ARRI has just announced the Certified Pre-Owned Program. This means you can now buy selected pre-owned and refurbished ALEXA cameras direct from ARRI. If you have ever wanted to get your hands on a second hand ALEXA then this may be the time. This is the first time to my knowledge that ARRI have sold second hand ALEXA’s directly out of Munich.
ARRI’s Stamp of Approval
Under the ARRI Approved Certified Pre-Owned Program selected ALEXA Plus and ALEXA Classic EVs undergo thorough assessments. During the certification process the ARRI service center performs a thorough check of parameters, including image sensor quality, recording functions, connectors, flange focal distance, audio system, and ARRI Lens Control System. The overhaul also includes an update to the latest Software Update Packet (SUP) of the respective model. Repairs are performed as required if any malfunctions are detected. Before the ARRI Certificate of Approval is issued, the equipment goes through the same Final Function Test as new cameras, ensuring it meets the high standards expected of it. Once all functions have been checked and approved, ARRI engineers issue an official printed certificate, which will come with every camera that is sold.
The Certified Pre-Owned Program has been set up so that more filmmakers can get access to ARRI technology. It also gives educational institutions a cost-effective way of providing high-quality equipment for their students.
Currently ARRI only have a handful of cameras you can purchase through the Certified Pre-Owned Program, and those cameras are limited to ALEXA PLUS and ALEXA CLASSIC models. If your hoping to snap up an ALEXA MINI or an AMIRA you are out of luck. The cheapest camera currently available through the program is an ALEXA PLUS 16:9 for 9.900,00€ ($12095 USD).
While the prices of the cameras for sale are a bit higher than you will find on say Ebay, you do get the piece of mind that the cameras are coming directly from the manufacturer and are backed by ARRI’s one-year warranty. Now just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. The ALEXA PLUS and ALEXA CLASSIC models, are heavy, power hungry and certainly not for everyone. If you are thinking of pulling the pin on one of these cameras you really do need to think long and hard as to whether it’s the right camera for the type of work you do.
Would you consider buying a second ALEXA? If so why? Let us know in the comments section below.
