ARRI ALEXA 35 SUP 1.2.0 Released – Adds Support for CCM-1 Monitor, Plus Touchscreen Control for MVF-2

Firmware Update

by Francesco AndreolaAugust 21^st, 2023

ARRI has recently launched a major software update package for its flagship Super35 mm cinema camera. SUP 1.2.0 for ALEXA 35 adds support for the newly-introduced ARRI Camera Control Monitor CCM-1 and also enables touchscreen operation on the MVF-2 viewfinder.

First announced in May 2022, the ARRI ALEXA 35 unsurprisingly established itself as the dynamic range king in our Lab Test (with video!). While this state-of-the-art camera is currently being delivered to customers worldwide, the German manufacturer is starting to release firmware updates to make it even better over time.

More recently, ARRI also introduced a rugged, bright, 7-inch Camera Control Monitor – called CCM-1 – compatible with the ALEXA 35 and Mini LF. SUP 1.2.0 enables compatibility between the two devices. Let’s take a look!

ARRI ALEXA 35 SUP 1.2.0 – added support for CCM-1

Developed jointly with SmallHD, the new CCM-1 monitor allows you to fully control the ALEXA 35 and Mini LF via a large 7” touchscreen interface. For example, it enables you to monitor the live feed from the camera, adjust settings, access menus, or playback clips. You can read all about it in our previous article here.

The monitor is now fully supported by the ALEXA 35 and can be used in a standalone configuration or simultaneously with the MVF-2.

Touchscreen operation for MVF-2 viewfinder 

Talking about the MVF-2 viewfinder, it looks like ARRI has been keeping a little secret since its release back at NAB 2019. Indeed, SUP 1.2.0 for ALEXA 35 unlocks touchscreen control of the viewfinder’s flip-out IPS/LCD display. According to ARRI, the hardware has always had this capability, but it took them some time to fine-tune the user interface.

Since the CCM-1 monitor mimics the appearance and functionality of the MVF-2, this means you can now seamlessly move back and forth between the two screens, while also using the same gesture controls.

Other features and bug fixes

Along with these new features, SUP 1.2.0 brings several other enhancements such as extended Erase Media menu warnings, better Audio Gain GUI and numerical entry screens, support for WPA-3 Client mode, transport position for built-in FSND filters, as well as bug fixes and general stability improvements. You can check out the full firmware release notes here.

Price and availability

SUP 1.2.0 for ALEXA 35 is now available to download free of charge from ARRI’s website. Please keep in mind that performing a firmware update is NOT recommended if you find yourself in the middle of a production.

Moreover, there are a couple of warnings that you should be aware of when updating your camera to SUP 1.2.0 or downdating to an older firmware version:

• Updating: Please note that a bug in the LPL lens mount can sometimes lead to the SUP 1.2 update failing the first time. Not to worry; in that case, simply repeat the update procedure and all should be well.
• Downdating: It is possible to downdate from this SUP to an older SUP. However, MVF-2 viewfinders with serial numbers above 6849 and Compact Drive 2TB units with serial numbers starting with ‘273xxxxx’ require ALEXA 35 SUP 1.0.4 or newer. Since current ALEXA 35 SUPs (1.0 or later) require a different sensor calibration than the field test SUPs (0.8.x), please do not downdate the camera from a current SUP to any of the field test SUPs.

For more information, please visit ARRI’s website here.

Have you gotten your hands on an ARRI ALEXA 35 unit yet? What do you think of the new features brought by SUP 1.2.0? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!