaces between camara and monitor, WB and tint. A factory reset should fix these (always a good idea with an Alexa you haven't used sofar). Could be a Sensor or image processing problem which would be more severe.) 4. white screen (with covered sensor) could mean that the calibration file is missing or corrupted (fix: new calibration, which unfortuantly only Arri service can do) 5. yes, those died young - usually when they come in for service they have 10k+ hours. 6. you figured that out ... the ring on the sensor: dried out drop of liquid or hair (but its really sharp so probably on the sensor not the glasses infront of it (try to blow it of with one of those camera dust blowers, if it sticks: whipe it of with iso, (aceton) or distilled water try it out some might work some might not) 7. if you try to remove the sensor from the housing just don't pull of the heat pipes or PCBs (it would kill the thing). If service does it more than double what you paid for these cameras. 8. those dots (dead pixels) look more like dust or laser damage (first can be fixed, latter not). if its dead pixels it looks quite bad (compared to a regular one - might can be calibrated might not) Yay you got one working. If you have questions just ask, I might know it or someone who does.
I love this. The bit where you were recording the screen as you were importing footage is amazing, because I understand exactly the sensation behind it. It's butterflies in your stomach, even though it's "just a camera". It's the feeling I got when I finally received my first camera (Canon 550d) after waiting for days after purchasing. It's the feeling I got when I got my first "pro" camera (Canon 5d mark iv) and I finally unboxed it. Something you've been dreaming of is in front of you, finally. Something you've researched, watched reviews of, put money away for... I understand your feelings, and I love the fact that you managed to let them "pass through" the screen, to the viewers. Cheers!
Good job. I have been troubleshooting electronics for almost 30 years in professional settings. I have had to do a lot of the same thing where I have made good units out of 4 or 5 bad ones. It is a good feeling but its so much better when its things you paid for yourself. I would keep at the other units. Camera 1 is probably good as is 3 you just need sensors. Maybe some other broken units can provide those parts.
It's amazing that you've gotten 140K+ views about fixing an Alexa; I wouldn't have thought that many people would even know what it was! BTW, you'll appreciate knowing that ARRI charges about $30K for a rebuilt sensor block and another thousand in Labor to install it. Presumably the sensor block is a sealed assembly, no dirt is supposed to get in there. That's why they replace them for free if dirt is found behind the cover glass, when under warranty. That's also why your fix of blowing through the screw hole to move the hair inside is very revealing. That must be the way that dirt gets in there. The whole situation is complicated in the Amira and Mini cameras because there's also a movable ND filter wheel inside the sealed area, Their new camera moves the filter wheel out of the sealed assembly, presumably to make it easier to clean. Congrats on your initiative and discipline!
I had no clue that Arri was a brand. It was so interesting watching a genuine enthusast working through this project and succeed. I wish you the best of health to enjoy your camera. The algorithm recommended your channel. No clickbait, no nonsense... Of course I subscribed.
Congrats, amazing work! I am VERY interested in why OG (Open Gate) was an available option in the resolution menu, on an Alexa *Classic*! If OG recording works somehow, you’ve got almost the equivalent of an Alexa XT in recording power! (You’d have to crop the image to your desired aspect ratio, but that’s full use of the sensor!)
That is so cool, congrats, I personally don't like the look and color arri Alexas give, it looks too tv commercial but congrats and I know that feeling of repairing something and getting it to work again, it's the best, congrats 👏
Damn man! You’ve gotten so lucky with these, I didn’t think you’d get a single working camera out of it let alone several! I mean they’re not perfect but what a discount! You should definitely part out the non working one as I know the boards, components and parts from them would help out so many others with one or two issues stopping them from using their Alexa’s!
I don't know too much about these but looking at the prices for even part machines I feel like even if they all had defective sensors 1250 for all 5 would still be an incredible deal. For reference a parts machine (with supposedly just defective buttons tbf but you never know) sold on bid for 1500. That's just one camera. Seeing that it's honestly impressive the listing for all 5 didn't insta sell for 1500.
Amazing you solved the hairy sensor issue! 👏 I’ve been trying to revive two Red Ones over the past few months and this reminds me so much of that experience. The Alexas look so good!
Damn man, honestly didn’t think you’d get a working Alexa out of the whole bunch! Usually those cameras are all in awful shape but shit man, you made it happen! Congrats and enjoy the camera!
Hi Adam, your two videos gave me the goosebumps! I fell in love with Arriflex when I was 9 years old and I had to wait 40 years until I got me my dream camera Arriflex 16ST. I always wanted to operate...but ended up as an actor. Been doing that for the last 40 years but never lost my love for the aesthetics of a real Arri. I also started very early to fix up stuff. Lately I bought old Synths and repaired them. It gives me tremendous pleasure to see a broken thing run again... So I dig what you do! Keep on going - I wished, I could lay my hands on an Alexa... Great work!
This was so freaking cool. What a great idea! I am curious if you could take a sensor from one of the modular Alexas and re-solder it into one of the other bodies. If it truly is the same chip you should be good and I believe those systems use the same sensors. Also, you could TOTALLY retrofit a speed booster in the flange. Maybe buy the canon RF speed booster (since it's definitely the sharpest) and see if you can retrofit it? Make your own Alexa LF!
@@FoxTailWhipz I’ve performed that surgery on many older Ef mount cameras, basically all you have to do is make sure the element your installing lines up as close as possible to the front flange on the mount as the speed booster you removed it from. You could probably do fine just using a viltrox internal element because at 2k resolution you likely wouldn’t lose any noticeable sharpness. But the canon booster is hands down the sharpest
NEVER EVER unscrew the sensor.... first of all it has cooling pipes which may bend... but more importantly - IT IS CALIBRATED (the screws are locked with red lack paint) !!! You usually aproach it from the front only... My best recomandation to you is to bring it to a professional camera repair shop in your area for cleaning. I always do this with my professional DSLR's. Cheers! & great video!
I dont even care about cameras but watching your 2 videos about these arris made me happy. Im happy that u managed to scrap one of your dream cameras together.
Really happy for you, man; your efforts have paid off. We were blessed by your candour about how this transpired, therefore I trust that God would reward you for your commitment and diligence.
2 years later I got hooked up by part 1 and watched part 2 now... The Arri Alexa is a really legendary camera. James Bond's "Skyfall" was filmed on this camera, and has made it popular. I am so happy for you, that it finally worked. Have fun with it!
Dude, I got no words but I'm happy that you got your dream camera, tuned in on the first video and was WAITING on this You did it, subbing to see how much art you can make with this camera Much love to you and your art
Very impressive man, well done. I have a fair bit of experience in taking cine cameras apart and reverse engineering them and the sensors. If you check my channel you will se I have designed 2 cine cameras (technically conversions of BMPCC 4k and 6k) myself that are designed to go on drones, so watching your journey has been really fun and remenisant of my own experiences. If you would like any help getting rid of the rest of the dust on the sensor or if you want to try and get the other sensor blocks working, I think I could help, and would be happy to do so. Looks like you can bypass the power input xlr port and just power it from a lipo or any power source, so that would be handy for getting the others working.
I love that this video is long and has lots of content. Not like regular youtubers who make 15 minute video by turning 2 screws and "i'll turn other 2 screws in next video on next week, so stay tuned"
I stumbled across your video from the algorithm and don't know the first thing about film or cameras but I found this series super satisfying and fulfilling. What a great way to combine your passion for tinkering and film. Super stoked for you on your new camera!
Awesome results congrats! To record with it further, what about using an external recorder which can record ProRes (or even H.265) from the SDI output? I guess you'd be able to get a lot more storage and record time, in a cost effective way like that!
Respected ARRI teams, Kindly appreciate and encourage this gentleman's hardwork and dedication to rebirth the ARRI Alexa. Hearty congratulations dear brother. 👏👏👏 Pleasant to hear your dreams on real. You are the Hero. 🙏
Great video and great projects, the footage looks so good, hope you'll have a lot of fun with it 🔥🔥 However, in the video there are many times when you repeat yourself a bit too much but apart from that the video is ON POINT 👍
There probably aren’t very many people that have Alexa footage of their dogs. You did an amazing job with this project and I can’t wait to see what all you make with it.
Some insight into why the "white screen" #3 camera behaved the way it did - that is, changing the ISO/ASA/EI making the image brighter/dimmer while shutter speed did nothing: the camera is built with an architecture that's distinctly different from pretty much everyone else. The sensor itself is almost completely analog, and outputs analog(voltage) signals, and both the final amplification and analog-to-digital conversion happens on the circuit boards, while the pixel shutter signaling(think of shutter speed as turning "plugging the pixel light bucket") happens on the sensor. In contrast, other modern digital cameras have the full analog pipeline on the silicon, and the processor reads out a digital stream. As to why it was white - image sensors output an inversely proportional signal(0V for saturated, analog max for completely dark), and with the ADC part being separate(and not killed while the sensor was), changing the ISO changed the analog amplification on the board, but it was still amplifying garbage(near 0V) coming from the sensor. In short, the sensor or something else on the board is toast.
Big congrats! You earned the results! Would love to see you drive deeper (or collab with someone with more experience) into Frankensteining the two remaining image sensor modules to get a second working camera! I wonder if you could get a used external sensor modules for #4 & #5, or use the parts for #1 or #3? It would be good to see you go over what was moved and used from which camera to camera, like a recap of the initial findings when you analyzed the 5 bodies in the first video, showing what went where. Can't wait to see what comes next! It would be great to see your process dealing with/resolving the dead pixels. You should visit a cinema camera rental house and talk to some techs!
You are definitely on the way young padawan! YEARS ago was working for a company that primarily did video projection as a general tech but had a camera background. The owner found himself in a spot with the contractor supplying video crews so decided to start a camera department. He bought a bunch of old cameras and a couple old flypacks and I went through this same kind of process. Got gear working well enough a short couple years later was running it on IMAG gigs for major talent. Couple more years and the boss started buying fresher gear. Decade later was buying multiple rigs brand new.... Then the bougie techs and the boss didn't need my skills as much so I moved on. My only regret - since it cost so little to do it that way, should have saved the bootstrapping for my own business instead of helping him build his. LOL.... Good luck!
Good work! Congratulations! Now, get to repairing some of the other four ones and see if you can get a 2nd or 3rd one working! Disassemble those other sensor blocks and see if a repair is possible. Consider this: they're already "trash", so you can't lose if the repair doesn't go as planned.
tip: don't repeat yourself 55 times about something you're ABOUT to do. Just do it and talk about what you're doing in real time, this video could be 1/4 the length
You are repeating yourself so often and ask for help on issues which you fix one minute later, this video is so strange structured and messy, please improve it for the future
same passion from a young age taking stuff apart and putting it back together -- so happy this worked out for you!!! that's what it's all about. now make us some films!!
This series is already legendary... This is awesome man. Love your excitement, your engagement with everyone and in general, just the information and everything you're doing. Its just so fun to keep up with this progress. Really looking forward to seeing you film some movies or music videos! I did check out your videos you linked on the livestream, really incredible work man. You're... you're a gem. Stay curious. Stay creative.
The debris on the sensor probably wasn't a hair. It was likely a bit of the black coating on the metal that was sheared off by the IR cut filter screws. I'm sure everyone has seen a little sliver of paint/anodizing or even the base metal itself come out of screw holes on occasion. I actually would've expected better from Arri. It's not uncommon for machined parts to be specified as uncoated holes, and properly tapped and deburred threads shouldn't shed and debris unless the threads are stressed to the point of total failure.
Enjoyed this content, not really into cameras a lot, but am in general repair. This reminded me fondly of the time my father purchased a quartet of 35mm Arriflex's, one time German Military issue (yes, from back "then"...) but somehow ended up in a clearance house in Australia. Pretty sure he paid $750. Came with a few road cases of extra mag's, he sold 2 (boxs of 4 iirc)for $400ea so did well! They all "worked", think he kept the best and one for spares in the end, never did put any stock through them though, was just too much $. We shot craploads of 16mm though, countless 16mm cameras in the home, i had a h16 Bolex when i was in primary school! He worked in film/tv and was also his hobby. Hes been gone a long time, this was over 30 years ago and film was still relevant. He always hated digital but new it would take over, eventually. It is great to see these cameras are still built so similarly to the stuff from a century ago, i instantly knew it was the same brand! You could so easily mod the input connectors, a non event tbh. I had a Betamax camcorder with custom d cell nicad pack i wore on my belt as long original battery pack had given up the ghost as well as ext jack.
@FoxTailWhipz After watching your videos I just picked up my first cinema camera. I'm a computer programmer by trade so I have no idea what I'm doing in the video/photography world but now I'm hooked and am obsessed with learning all about cinematography. I purchased and just received today a Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K (complete package with viewfinder, shoulder kit, a couple batteries, and accessories, c-fast cards, rods, mat box, etc) as I like the Blackmagic ecosystem and works well with my Blackmagic Television Studio Pro and my ATEM Mini Extreme ISO. I told my wife I needed the camera for Zoom - you know, to have a better bokeh experience - no more virtual backgrounds... lol Just wanted to say thanks for your hard work in making your videos and working on this series. Really enjoyed it and hope your channel only grows so you are able to do this series again with some RED cameras or something. Keep up the great work! I hope you land a big time sponsor!
I used to take things apart as a kid as well. I've repaired amplifiers, all manner of audio devices, and at least one television. That IR filter you took off? I had an old Canon 20D where I removed the IR blocker filter from the sensor, and put a red filter in front of the lens to turn it into an IR camera. So this video felt familiar to me, but just as frightening. I'm glad it worked out, sir. What a fricking cool camera body you have there.
Love your passion for these cameras and just "trying to fix stuff". I have that same mentality like, why can't I fix it? Can't wait to see some of the stuff you shoot with this camera.
Wow, what a ride! Amazing story. Also this must be the most engaging and positive community you can get. Warms my hearts having all these nerds together and helping out.
Try cleaning all the connectors for alexa number 3, specifically the ones for the sensor, might give you that lucky win. hope you're having fun with this man, it's a great experience you've got on your hands!
I've never had to do it, so I'd be curious to see if it's possible, but can't you remove dead pixels in post? In Davinci Resolve you may be able to group all the clips, remove the dead pixels in a node in pre-clip group, and then go about your day with almost perfect footage corrected pre-clip, before effecs, creative grading, or cropping.
I will be posting more behind the scenes videos about this project and more footage on my other channel! Go subscribe there so you don"t miss it! ruclips.net/channel/UCJja0_rtfD8bNlyYD7D9TsA
Keep going i liked your video about repairing the alexa 😍😍😍
Bro so happy for you. I know the feeling I actually started repairing RED DSMC1 and had to go through this same process, and now I'm the only repair center worldwide for these cameras. When going through SDI P, I'm guessing it is level A and Pf is level b, so depending on the format your device is programmed for, it will only accept one or the other some devices can accept both.
You are so talanted man try to fix the other one I believe in you and I know you will be successful
HEY! CONGRATS for the working Alexa camera! ♥
You should think about becoming a camera repair-man.
Amazing. Just awesome. I worked for ARRI (rentals) when they had a place in Heston UK. I learned so much back in 1996, how to change a film in a bag, what a marking disc was, I cleaned enough of them, bodies (ARRIFlex), lenses (ARRI/Zeiss), lighting (ARRILux), and so much more! But this, this is next level. It eclipses what I learned back then. Rebuilding a working ARRI Alexa is just incredible. What an achievement. Congratulations Sir.
I'm not embarrassed to admit I had a slight tear of joy when finally you recorded and played back your first video from the Arri Alexa. Outstanding!
Ha. Same here, man. I was very happy for him.
I had a goofy grin too smh lol
Bro me too. I legit just cheered out loud. Scared my cat and everything.
same, love to see these kind of wins
I too started tearing things apart at a young age. This is a perfect example of my own philosophy: "If someone was smart enough to design and build it, then I'm smart enough to figure out how to fix it." Many times I've been told that I was 'super smart'; my response is "I dunno about smart, I'm just good at figuring sh*t out." I see that in you.
I also see that you are a good filmmaker. Part 1 had me on the edge of my seat before you even placed the order! Speaking of filmmaking, a little 'cost of replacement' insurance and you could RENT this camera to other budding filmmakers. I've seen this camera rent for $600US per week, by itself; and that's at the low end. Add accessory package(s) and you'd really be cooking with solar.
VERY WELL DONE! I'm glad I took the time to watch.
My parents stopped buying me electronics stuff when I was younger because I would always take it apart 🤣😂 now at 48 years old I have my own workshop fixing electronics 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I worked as a DIT in Germany for many years and during the time the Alexa came out. Such a great video, thanks! Was kind of a ride down memory lane ;) If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will try to answer them. Cheers
PS: the footage looked quite contrasty, did you do grading? did you use Log-C? Did you try the Open Gate mode? As I mentioned in another comment, there are dead pixels in your footage and there is a fix.
I'm also very interested in seeing what mode he used.
was geht denn bei dir ab...bist einfach gandalf bei so arri zeugs. respekt
Thank you! I shot in Log-C and color graded with FilmConvert Nitrate. I have lots of practice to do with color grading with it so it can definitely use some improvements. Also im currently working on pixel masking to fix the dead pixels!
@@sem_skywalker Agreed, they seem to take up more than one pixel each, and looks softer than if it were a cluster of dead pixels. I guess this may just be because this camera doesn't seem to shoot in 4k but has been included in a 4k video? This doesn't seem super likely though, due to the nature of the dots. As you say, lighting affects it also. I definitely agree with you that the sensor/protective glass just needs a clean. I have a Lumix G7 that had a very similar issue and blowing air onto the sensor fixed it. The defects looked almost identical.
@@sem_skywalker Let's hope so 🤞
Literally what I did growing up too. My father and Mother had an electronics repair business, that pretty much meant I had an unlimited amount of things to pull apart and experiment with. Loved every minute of Both these videos.
Very Interesting video. ProTipp: Never say what you'll do, just do it and tell what you do while showing :)
This is great advice!!
That advice applies to life in general. Let your actions speak for you.
this... dude should have a course on padding the runtime
Agreed, makes for a much easier watch.
For real. I didn't know what was annoying me about how he spoke until you said this. Right on
Congratulations! That's a big achievement 👏 In my eyes, repairing stuff has to be one of the coolest things you can do in life. I hope you make more videos about this topic :)
Thank you so much! Also i'm a huge fan of your channel, i've been watching since the start of your "Making a Film Company" series! Keep up the great work.
@@FoxTailWhipz Ah, that's fun to hear! :) New episodes coming soon, including buying a bunch of used stuff for our new office. Can't wait to release that episode and put more focus on "re-use" :)
@@Andyax i'm a huge fan....can't wait for the new content
If I remember correctly, CAM1 has missing parts and CAM3 has a bad sensor. Is there any possibility to swap out the PCB containing the CMOS on 3 with the one on 1 and see if that works? I really don't think the camera is 100% broken. Also try hitting the white sensor with a projector or something that makes vertical and horizontal stripes. if you can see some trace of that, it might just be a wrong voltage regulator.
I am no expert but I guess the boost circuit is fine, but the CMOS has something broken inside, that's why when you shift ISO, it works, but when you shift shutter, the integration time of the CMOS doesn't get applied correctly.
I get the feeling he can get another one working too.
That footage is SO BEAUTIFUL! I'm so genuinely stoked for you man, congrats. It was a joy to watch this journey and I can't wait to see more videos!
Glad that I was able to contribute with the IR filter suggestion but wow that was a huge amount of legwork in testing and troubleshooting the other things. Great that you had a happy ending with a mostly working camera in the end!
SPOILER
@@smallzebra19 Just if you read comments BEFORE watching the video... ;-D
What's genius is even if he got scammed at least he made his money back from ad revenue
Randomly was watching youtube and came across Part 1, you got me hooked man, keep dropping the fire content.
Same here! :D
Same
Same here
😂😂😂
Huge respect that you pulled it off, as well as still being able to smile in front of the camera after such a grueling process.
I still can't believe the images that come off Arri's. The "feel" is other worldly. There's just an unmatchable quality that is indescribable.
Make sure you look into doing a black balance/black shading on the sensor :) may help a lot with noise performance and shadow colors
This is such a great recourse for anyone trying to fix these alexa classics. They’re all over the market right now and I’m sure more people like you will get ahold of them to bring back to life. Awesome work 🙏🏼
YOU DID IT!!!!! Im so happy for you!
I don’t know about you guys but I’m really happy for this dude! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Amazing that you've managed to get a seemingly dead ARRI Alexa Classic up and running, the footage looks incredible too! Considering the price you paid vs. the cost of a fully working used model, it's probably a keeper too. Great series!
The classic is really cheap now, obviously more expensive than he paid but a classic with high speed is less than a red Komodo
I honestly had no idea what Arri was before I came across your part 1 video, and now i’m invested 😂
Remarkable project 👏😎
The image quality looks incredible! 😌
Thank you so much!!
Im a tech and started pulling radios apart... So enjoyed seeing you working on this, of course your personality makes it all a pleasure to watch. keep going young man
I might have a few more answers for you: (I'm wirting these as I watch the video so you might already found a solution)
1. internal battery low (doesn't really matter as it's just the one supplying the internal clock when the camera powered off)
2. SDI connectors don't last forever but they can be replaced quite easily (atleast on the newer Alexas, Classic shouldn't be different).
3. you figured that out ... (the pink image could be different causes: not mached color spaces between camara and monitor, WB and tint. A factory reset should fix these (always a good idea with an Alexa you haven't used sofar). Could be a Sensor or image processing problem which would be more severe.)
4. white screen (with covered sensor) could mean that the calibration file is missing or corrupted (fix: new calibration, which unfortuantly only Arri service can do)
5. yes, those died young - usually when they come in for service they have 10k+ hours.
6. you figured that out ... the ring on the sensor: dried out drop of liquid or hair (but its really sharp so probably on the sensor not the glasses infront of it (try to blow it of with one of those camera dust blowers, if it sticks: whipe it of with iso, (aceton) or distilled water try it out some might work some might not)
7. if you try to remove the sensor from the housing just don't pull of the heat pipes or PCBs (it would kill the thing). If service does it more than double what you paid for these cameras.
8. those dots (dead pixels) look more like dust or laser damage (first can be fixed, latter not). if its dead pixels it looks quite bad (compared to a regular one - might can be calibrated might not)
Yay you got one working. If you have questions just ask, I might know it or someone who does.
I love this. The bit where you were recording the screen as you were importing footage is amazing, because I understand exactly the sensation behind it. It's butterflies in your stomach, even though it's "just a camera". It's the feeling I got when I finally received my first camera (Canon 550d) after waiting for days after purchasing. It's the feeling I got when I got my first "pro" camera (Canon 5d mark iv) and I finally unboxed it. Something you've been dreaming of is in front of you, finally. Something you've researched, watched reviews of, put money away for... I understand your feelings, and I love the fact that you managed to let them "pass through" the screen, to the viewers. Cheers!
Good job. I have been troubleshooting electronics for almost 30 years in professional settings. I have had to do a lot of the same thing where I have made good units out of 4 or 5 bad ones. It is a good feeling but its so much better when its things you paid for yourself.
I would keep at the other units. Camera 1 is probably good as is 3 you just need sensors. Maybe some other broken units can provide those parts.
It's amazing that you've gotten 140K+ views about fixing an Alexa; I wouldn't have thought that many people would even know what it was! BTW, you'll appreciate knowing that ARRI charges about $30K for a rebuilt sensor block and another thousand in Labor to install it. Presumably the sensor block is a sealed assembly, no dirt is supposed to get in there. That's why they replace them for free if dirt is found behind the cover glass, when under warranty. That's also why your fix of blowing through the screw hole to move the hair inside is very revealing. That must be the way that dirt gets in there. The whole situation is complicated in the Amira and Mini cameras because there's also a movable ND filter wheel inside the sealed area, Their new camera moves the filter wheel out of the sealed assembly, presumably to make it easier to clean. Congrats on your initiative and discipline!
I can not imagine how happy you are. An Alexa for the cost of A Black Magic Pocket 4k. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I had no clue that Arri was a brand. It was so interesting watching a genuine enthusast working through this project and succeed.
I wish you the best of health to enjoy your camera.
The algorithm recommended your channel. No clickbait, no nonsense... Of course I subscribed.
Congrats, amazing work! I am VERY interested in why OG (Open Gate) was an available option in the resolution menu, on an Alexa *Classic*! If OG recording works somehow, you’ve got almost the equivalent of an Alexa XT in recording power! (You’d have to crop the image to your desired aspect ratio, but that’s full use of the sensor!)
Newer firmware?
That is so cool, congrats, I personally don't like the look and color arri Alexas give, it looks too tv commercial but congrats and I know that feeling of repairing something and getting it to work again, it's the best, congrats 👏
Very cool!! I honestly did not expect this to work out for you with the camera's looking like they were perged already, good for you my man!
Great project!, in the final video I see a lot of burned pixels, are you planning to fix or buy a sensor replacement or have you done it already?
Damn man! You’ve gotten so lucky with these, I didn’t think you’d get a single working camera out of it let alone several! I mean they’re not perfect but what a discount!
You should definitely part out the non working one as I know the boards, components and parts from them would help out so many others with one or two issues stopping them from using their Alexa’s!
I don't know too much about these but looking at the prices for even part machines I feel like even if they all had defective sensors 1250 for all 5 would still be an incredible deal. For reference a parts machine (with supposedly just defective buttons tbf but you never know) sold on bid for 1500. That's just one camera. Seeing that it's honestly impressive the listing for all 5 didn't insta sell for 1500.
Amazing you solved the hairy sensor issue! 👏
I’ve been trying to revive two Red Ones over the past few months and this reminds me so much of that experience. The Alexas look so good!
I bought a Red One recently as well! It’s an awesome camera.
Damn man, honestly didn’t think you’d get a working Alexa out of the whole bunch! Usually those cameras are all in awful shape but shit man, you made it happen! Congrats and enjoy the camera!
You lucky bastard. I bought 5 and 3 had no sensors 2 had broken sensors. !! I envy you man.
Very happy for you! That moment when it finally worked made me tear up a tad bit i have to admit. An Alexa for 1250 bucks...you are lucky man! Props
Hi Adam,
your two videos gave me the goosebumps!
I fell in love with Arriflex when I was 9 years old and I had to wait 40 years until I got me my dream camera Arriflex 16ST.
I always wanted to operate...but ended up as an actor. Been doing that for the last 40 years but never lost my love for the aesthetics of a real Arri.
I also started very early to fix up stuff. Lately I bought old Synths and repaired them. It gives me tremendous pleasure to see a broken thing run again...
So I dig what you do!
Keep on going - I wished, I could lay my hands on an Alexa...
Great work!
This was so freaking cool. What a great idea! I am curious if you could take a sensor from one of the modular Alexas and re-solder it into one of the other bodies. If it truly is the same chip you should be good and I believe those systems use the same sensors. Also, you could TOTALLY retrofit a speed booster in the flange. Maybe buy the canon RF speed booster (since it's definitely the sharpest) and see if you can retrofit it? Make your own Alexa LF!
oooooo a DIY Alexa LF would be an AWESOME project. I will start looking into it!
@@FoxTailWhipz I’ve performed that surgery on many older Ef mount cameras, basically all you have to do is make sure the element your installing lines up as close as possible to the front flange on the mount as the speed booster you removed it from. You could probably do fine just using a viltrox internal element because at 2k resolution you likely wouldn’t lose any noticeable sharpness. But the canon booster is hands down the sharpest
I actually got excited for you when it worked! How awesome!
NEVER EVER unscrew the sensor.... first of all it has cooling pipes which may bend... but more importantly - IT IS CALIBRATED (the screws are locked with red lack paint) !!!
You usually aproach it from the front only... My best recomandation to you is to bring it to a professional camera repair shop in your area for cleaning. I always do this with my professional DSLR's.
Cheers! & great video!
I dont even care about cameras but watching your 2 videos about these arris made me happy. Im happy that u managed to scrap one of your dream cameras together.
Really happy for you, man; your efforts have paid off. We were blessed by your candour about how this transpired, therefore I trust that God would reward you for your commitment and diligence.
2 years later I got hooked up by part 1 and watched part 2 now... The Arri Alexa is a really legendary camera. James Bond's "Skyfall" was filmed on this camera, and has made it popular. I am so happy for you, that it finally worked. Have fun with it!
Your enthusiasm is inspiring, seriously. This has been a really awesome series to follow!
Thank you!!!!
Agree. But youtube doesnt allow me to follow this guy.
You really demostrate the meaning of perseverance and so much attention to the detail. I admire this video and your work
Dude, I got no words but I'm happy that you got your dream camera, tuned in on the first video and was WAITING on this
You did it, subbing to see how much art you can make with this camera
Much love to you and your art
I was watching from the first purchase of scrap am actually celebrating right now congratulations bro
Awesome video! Loved the Live Steam and seeing what you made with them was great! I can't wait to see what you make with the working unit!
Dude the life story stuff at the end was so relatable. I did pretty much the exact same things you did when we were kids.
Very impressive man, well done. I have a fair bit of experience in taking cine cameras apart and reverse engineering them and the sensors. If you check my channel you will se I have designed 2 cine cameras (technically conversions of BMPCC 4k and 6k) myself that are designed to go on drones, so watching your journey has been really fun and remenisant of my own experiences. If you would like any help getting rid of the rest of the dust on the sensor or if you want to try and get the other sensor blocks working, I think I could help, and would be happy to do so. Looks like you can bypass the power input xlr port and just power it from a lipo or any power source, so that would be handy for getting the others working.
I love that this video is long and has lots of content. Not like regular youtubers who make 15 minute video by turning 2 screws and "i'll turn other 2 screws in next video on next week, so stay tuned"
you're a mad lad!! you actually got it working! :O
I stumbled across your video from the algorithm and don't know the first thing about film or cameras but I found this series super satisfying and fulfilling. What a great way to combine your passion for tinkering and film. Super stoked for you on your new camera!
Awesome results congrats!
To record with it further, what about using an external recorder which can record ProRes (or even H.265) from the SDI output?
I guess you'd be able to get a lot more storage and record time, in a cost effective way like that!
Ive been looking into it but external SDI recorders are quite expensive.
@@FoxTailWhipz ah you're right, a Ninja V would do but it's not cheap.
@@supercurioTube I just bought a Ninja V last night for $300 on eBay.
Respected ARRI teams, Kindly appreciate and encourage this gentleman's hardwork and dedication to rebirth the ARRI Alexa.
Hearty congratulations dear brother. 👏👏👏
Pleasant to hear your dreams on real.
You are the Hero. 🙏
Now what? Do you keep it or sell it for profit?
I plan to keep it for a while and make some content with it. Possibly sell it eventually but I don;t know if my heart will let me haha
Congratulations, good for you!!!
Dude, you must be really happy that it panned out. I'm happy for you.
Hardest wait ever
would love to see you continue fixing one of the other units. even if you failed it would be fun to watch and learn
Great video and great projects, the footage looks so good, hope you'll have a lot of fun with it 🔥🔥
However, in the video there are many times when you repeat yourself a bit too much but apart from that the video is ON POINT 👍
There probably aren’t very many people that have Alexa footage of their dogs.
You did an amazing job with this project and I can’t wait to see what all you make with it.
Some insight into why the "white screen" #3 camera behaved the way it did - that is, changing the ISO/ASA/EI making the image brighter/dimmer while shutter speed did nothing: the camera is built with an architecture that's distinctly different from pretty much everyone else. The sensor itself is almost completely analog, and outputs analog(voltage) signals, and both the final amplification and analog-to-digital conversion happens on the circuit boards, while the pixel shutter signaling(think of shutter speed as turning "plugging the pixel light bucket") happens on the sensor. In contrast, other modern digital cameras have the full analog pipeline on the silicon, and the processor reads out a digital stream.
As to why it was white - image sensors output an inversely proportional signal(0V for saturated, analog max for completely dark), and with the ADC part being separate(and not killed while the sensor was), changing the ISO changed the analog amplification on the board, but it was still amplifying garbage(near 0V) coming from the sensor.
In short, the sensor or something else on the board is toast.
Big congrats! You earned the results!
Would love to see you drive deeper (or collab with someone with more experience) into Frankensteining the two remaining image sensor modules to get a second working camera! I wonder if you could get a used external sensor modules for #4 & #5, or use the parts for #1 or #3?
It would be good to see you go over what was moved and used from which camera to camera, like a recap of the initial findings when you analyzed the 5 bodies in the first video, showing what went where.
Can't wait to see what comes next! It would be great to see your process dealing with/resolving the dead pixels.
You should visit a cinema camera rental house and talk to some techs!
You are definitely on the way young padawan! YEARS ago was working for a company that primarily did video projection as a general tech but had a camera background. The owner found himself in a spot with the contractor supplying video crews so decided to start a camera department. He bought a bunch of old cameras and a couple old flypacks and I went through this same kind of process. Got gear working well enough a short couple years later was running it on IMAG gigs for major talent. Couple more years and the boss started buying fresher gear. Decade later was buying multiple rigs brand new.... Then the bougie techs and the boss didn't need my skills as much so I moved on. My only regret - since it cost so little to do it that way, should have saved the bootstrapping for my own business instead of helping him build his. LOL.... Good luck!
If you can, cut down the amount of time you are rambling. I find myself fast forwarding a lot.
Thanks for the tip, ill work on it!
Likewise
Good work! Congratulations! Now, get to repairing some of the other four ones and see if you can get a 2nd or 3rd one working! Disassemble those other sensor blocks and see if a repair is possible. Consider this: they're already "trash", so you can't lose if the repair doesn't go as planned.
tip: don't repeat yourself 55 times about something you're ABOUT to do. Just do it and talk about what you're doing in real time, this video could be 1/4 the length
The image using that lens is pretty gorgeous. The hexagonal bokeh looks pretty cool,. actually.
You are repeating yourself so often and ask for help on issues which you fix one minute later, this video is so strange structured and messy, please improve it for the future
same passion from a young age taking stuff apart and putting it back together -- so happy this worked out for you!!! that's what it's all about. now make us some films!!
I understand just how you feel. Almost a magic moment when you work on something like that and it comes alive. Keep your hobby alive.
wow! Legendary flip. Wonder how much it would be worth now
Great work. I enjoyed every second of this project.
This is seriously where life shows the most amazing of moments. You grew so much with this project. Amazing to see the heart.
This series is already legendary... This is awesome man. Love your excitement, your engagement with everyone and in general, just the information and everything you're doing. Its just so fun to keep up with this progress. Really looking forward to seeing you film some movies or music videos! I did check out your videos you linked on the livestream, really incredible work man. You're... you're a gem. Stay curious. Stay creative.
This is so awesome! RUclips recommend your videos! Keep going!🔥🔥
Wow 😍😍 that final footage 🥺🥺
The debris on the sensor probably wasn't a hair. It was likely a bit of the black coating on the metal that was sheared off by the IR cut filter screws. I'm sure everyone has seen a little sliver of paint/anodizing or even the base metal itself come out of screw holes on occasion. I actually would've expected better from Arri. It's not uncommon for machined parts to be specified as uncoated holes, and properly tapped and deburred threads shouldn't shed and debris unless the threads are stressed to the point of total failure.
Enjoyed this content, not really into cameras a lot, but am in general repair. This reminded me fondly of the time my father purchased a quartet of 35mm Arriflex's, one time German Military issue (yes, from back "then"...) but somehow ended up in a clearance house in Australia. Pretty sure he paid $750. Came with a few road cases of extra mag's, he sold 2 (boxs of 4 iirc)for $400ea so did well! They all "worked", think he kept the best and one for spares in the end, never did put any stock through them though, was just too much $. We shot craploads of 16mm though, countless 16mm cameras in the home, i had a h16 Bolex when i was in primary school! He worked in film/tv and was also his hobby. Hes been gone a long time, this was over 30 years ago and film was still relevant. He always hated digital but new it would take over, eventually. It is great to see these cameras are still built so similarly to the stuff from a century ago, i instantly knew it was the same brand! You could so easily mod the input connectors, a non event tbh. I had a Betamax camcorder with custom d cell nicad pack i wore on my belt as long original battery pack had given up the ghost as well as ext jack.
Hey for a general electronics teardown tip, guitar picks are good at popping connectors up
Congratulations ! Nice project. Hope to see some amazing video footage now in your channel. I cannot wait to see it
@FoxTailWhipz After watching your videos I just picked up my first cinema camera. I'm a computer programmer by trade so I have no idea what I'm doing in the video/photography world but now I'm hooked and am obsessed with learning all about cinematography. I purchased and just received today a Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K (complete package with viewfinder, shoulder kit, a couple batteries, and accessories, c-fast cards, rods, mat box, etc) as I like the Blackmagic ecosystem and works well with my Blackmagic Television Studio Pro and my ATEM Mini Extreme ISO. I told my wife I needed the camera for Zoom - you know, to have a better bokeh experience - no more virtual backgrounds... lol
Just wanted to say thanks for your hard work in making your videos and working on this series. Really enjoyed it and hope your channel only grows so you are able to do this series again with some RED cameras or something. Keep up the great work! I hope you land a big time sponsor!
I used to take things apart as a kid as well. I've repaired amplifiers, all manner of audio devices, and at least one television.
That IR filter you took off? I had an old Canon 20D where I removed the IR blocker filter from the sensor, and put a red filter in front of the lens to turn it into an IR camera. So this video felt familiar to me, but just as frightening.
I'm glad it worked out, sir.
What a fricking cool camera body you have there.
Huge. To finally see people self servicing digital cameras, its a very rare thing.
You just don’t know how aspiring this journey has been for me!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!
Thank you!!
Nice reminder of the quality of that Alexa Classic footage
Congrats, my dude! 👏 You earned this!
Love your passion for these cameras and just "trying to fix stuff". I have that same mentality like, why can't I fix it? Can't wait to see some of the stuff you shoot with this camera.
Wow, what a ride! Amazing story. Also this must be the most engaging and positive community you can get. Warms my hearts having all these nerds together and helping out.
Good stuff, homie. I wonder if you can extract the other licenses and apply them to number 2.
I stumbled upon this project. Congratulations. Love your passion and persistence.
Mate, your enthusiasm throughout this was incredible. Really infectious. Congratulations. Happy shooting with your new Alexa 🙌🏼
Try cleaning all the connectors for alexa number 3, specifically the ones for the sensor, might give you that lucky win.
hope you're having fun with this man, it's a great experience you've got on your hands!
Did you try to mix the sensor 1 and 3 to try to see if you can make a working one? Swapping boards and stuff?
Great job!
I am very excited about this series of videos related to this camera, I can't wait to see what you can do with it.
I've never had to do it, so I'd be curious to see if it's possible, but can't you remove dead pixels in post? In Davinci Resolve you may be able to group all the clips, remove the dead pixels in a node in pre-clip group, and then go about your day with almost perfect footage corrected pre-clip, before effecs, creative grading, or cropping.
So glad you managed to get one working! Amazing footage and hats off to you for trying. Enjoyed the videos