Arriflex 16 ST (1952)

Name: Arriflex 16 ST
Brand: Arriflex

The first professional 16mm camera with a reflex mirror shutter. It let cinematographers see exactly what they were shooting.

Overview

Arnold & Richter (Arri) introduced the Arriflex 16 ST in 1952. It was the first professional 16mm camera with a reflex mirror shutter. Before this, operators guessed at focus and framing through a separate viewfinder. The 16 ST put the image directly in the operator's eye, through a spinning mirror synchronized with the film advance, so what you saw was what you got. That sounds obvious now. Back then it was new.

Erric Kneastner designed the 16 ST. It combines precision engineering with an ergonomic body layout. The cameraman grips the 45-degree angled mirror/shutter housing with four fingers, thumb resting on a curved extrusion. That feels natural once you're moving, though one Reddit user admitted being concerned about its weight when starting out. It's not a lightweight kit, and it's not a beginner's toy. It's a serious tool for precise cinema work.

The 16 ST cemented Arri's reputation for building high-quality 16mm professional film cameras, and collectors still treat it with reverence. It's described as “more coveted” than the K-3. Some users have compared it to the ARRI 16S and noted that the 16S has better build quality. Even in 2016 the 16 ST was still in use - one example was reportedly deployed on a documentary shoot in Turkey.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Arnold & Richter (Arri)
Film format	16mm
Film capacity	Uses 30 meters cassettes
Magazines	60m/200ft : 120m/400ft
Lens mount	tourelle pour objectif (lens turret)
Features	3 lens rotating turret
Power requirement	needs a 8-12V power source
Motor type	electric motor

Key Features

Reflex mirror shutter system

The defining feature of the Arriflex 16 ST is its reflex viewing system, the first in a professional 16mm camera. A mirror flips in sync with the shutter, so the operator sees through the lens in real time. That eliminates parallax and focus guesswork. It mattered most in documentary and run-and-gun work, where precision counted but time was short.

Ergonomic body design

The 16 ST’s body wasn’t just functional — it was sculpted for use. The 45-degree angled mirror/shutter housing isn’t just for looks; it’s the primary grip. Four fingers wrap around it, while the thumb rests on a curved extrusion, creating a secure, balanced hold. This design puts the camera’s center of gravity right in the hand, reducing fatigue during handheld shots. It’s a detail that feels intentional, not incidental — a sign of a tool built by people who understood how cameras are actually used.

Three-lens rotating turret

Up front is a tourelle pour objectif, a rotating lens turret that holds three lenses. It allows quick swaps between focal lengths without breaking stride. One listing mentions a kit with Schneider prime lenses (16mm, 30mm, 50mm) plus an Angénieux zoom. The turret design became a signature of Arri cameras, and it started here in a professional 16mm form.

Modular accessories and power

The 16 ST was built to be expanded. It runs on an electric motor powered by an 8-12V source. Kits often included two motors, two 400 ft magazines, and a power cable with a European plug. An extended original Arri eyepiece was also included, which suggests attention to operator comfort during long takes. It's a system, not just a camera, and that modularity helped it stay relevant for decades.

Collectibility & Value

The Arriflex 16 ST is a sought-after piece, and pricing reflects that. According to market estimates, average-condition units go for $900–1,000, while very good condition examples fetch $1,300–1,400. Mint-condition models can command $2,200–2,400. Historical sales support this range: a condition B-C unit sold for $1,144 in May 2011, a D-C example went for $699 in March 2009, and a condition B model brought $1,593 back in February 2003 — impressive for a 50-year-old camera even then.

One eBay listing offered a kit for $2,300, including lens, filters, and magazine. It noted the lenses needed cleaning, a common caveat with vintage optics. The motors were reported to be running properly, which matters because the electric motor is central to operation. No data exists on common failures or maintenance issues, but the fact that these cameras were still in use in 2016 suggests they hold up if cared for.

For anyone maintaining or restoring a 16 ST, original documentation is available. A printed manual goes for $15.95, and a “Technical Detail + Maintenance Book” is listed at $17.95.