I Paid $1,250 For 5 Broken Arri Alexa Cinema Cameras... Can I Fix Them? (Part 2) 

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! ru-vid.com/show-UCJja0_rtfD8bNlyYD7D9TsA

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!

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.

Very Interesting video. ProTipp: Never say what you'll do, just do it and tell what you do while showing :)

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.

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!

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.

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.

Randomly was watching youtube and came across Part 1, you got me hooked man, keep dropping the fire content.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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 🙏🏼

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!)

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.

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.

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

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 :)

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!

Your enthusiasm is inspiring, seriously. This has been a really awesome series to follow!

I honestly had no idea what Arri was before I came across your part 1 video, and now i’m invested 😂

YOU DID IT!!!!! Im so happy for you!

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!

Make sure you look into doing a black balance/black shading on the sensor :) may help a lot with noise performance and shadow colors

You really demostrate the meaning of perseverance and so much attention to the detail. I admire this video and your work

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 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.

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

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!

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!

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"

would love to see you continue fixing one of the other units. even if you failed it would be fun to watch and learn

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.

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!

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!

The image using that lens is pretty gorgeous. The hexagonal bokeh looks pretty cool,. actually.

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 👍

Wow 😍😍 that final footage 🥺🥺

you're a mad lad!! you actually got it working! :O

This is seriously where life shows the most amazing of moments. You grew so much with this project. Amazing to see the heart.

I actually got excited for you when it worked! How awesome!

Now what? Do you keep it or sell it for profit?

This is so awesome! RU-vid recommend your videos! Keep going!🔥🔥

I found this video series just now from the algorithm, and even though I know you got the dust off, I'd like to tell you my way of getting stubborn dust out of really pesky spaces. I've got dust off sensors and the backside of flatbed scanner glass, and I spent so much time and effort trying to figure out what to use to clean literally micrometer-sized dust specs, but I have found a great process, as crazy as it sounds. The way I get dust off of is with a new bottle of distilled water or rubbing alcohol (a used bottle can have contaminants which streak and show as glare or haze), a room with still air, and a coffee filter. I use the round ones since they're smooth all around, and I wrap the frilly edges around my fingers. I'll get just enough DI water or alcohol for the dust to "stick" on the tip of the coffee filter, and carefully wipe the dust away. If you need a bigger surface area, you can change how you hold the filter, but the key thing that I learned the hard way, never let anything with oil touch the side of the coffee filter that you're using to clean with! grab the filter from the edges, right from the stack of filters, immediately use it, and invert, close or cover the surface so you don't get new dust on it. Also, if you want to be very concious about new dust getting back on the surface, make sure you keep the air in the room as still as possible, since air can carry dust and air currents will kick up dust. Also, for the love of all things optics, don't breathe on it! Even with a mask on, you're blowing around the fibers of the mask, so instead, just hold your breath or breathe very slowly.

Hardest wait ever

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.

Great timing. I literally just watched part 1 clicked your channel an saw part 2 was up 55 minutes ago. 👍🏻👍🏻

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

I was watching from the first purchase of scrap am actually celebrating right now congratulations bro

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.

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. 🙏

Nice reminder of the quality of that Alexa Classic footage

I’m so happy for you, you really make me excited while you were testing. Can’t imagine the amount of work behind this, congratulations dude!

man I've watched like 4 of your videos today and you're already turning into one of my favourite youtubers. The mix of passion, progression, editing and know-how make the brightest side of your character shine!

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

You just don’t know how aspiring this journey has been for me!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!

@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!

Mate, your enthusiasm throughout this was incredible. Really infectious. Congratulations. Happy shooting with your new Alexa 🙌🏼

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 have been following you since you had 600 or so subscribers. This is such a come up and such a rollercoaster of feeling in this video. I am glad to have found you looking at all of your NEX work, and I hope you keep taking on these challenges.

45:17 this part when you talk about your journey made me tear up cause it is literally just like my story. From being curious and taking apart electronics and shooting silly movies with friends to slowly making your way upwards. I am currently in the prosess of making a stable RU-vid chanel and instagram page

So glad you managed to get one working! Amazing footage and hats off to you for trying. Enjoyed the videos

you got to remember with film 1000" was 11min so 25min pretty good

Duuuuude, that content at the end you shot, well that was all worth the hours!!! Well done!!!!

Congratulations, dude!! Amazing job. Tenacious! Resourceful. This is what the laws of Success are made of.

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.

Congratulations ! Nice project. Hope to see some amazing video footage now in your channel. I cannot wait to see it

Such a wholesome series! Just watched the full video like the last one.

I was thinking about an IR filter too. You can actually use the effect to make your camera see more of the complete spectrum and make it visible for the human eye in some kind

So nice to see that you ended up with a working one. Thanks for the journey :)

So stoked you got one working

29:34 , the hair looks so real and i thought it was from my monitor🤣

Hope you try making some films. One suggestion is to look at DaVinci Resolve v18 and its color management controls. It will give access to all that camera can create.

Wow, I enjoyed that immensely! Right up my alley, in terms of tinkering and bringing electronics back from the brink! Keep these videos coming!

The video quality on this channel is about to get booming 😂

Bro it’s crazy ! Saw your post on the Fb group and didn’t open your vidéo because I was at work, I was cruising RU-vid just now and saw your vidéo ! Means it’s doing well ! Happy for you 👌🏻

Wow congratulations on your hard work. It paid off in the end.

Good stuff, homie. I wonder if you can extract the other licenses and apply them to number 2.

I randomly came across this series. I know nothing about high end cameras, but the idea is interesting and your enthusiasm is uplifting! Subscribed! I look forward to taking this journey with you!

Huge. To finally see people self servicing digital cameras, its a very rare thing.

I stumbled upon this project. Congratulations. Love your passion and persistence.

Wow!! That's sooo cool! You totally scored on this one... I'm hoping to see you get 2 or even 3 of these cameras running. There's so much you can do with these cameras... congratulations on the epic WIN!

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?

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?

congratulations on a working arri alexa bro! i have been watching your videos since last year, and here we are, Arri Alexa! More Contents bro!

Congratulations, seems like it was a good deal after all. I have some criticisms though: You tend to ramble and repeat yourself a lot, and it gets multiplied when you put clips together where you explain in the latter clip what you've done in the clip we've just seen. For example: When you explain (quite extensively) which screwholes you've blown air into to get that hair off of the sensor and which holes eventually worked, is it really necessary to explain that again 2 or 3 minutes later? I know it's difficult when you film these clips days apart and you don't know yet what you are going to use in the final video so you summarize what you've done before, but with a bit of B-roll and voice-over it might be possible to cut out the parts you don't really need. You could probably edit this video down to less than half an hour.

Amazing project! taking apart camera bodies and lenses is really fun and exciting and a bit scary keep up the amazing content

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!

the passion he has is incredible. so rewarding to see him get his dream camera

Bro i did not tear up watching titanic then i tear up on this… WE LOVE YOU BRO… KEEP IT UP!!!

man, i just stumbled upon your Arri fix series today, and I'm blown away. I have a similar experience with growing up tinkering with all kinds of things, and seeing this made me really happy. The feeling you probably got to have it work and for a fraction of the cost of a new one, it had to be worth it. Enjoy your new camera, hopefully I'll see more projects from you, and this time shot on an Alexa! :)

i was shouting my at screen for you to turn the EI down from 3200. A friend of mine owns an Alexa classic and they got dead pixels from running their EI high - it wears out the sensor for some reason. try it keep it at 800 - its native

amazing. That was such a gripping video to watch

Your excitement and optimism is infectious. Keep it up!

You can easily create a positive pressure work area if you have a cube, open one side, put a small, cheap air purifier (the kind that shoots the air up - look at Holmes AER1 type) and feed that in the bottom of the box. It'll push hepa filtered air around so you won't get any lint or anything in the camera as you're working on it. Add some lights in the top, some helping hands with magnifier and you have a great setup for working on small electronics that are dust sensitive.

The footage from the alexa is breathtaking. Do not sell her. You paid the price of a new phone for it and besides being a beautiful camera, im sure it has become a big milestone on your channel. You will regret it if you sell her. Excellent video!

Congrats on getting it up and running! Nothing is more satisfying than taking on a challenge then coming out on top.

I'm so glad it worked the footage from the Arri LOOKS AMAZING

Absolutely love this video because it's exactly how i try to repear old stuff: Having no idea and puting parts together hopping for the best. 👏👍