ARRI has introduced the cforce MAX, a new high‑performance lens motor that “enhances the Hi‑5 lens control system with its exceptional speed and intelligent onboard control”.
“Compact and lightweight despite being so fast and powerful, the cforce MAX offers versatile mounting, easy setup, and total reliability in the most demanding shooting environments,” ARRI revealed.
The cforce MAX is twice as fast and just as strong as the cforce plus motor it replaces, yet 15% smaller and lighter.
“Perfectly complementing the ultra‑compact cforce mini and wireless cforce mini RF in ARRI’s lens motor lineup, the cforce MAX is ideal for larger cine primes, zoom lenses, vintage glass, and specialty optics that require strength and precision,” ARRI continued.
“At the same time, its reduced form factor ensures versatility across handheld, gimbal, and studio configurations.”
The accompanying new ARRI Motor Rod Clamp MRC‑1 reportedly provides a solid connection to lens gears and easy adjustment on 19 mm/15 mm rods in multiple positions.
The MRC‑1 is also compatible with the cforce mini and cforce mini RF, and is a “compelling” upgrade for Hi‑5 system users, significantly improving stability and flexibility.
With its advanced brushless motor, the cforce MAX is said to be quiet, durable, and easy to service.
Motor response latency is so low that using the cforce MAX feels like a completely new experience for focus pullers.
The high speed of up to 400 teeth per second and the market‑leading latency additionally make it ideal for focus tracking systems, which cannot anticipate movement in front of the camera and must respond in real time.
Georg Lanz, an experienced focus puller and beta tester of the cforce MAX, commented: “I have tested the cforce MAX in the hottest place on Earth, in jungles, and out on the open sea.
“Beyond its reliability, the responsiveness and speed genuinely allow me to do a better job, especially in documentary or free‑flowing environments where I am constantly reacting to unexpected movement.”
The cforce MAX features a physical button for control of core functions such as changing the motor axis – a control option already familiar to users of ARRI’s other cforce motors.
In addition, its integrated display with touchscreen interface enables intuitive configuration and status monitoring directly on the motor, with expanded functionality possible in the future.
In common with ARRI’s entire Electronic Control System, the cforce MAX will benefit from ongoing software updates that enhance its feature set.
Like the other cforce motors, it offers dual LBUS ports for seamless daisy‑chaining and flexible system integration using standard cables, as well as full LBUS backwards‑compatibility.
It can be used with most existing ARRI mounting brackets, rods, and drive gears, allowing crews to integrate it effortlessly into established setups.
The cforce MAX lens motor is available now – more information is available on the ARRI website.
