The Aaton Xtera

Aaton cameras always provide users with the great technical specs and design improvements and it’s evident on the Xtera. It’s one of the Super 16 cameras out there that produces clear, high-definition images.

When Rune Ericson introduced the concept of Super16 to Jean-Pierre Beauviala (founder of Aaton), it led to the development of a camera whose main technical feature would be a micro-steady film transport, not just vertically and laterally, but also in terms of flange focal distance. The results? An amazing co-planar pull-down mechanism. This focus on precision and clarity, in turn, led to the design of an extremely high resolution fibre optic viewfinder for great focus control.

Great Magazine and Co-planar Pull-Down Mechanism

Co-planar movement diminishes film transport noise and delivers clear images. The Xtera builds on Rather than a costly generational change, what you have here is a brand new camera and an affordable upgrade for Aaton XTR owners.

The gentle-for-film Aaton style magazine lacing is becoming the standard of the filming industry. The camera magazine is a light-tight chamber or pair of chambers designed to hold film and move motion picture film before and after it has been exposed in the camera. The half-moon mechanical counter remains visible at a distance, from behind operator’s head. In addition, large numbers are clearly visible on assistant display.

Lower and upper batteries feed the camera motor, video-tap and accessories. They are paralleled in order to avoid power interruptions during replacement. No other camera brings great comfort to the operator. Thanks to Aaton’s famous ‘cat on the shoulder’ rule and design.

Film: Moonrise Kingdom

2012 film ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ was shot using the Aaton Xtera. The film follows a young boy and girl falling in love. When they are moved to run away together, various factions of the town mobilize to search for them and the town is turned upside down – which might not be such a bad thing.

A thoroughly endearing journey, and one of the most enjoyable and touching films ever made, ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ is probably Wes Anderson’s most accomplished movie. Everything is just beautiful: the colours are dreamlike and the music playfully exudes the 60’s. There is never a dull moment in the film.