A-Minima

The A-Minima is a Super 16 movie camera introduced by Aaton in 1999. Touted as the smallest reflex viewfinder movie camera yet, the camera is distinguished by its extremely low-profile form-factor. It has a size comparable to a small prosumer video camera and a light weight of 4.4 lbs (2 kgs) including film and a battery. In order to accomodate the camera design, Aaton worked with Eastman Kodak to create a specially-designed flexible flange 200 ft (61 m) daylight spool. Because of the particular design of the spool and the fact that the camera requires "A-wind" 16 mm film, the A-Minima can only use Kodak film stock which has been manufactured specifically for use with the A-Minima. The 200 foot length (approximately 5.5 minutes at 24 fps) and slightly noisy sound rating of 29 dB have the consequence of making the camera more ideal as a B-camera or second unit camera; however, the small size and ease of use, along with an integrated AatonCode timecode unit, allow for less conspicuous and cumbersome shooting on Super 16.