First and foremost, they serve the primary function of stabilizing the camera for shoulder-mounted handheld operation. Using a design more than a little reminiscent of handgrips for classic ARRIFLEX film cameras (such as those used with the 16SR, 235 and 435), the Master Grips look to keep the same great feel in the hand while putting both camera and lens control at your fingertips.
In addition to providing full control of focus, iris and zoom on cine lenses (via ARRI's LBUS protocol, with both cforce and CLM motors), the Master Grips also enable servo control for ENG lenses, along with focus and iris control of standard EF-mount autofocus lenses when used with ARRI's EF mount available for the AMIRA and ALEXA Mini.
For camera control, the grips allow run / stop, as well as user button access on cameras, ARRI or otherwise. The grips come with either a rocker, traditionally used for zooming, or a wheel for smooth focus and iris adjustments. Both options come in right and left-side variations. On top of either the rocker or wheel is a touch-sensitive OLED screen, which not only reads out zoom and focus information, but also allows the user to set up the grip and see its status. Additionally there is an assignable 4-way joystick (with center push button) for configuration, camera and motor control and an assignable user button. Both controls feature protective "eyebrows," which minimize unintended presses as well as serving as a finger rest.
Using the optional LCUBE CUB-2, which adapts the typical 12-pin Hirose connector found on many ENG lens' servo units to ARRI's LBUS protocol, the Master Grips can control the focus, iris and zoom of a servo zoom lens. The LCUBE CUB-2 has a switch to go between using the Master Grips to control the lens' iris and allowing it to auto-iris via the lens' 12-pin interface. The grips are made of cast magnesium for sturdiness and light weight and mount via the industry standard ARRI rosette. Accessories such as extensions, pan arm adapters and a rod mounting adapter for the AMIRA are available as well.
For more details, visit ARRI's product page or read their official announcement.
To see photos of the handgrip at IBC, see below:
