These are good times to be a filmmaker. Legacy cinema cameras are ejected to the secondhand market. Take, for example, this glorious ALEXA Classic that up for sale on CVP for only $6,000. There are a few things to consider though. Read down below.

The options to buy a used ALEXA

We wrote here before about ARRI Approved Certified Pre-Owned program which offers second hand ALEXA cameras from ARRI factory. The cameras undergo a certification process that includes image sensor quality, recording functions, connectors, flange focal distance, audio system, ARRI Lens Control System and update to the latest Software Update Packet (SUP). The best thing about the program is the 1-year warranty from ARRI. That is an excellent opportunity for filmmakers who desire a genuinely professional cinema solution for their production without breaking the bank. However, still, the cameras in the CPO program are not cheap. The average price stands at $25,000. The most inexpensive camera stands at $10,000 give or take. Sure you can find more affordable options on eBay, but I wouldn’t buy there an ARRI. eBay platform is too risky for this kind of deal.

Although ALEXAs are remarkably reliable, buying a camera with more 5000 hours might become a pig in a poke.

ALEXA Classic for $6,000

Fortunately, CVP offers another and more affordable option for purchasing a used ARRI. According to CVP deal, you can buy a used ARRI Alexa Pro camera set for about $6,000 (without VAT).

The cameras in the CPO program are not cheap. The average price stands at $25,000. The most inexpensive camera stands at $10,000 give or take

What’s included?

• 1x ALEXA ( K0.71000.D ) Classic EV Basic Camera Set

• 1x K2.72008.0 EVF

• 2x Arri ( K2.72021.0 ) Cable ALEXA ETH/RJ45 (3.0m/9.8ft) KC 153-S

• 1x ARRI ( K2.72000.0 ) Viewfinder Extension Bracket VEB-1

• 1x Arri ( K2.72047.0 ) BP-13 Bridge Plate A sled

• 1x Arri ( K2.72017.0 ) Leveling Block LB-1

• 2x Arri ( K2.72083.0 ) Shoulder Pad SP-4

• 1x Arri ( K2.72012.0 ) Viewfinder Cable Short (0.35m/1.2ft) KC 150-S

• 1x ARRI K2.41966.0 – POWER CABLE STRAIGHT (2M/6.6 FEET) KC-20

• 1x Sony SBAC-US10 (SBACUS10) SXS Pro Media Card Reader with USB Interface

• 2x Sony SBP-64A (SBP64A) 64GB SXS Pro media card

• 1x MPA-AC1 & power cable

• 1x Hex screwdriver 353/SW 3,0×75

• 1x Handle hex tool 334/SW 5,0X100

• 2x 15mm x 240mm rods

• 2x 19mm x 240mm rods

• 2x 19mm x 320mm rods

So basically all you need is a lens and you can start shooting. For $6,000 it looks like a decent deal.

Operational Hours ( camera’s mileage)

As for now, CVP offers two ALEXA cameras. The only difference is the number of operational hours, which indicates on camera’s mileage (5153 vs. 1967). It looks like a mistake on their website since there is a vast difference between these two parameters. In ARRI’s CPO program, there is a significant correlation between the camera’s operational hours and the price. The price goes up as the camera’s mileage is lower. Just think about buying a used camera that has over 5000 operational hours. It’s a tremendous amount of recording time. Although ALEXAs are remarkably reliable, buying a camera with more 5000 hours might become a pig in a poke.

ARRI Certified Pre-Owned vs. CVP

So what’s preferred? Buying a used ALEXA from ARRI’s CPO or CVP? It depends. CVP is much more affordable, and the price is lower. There is no doubt about that. However, remember that when buying an ALEXA form CPO you are purchasing the ALEXA straight from ARRI, with exclusive 1-year warranty after a robust and uncompromised certification process. CVP gives you regular 90 days warranty. The warranty is a crucial factor when buying such an expensive used camera. Also, CPO gives you all licenses needed for the ALEXA Classic included in the price (High Speed, Anamorphic De-squeeze and DNxHD License Keys). Buying a used ALEXA from ARRI can cost you more (30% more), but it might help you sleep better at night. If you are short on cash and eager to own an ALEXA than consider the CVP deal. One way or another, you all agree that these are great times to be a filmmaker.

Would you consider to purchase a used ALEXA? Let’s know your insights in the comments section below.

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