ARRI L5-C (original)

Last Updated 2 days ago

Overview

This is the discontinued original L5-C, as specified in ARRI’s October 2022 data sheet and operating manual. Its power, mounting, connectors and photometric figures belong to that model rather than to the newer L-Series Plus.

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Model generation	Original L5-C; discontinued model documentation
Type / engine	Focusable LED Fresnel / RGBW
Fresnel aperture	137 mm / 5-inch class
Focus range	14–50° half-peak
White / tint	2800–10000 K; full minusgreen to plusgreen
Colour modes	Hue and saturation / RGB+W gamut
CRI / TLCI, data-sheet averages	>94 / >90
Dimming	0–100% continuous
Maximum input power	115 W
AC supply	100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
Battery input	23–36 V DC, 4-pin XLR; 100% output listed
Control	Onboard; 5-pin DMX in/thru; RDM
Wireless	External compatible receiver; not native CRMX
Service	Mini-USB for setup, status and firmware
Manual / pole-operated mass	5.0 kg / 6.4 kg
Mount / tilt	16 mm / 28 mm combo pin / ±90°
Protection / ambient	Class I, IP20; −20 to +45°C

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• A focusable colour LED provides beam shaping and remote white matching.
• Electronic controls support repeatable settings.

Limitations

• Spot, flood and saturated settings have different exposure behaviour.
• Check generation, firmware and the installed wireless hardware.

Practical uses

Setup	Working approach
Shaped key	Focus for the required area, then use doors or flags for spill.
Colour accent	Check the actual hue and level through the camera.

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Output and colour

These lux values are transcribed from ARRI’s October 2022 model data sheet. The table preserves its spot, middle and flood labels at two white settings. They are on-axis references for the stated lens focus, not a claim that the whole beam or every saturated colour has that intensity.

The optical specification gives a 14–50° range, while the plotted spot reference is labelled 15°. The table retains the plotted measurement label rather than silently changing it to 14°.

Focus changes both central intensity and coverage. Add barndoors or flags for spill control, and assess the final field on the subject. A bounce or softbox changes the apparent source and transmission; use the appropriate setup rather than the focused spot figure when estimating a soft key.

CCT / focus	3 m, lux	5 m, lux	9 m, lux
3200 K, spot 15°	3,289	1,184	365
5600 K, spot 15°	3,711	1,336	412
3200 K, middle 30°	989	356	110
5600 K, middle 30°	1,117	402	124
3200 K, flood 50°	378	136	42
5600 K, flood 50°	428	154	48

The RGBW engine provides continuously variable 2800–10000 K white and green/magenta correction. Hue/saturation operation provides a broad colour gamut. Matching CCT alone does not guarantee identical camera response to another source; test critical skin, fabrics and mixed-fixture scenes.

The listed CRI and TLCI values are data-sheet averages for this original model. They should not be replaced with Plus-generation claims. Saturated-colour output can differ greatly from a white-light photometric row, so meter the final cue.

ARRI describes additional gel and source-selection workflows with compatible control software. Confirm the actual fixture firmware, DMX profile and control arrangement before relying on features demonstrated on a newer L-Series or SkyPanel.

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Power and batteries

ARRI’s specification accepts 100–240 V AC at 50/60 Hz and lists 115 W maximum consumption. The documented mains connection is powerCON TRUE1 TOP, with the appropriate switched cable arrangement. Check the installed unit’s connector and cable revision rather than treating all production years as identical.

The original L5-C also has a male four-pin XLR battery connector for 23–36 V DC, with pin 1 negative and pin 4 positive in the data sheet. ARRI lists full light output in battery mode. This is not a generic 12 V socket: use a correctly rated supply and approved cabling.

The design includes active cooling and fan-mode selection. Check the selected fan behaviour, actual output and sound at the microphone after warm-up. Keep vents clear and retain the manual’s operating clearances; the fixture’s Class I / IP20 rating identifies an earthed indoor system.

Control, cooling and camera operation

Five-pin DMX input and through connections provide wired control. RDM supports setup, status information and the hour counter. Match the console personality and fixture mode, and verify blackout, low fades and signal-loss response through the intended control route.

Mini-USB provides service, setup and firmware functions through the supported software. It is not the Plus generation’s Ethernet interface or a USB-C charging input. Any wireless link requires a suitable external receiver and its own power/control arrangement.

The data sheet references the SkyLink receiver as an external wireless option. It does not claim a built-in CRMX radio. Verify the actual rental or used package rather than assuming wireless functionality from a seller’s generic “wireless capable” description.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

The L5-C suits compact studio positions, small interview sets, backlights and tight locations. Its real Fresnel lens and mechanical focus provide a different workflow from placing an optional lens on a COB engine. Adjust beam size, then shape the field using the matching barndoors and external flags.

The manual version is listed at 5.0 kg, with a 6.4 kg pole-operated reference. Its compact five-inch-class lens is useful under low ceilings or as a controlled backlight. The combo mounting pin supports the specified stand/receiver arrangements.

Manual and pole-operated models use different yokes and weights. Pole operation provides pan, tilt and focus access in a studio installation; it is not remote electronic pan/tilt. Include accessories, cable movement and the actual suspension arrangement in clearance planning.

ARRI lists matching four- and eight-leaf barndoors, filter frame, snoot, softbox/Chimera options, cables and safety hardware. Check the exact model and accessory diameter. A barndoor or frame from a different Fresnel size is not automatically compatible.

Inspect the lens, accessory retention, focus travel, sliding stirrup, tilt lock, fan, display and mains connection. Test warm/daylight whites, tint, saturated colour and low dimming. On pole-operated units, check all three mechanical adjustments; on the original L5-C, test the intended DC route as well.

ARRI now files this original model under discontinued products. For a used fixture, confirm firmware, operating hours, service history, actual engine revision and parts support with the relevant service provider. A published LED-life estimate is not proof of a particular used unit’s remaining life.

The original L7-C occupies another size in the legacy range. The L5-C Plus and L7-C Plus are separate models with Ethernet and revised optical/output specifications; there is no basis here for describing this fixture as a Plus model.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	Choose it for
ARRI L-Series Plus	A newer Fresnel generation; compare its own photometrics and connectivity.
ARRI tungsten Fresnels	A lamp-based alternative with different power, colour and heat behaviour.

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What people are saying

Greg: a focusable alternative to panels

Greg at LensProToGo introduces the original L5-C and explains why a focusable RGBW Fresnel can be useful alongside panels and tubes. The presentation concerns the original model, not L5-C Plus. View the source.

Videos

ARRI L5-C (original): review and operation

A walkthrough or review of the fixture and its working package.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

Check the exact model and revision, complete power package, mounting hardware and control leads. Inspect emitting surface, connectors and support points. Test the intended operating level, fade and camera settings before rigging.

Documentation and specifications

official discontinued-model page, model data sheet with photometrics and mechanical drawing and operating manual.

Product photograph: ARRI official original L5-C product photograph.

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