XTR prod User’s Guide September 2002
AATON XTRprod User Guide This manual was first written by Peter ABEL ABEL CINE TECH 66 Willow Avenue Staten Island, NY 10305 USA AATON 2 rue de la Paix BP 3002 38000 Grenoble FRANCE +33 4 7642 9550 +33 4 7651 3491 fax E-mail: support@aaton.com Web: http://www.aaton.com (c) june 1997 Aaton / Grenoble , France. Limitation of Liability The information contained in this manual is distributed without warranty of any kind, express or implied.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 SYSTEM FEATURES AND CONTROLS Front View Rear View Battery Side Motor Side LCD Control Panel - Quick Reference 2 12 13 14 15 16 THE CAMERA BODY 2.1 Lenses ArriPL Lens Port Installing the Lens Aaton Lens Port 2.2 Viewing System Viewfinder Options Attaching the Extension Finder Viewfinder Tension Adjustments Adjusting the Diopter The Eyepiece Shutter Adjusting the Viewing Horizon Viewing Screen Changing the Viewing Screen Adujsting the Viewing Screen Aatonite Illumination 2.
Installing the Battery on the Camera Battery Charging Other Power Options 2.8 Motor Camera Speeds Using External Speed Devices Electronic Inching 2.9 Lightmeter Display Operation Using the Lightmeter without Running Film Testing and Adjusting the Meter Turning the Lightmeter Off 2.
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Beamsplitter Axis Adjustment The Manual Iris Battery Life with CCD Assists Installing the CCD Heads The VSA Color CCD Assist Menu Operation 3 48 48 49 49 52 53 THE MAGAZINE 3.1 Concept 3.2 Compatibility DX Magazines Super16 Safe 3.3 Pressure Plate System The Picture Plate The Claw Plate 3.4 Mag Identification System Mag ID Changing the ID of a Magazine 3.5 Loading Feed Side - In the Changing Bag Take-up Side - In Daylight 60 60 60 60 61 61 61 62 62 62 63 63 63 3.
4.4 Shoulder Operation 4.5 Carrying Handle 3/8 Accessory Screw Mounting from the Carrying Handle Tape Measure Stud 4.6 Transport 4.7 Extreme Conditions Cold Weather Warm Weather 5 CLEANING 5.1 Lens Lens Elements Lens Exterior Mounting Surface 5.2 Body Exterior Mounting Surfaces Camera Gate 5.3 Viewing System Viewing Screen Eyepiece Viewfinder 5.4 Magazine Exterior Pressure Plates Interior / Film Path 6 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 81 81 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 SUPER16 6.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Film Processing 6.3 Shooting Super16 Selecting a Film Stock Lenses Lighting Exposure 6.4 Super16 Field Conversions Before You Begin Procedure 7 AATONCODE 7.1 Concept 7.2 The Internal Clock 7.3 OriginCplus 7.4 Initializing AatonCode in the Camera Using the OriginCplus - Recommended Method Using an External SMPTE Device 7.5 Monitoring and Maintaining AatonCode Monitoring AatonCode with OriginCplus Maintaining AatonCode without OriginCplus 7.6 GMT-S 7.
1 SYSTEM FEATURES AND CONTROLS 9
1 2 3 8 9 4 10 5 6 7 1.1 FRONT VIEW 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 Friction Adjusting Ring Tape Measure Stud Lateral Lock Knob Beamsplitter Access Cap CCD Cover PL Lens Port Wooden Handgrip Eyepiece Lock Ring Eyepiece Shutter Body Run/Test Switch adjusts the tension of the eyepiece swivel. holds tape measure at film plane. locks the lateral position of the viewfinder. covers the port which accesses the beamsplitter adjustment screw. accesses the CCD head. standard mounting system for XTRprod.XTRprod.
GENERAL OVERVIEW 13 14 15 11 16 12 17 18 19 20 1.2 BACK VIEW 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Magnetic Drive Mag Release Lever Amph9 Manual Iris Lever Lemo14 Battery Lock Screw Camera Fuse XLR4 Lemo8 Lemo6 provides magnetic magazine coupling. releases the magazine for removal. accessory input provides +/-, Hz, and camera run functions. controls CCD iris operation. connects CCD head to the CCD control unit. fastens the on-board battery to the camera body.
21 26 27 22 23 28 24 29 25 30 1.3 BATTERY SIDE 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 12 CCD Control Unit CCD On/Off Carrying handle Diopter Set Ring Run/Test Switch Take-up Latch On-board Battery LED Indicators Lemo2 Adjusting Screw fastens to the body for CCD operation. powers the CCD assist. Switch off to conserve battery life. includes tape measure stud, 3/8-16 accessory hole and adjusting tools. adjusts the diopter setting of the viewfinder to the operator's eye.
GENERAL OVERVIEW 31 33 34 35 36 37 38 32 39 40 1.4 MOTOR SIDE 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 LCD Control Panel Carrying Handle Lemo5 Lightmeter On/Off LED Indicators Motor Aaton Jog AatonCode Led Feed Latch Mag Footage Counter displays AatonCode, ASA, speed, voltage, remaining footage. includes tape measure stud, 3/8-16 accessory hole and adjusting tools. AatonCode and SMPTE timecode communication. activates the lightmeter display in the viewfinder.
1.
GENERAL OVERVIEW 15
2 THE CAMERA BODY 17
2.1 LENSES The XTRprod’s flexible lens mounting system allows for the use of a wide variety of 16mm, 35mm and still-photographic lenses. Flange focal distance Refers to the critical distance from the lens seat to the film plane. The precise FFD of the XTRprod is 52mm -8 to 17µm as measured with a depth gauge in the lens port. It is recommended that these tolerances be checked and maintained by a qualified technician.
THE CAMERA BODY is tight enough so that it cannot be inadvertantly unlocked. 2.1.3 Aaton Lens Port The XTRprod can also be equipped with an Aaton lens port. In order to install the Aaton port, the ArriPL lens seat and locking ring must first be removed. Because the FFD of the Aaton lens port is shorter than most professional cameras (40mm), the XTRprod, equipped with this mount, can accommodate most motion picture and still camera lens mounts.
the hyperlong finder can be used. Note that standard short eyepiece can be equipped with a heating system, as well as 250mm eyepiece extension in order to avoid any condensation on the eyepiece lens. Aaton can provide you a heating lens (neutral, + 3 or - 3 diopters) and the corresponding cable. 2.2.2 Attaching the Extension Finder In order to use an extension finder on the XTRprod, the standard eyepiece must first be removed.
THE CAMERA BODY d c b a clockwise; to decrease the tension, rotate the adjusting ring counterclockwise. 2.2.4 Adjusting the Diopter Before shooting, the diopter setting of the viewfinder should be adjusted to the operator’s eye. To set the diopter (d) look through the viewfinder, rotate the diopter set ring until the edge of the cross-hair is at its sharpest point. It is recommended that, for easiest setting, this adjustment be performed with the port cover off and no lens on the camera.
te 1/8 of a turn counterclockwise.On the hyperlong finder, rotate the knurled ring closest to the eyecup counter-clockwise to close the shutter. 2.2.6 Adjusting the Viewing Horizon If the rotation of the image seen through the cameras viewfinder does not exactly match what is seen through the naked eye, there is a fine adjustment that can be made to the image’s relative horizon. Locate the small slotted screw located on the underside of the viewfinder just inside the eyepiece lock ring.
THE CAMERA BODY 2.2.8 Changing the Viewing Screen The viewing screen is designed to be easily removed by the user for the purposes of interchanging or for cleaning. To remove the screen, unscrew the black tool marked Vw located in the hollow at the rear of the camera’s carrying handle. Remove the port cap. Clear the mirror shutter so that it is rotated safely inside the body by rotating at the base of the shutter with your finger or by setting the camera to test position, then removing the battery.
Warning ! Each time you're touching the mirror, the viewing screen, or anything inside the lens port, disconnect the battery. You will therefore avoid any risk of seriously damaging your camera. checking that the sharp focus of a lens matches the measured distance on its barrel. If it does not, then you need to make an adjustment of the viewing screen focus. To proceed, you must first unscrew and remove the circular cap located on behind the camera body Run/Test switch.
THE CAMERA BODY running. The configuration of illuminated markings will differ slightly between screen types. Refer to the screen illustration on page 21 for a specific description of each screen type along with its corresponding Aatonite markings. 2.3 MIRROR SHUTTER 2.3.1 Concept The reflex mirror shutter is designed to provide an optical path to the viewfinder while the claw movement advances the film to the next frame.
duce the shutter opening, turning clockwise will increase the opening. When setting the opening to 172.8° or 144°, a shutter blade indicating these settings will be visible from behind the left edge of the mirror. Make sure the white line to the immediate right of the 172.8° and 144° markings meet the left edge of mirror. When the adjustment is complete, remove the tool and store back in the hollow of the carrying handle. Sh 2.4 FILM GATE AND PULLDOWN CLAW 2.4.
THE CAMERA BODY the claw-side rail at the point of image exposure to assure maximum lateral stability. This unique, straight forward mechanism design results in horizontal and lateral film registration that is superior to all other 16mm camera movements with an accuracy of 1/2000 of the image dimensions. 4.
also mainly responsible for the sharpness of the images. Anyone who would like to change the FFD of his own camera should now do so by simply changing the spacer, and only with the spacer. He has not to polish any other surface, ot to insert anything else between the lens port and the film plane. For that purpose, you can order some aluminium spacers (0.35mm) to Aaton, and then safely change the FFD of your camera. 2.5.
THE CAMERA BODY 2.5.5 Flange Focal Distances Here are the flange focal distances for all the lens port available for the XTRprod. Mont Aaton (AA) Arriflex (PL) Panavision (PV) Reference 01 112 35 01 113 20 01 113 25 FFD 40.00 mm 52.00 mm 57.15 mm Diametre 50.00 mm 54.00 mm 49.50 mm Adjustment -8 / -17 microns -8 / -17 microns -8 / -17 microns 2.6 THE MAGAZINE The Aaton magazine holds 400 ft (122m) of standard 16mm or Super16 film. Shooting at 24 fps, a 400 ft roll will run for 10.
2.6.2 Removing the Magazine To remove the magazine, situate yourself as before, towards the rear motor side of the camera. Grasp the magazine anywhere which is comfortable at its rear. Place your hand above the motor of the camera and push the mag release lever towards the front of the camera with your thumb. Pull the magazine straight off the camera with your right hand. 2.7 POWER XTRprod body requires only 12 volts for all aspects of operation.
THE CAMERA BODY 2.7.1 Installing the Battery on the Camera The on-board battery fits below the CCD control unit on the battery side of the camera body. In order to install, loosen the black knurled screw approximately four or five turns. Push the battery evenly onto the XLR4 connection on the body. When snug, tighten the knurled screw onto the battery tab to hold it in place. When running AatonCode, get into the practice of having a fresh battery on hand before removing the one from the camera.
Nimh Batteries Tips Follow a few simple rules to insure the long life of your Nimh cells: • Allow batteries to run through their normal cycle of charging and use. Avoid topping off partially full batteries. Once every few months, discharge cells to 8-10V using a standard discharger to minimize their memory. • Do not rapid-charge your cells more than necessary, as the added heat will eventually shorten their life span. Instead, recharge batteries at a normal charging rate when your schedule allows.
THE CAMERA BODY sible from the EX/VAR selector. The camera speed can also be adjusted while the camera is running in either sync or variable mode. For more information on these speed functions, refer to section LCD Control Panel and Jog of this chapter. 2.8.2 Using External Speed Devices The XTRprod can be driven externally from devices such as film/video synchronizers, speed aperture computers and external speed controls. In these situations, the camera EX/VAR selector must be set to Et.
sory connectors, provide the capability of using a remote on/off with either a half-frame or full-frame inching function. 2.9 LIGHTMETER The XTRprod is equipped with an internal lightmeter that is designed to read the quantity of light reflected off the film itself. For added accuracy, the meter measures the light by means of two photocells. The metering system automatically compensates for filters and changes in camera speed. 2.9.
THE CAMERA BODY Remember, the lightmeter is giving you an average reading of the entire frame. You may choose to vary the suggested exposure according to subject conditions. 2.9.3 Using the Lightmeter without Running Film It is also possible to use the lightmeter without actually running the camera. Set the ISO selection to the exposure index of the film being used. Set the camera to test position using the on/off switch on the body or the handgrip.
viewfinder by means of the four screws which mount it to the front housing. Locate the hole between the two viewfinder screwholes on the top motor side of the front housing. The white potentiometer will be visible within this hole. • 6 - With a small screwdriver, adjust the potentiometer slightly; 1/8 of a turn will have an effect. Rotating clockwise will correct an overexposure and move the darkened diode to the left; rotating counterclockwise will correct an underexposure.
THE CAMERA BODY first press SET, then go to the appropriate button. Information is changed by either toggling that button or by rotating the jog, depending on the parameter. Pressing SET afterwards (or waiting for 7 seconds) will enter your selection. Capped text ( SYNC, EX/VAR, ISO, MAG) refers to those functions adjustable while in the SET mode; standard text (Fps/Ft, time, batt/iso, elapse) refers to those functions accessible directly in the default Show mode.
duction ID, then the camera’s equipment #, in that order. 2.10.5 ASA Setting When using the internal lightmeter and/or AatonCode in the XTRprod, the ASA (ISO) setting must be adjusted to the exposure index of the film stock being used. The ISO selector on the LCD control panel provides settings between 25 and 1000 ASA. With regards to the lightmeter, the setting on the ISO selector dictates to the camera what the exposure should be for a particular film stock.
THE CAMERA BODY lection of any .001 incremented crystal speed between 3.000 and 75.000 fps via the jog. To set the camera to be driven from an external source (such as film/video synchronizer or external speed control), press SET, then EX/VAR twice. Et will be displayed, indicating that camera is set in external mode. 2.10.9 Speed Phasing The phasing of the variable speed can be set to eliminate a roll bar while filming a monitor.
play will revert back to the default mode (speed and remaining footage) after 10 seconds. Changing Speeds while Running the Camera Any camera speed, wether preset or specific, can be changed when the camera is running. To do so, run the camera, then follow these simple steps: • Operating under a preset speed (in sync mode), press SET, then SYNC, then use the jog wheel to choose a higher or lower stepped speed.
THE CAMERA BODY 2.11 LED INDICATORS The XTRprod utilizes LED indicators in three locations to convey information: in the viewfinder and on both left and right outsides of the camera body. 2.11.1 Position and Meaning of the Diodes • Two yellow diodes, placed on both right and left sides of the camera body indicate that the camera is either on Test or on Run mode. • Two red diodes, placed on both right and left side of the camera body, and a third one, visible from the viewfinder, display a special warning.
2.11.6 End-of-Film Warning Sequence The lightmeter display features pre-end-of-film and end-of-film warnings for the operator. Under normal operation, the lightmeter display will flash once for every foot or meter that is counted down. When the footage counter on the LCD control panel counts down to 10 feet remaining, the display will flash more rapidly, at a frequency of about 2-3 times per second. Keep in mind, the pre-end-of-film warning will only operate if the lightmeter display is turned on.
THE CAMERA BODY of the control unit to those connectors on the body and plug in the unit. Replace the two allen screws to fasten the control unit; a third screw of the same size should be screwed into the upper right side of the unit from the opposite direction. The control unit can remain permanently attached to the XTRprod without adding discernable bulk or weight. Simply keep the unit turned off and the beamsplitter retracted (see below) when video assist is not needed. 2.12.
one turn in the opposite direction to complete the adjustment. By backing the beamsplitter off its stop, fine centering of the CCD target is maintained and the beamsplitter itself is less susceptive to residual shocks caused by a drop or sudden jolt. Positioning the beamsplitter for video use - the adjusting screw should be rotated counter-clockwise to move the glass in place.
THE CAMERA BODY 2.12.5 The Manual Iris The VAS assist features an automatic gain. In certain situations, however, further light control may be desired (such as high contrast or strong back-light circumstances). In these instances, it is recommended to employ the manual iris feature, which is located on the CCD head cover on the battery side of the camera. Under normal operation, this mechanical iris should be wide open.
The installation and removal of the VSA color head assembly is somewhat involved and considered a shop operation. Therefore, it is recommended that this procedure be performed by a qualified technician. If you own a VSA, however, and feel that you would need to remove the assembly frequently, this procedure can be demonsrated and taught to you by an Aaton technician. Contact your Aaton representative for further details.
THE CAMERA BODY • 2 - Remove the four screws which hold the CCD cover onto the battery side of the camera and carefully remove the CCD cover. • 3 - Check that the exposed lens of the CCD head assembly is free of dust particles. If necessary, clean this surface with lens fluid applied with a foam or cotton Q-tip. In order to install the head assembly into the side cavity, first feed the Lemo14 connector into the PBX so that it faces towards the rear of the camera.
this flat with the two flats on the threaded portion of the Lemo. • 6 - Replace the rubber gasket and the PBX cover plate via the four allen screws. Double-check that the Lemo14 sits flush against the lip of the circular opening in the cover plate. • 7 - Plug the control unit into the PBX and fasten it to the body with three allen screws. Connect a BNC cable to a monitor and power the XTRprod. Turn on the toggle switch of the CCD assist; the yellow diode should light.
THE CAMERA BODY • 9 - If the CCD image is centered in the monitor, your adjustment is complete. However, if the image is off to one side, the beamsplitter axis adjustment needs to be reset. Follow the directions under 14.4 The Beamsplitter Axis Adjustment to recenter the image. Afterwards, loosen the two screws on the CCD head and refocus the optics. • 10 - Locate the iris rod on the CCD head (marked B in diagram) and move it by hand to an upright position.
a telecine, no need also to have developped the rushes you won't use. 2.12.9 Menu Operation (V5.
THE CAMERA BODY you can increase or decrease the gain from -155 to + 100 Use arrows to proceed. DATE - Date allows you to choose the position of the current date insertion inside the video image. Use arrows to proceed. TIME - Time allows you to choose the position of the current time insertion inside the video image. Use arrows to proceed. CAM - Cam allows you to choose the position of the current cam insertion inside the video image. Use arrows to proceed.
TECHNICAL - Time Code Off/On allows you to choose to insert (On) or nor (Off ) AatonCode information, which consists of Time, Date and Equipment number ID. - Font allows you to choose the font you need for the characters to be inserted. Choose 1 for standard characters and 2 for bold characters. - Automatic Power Off allows you to choose between an automatic shut off ( On ) or a manual one (Off ).
THE CAMERA BODY 53
3 THE MAGAZINE 55
3.1 CONCEPT The Aaton DX Magazine incorporates many features which add to the camera system's ease-of-use, efficiency and reliability. The magazine's coaxial design allows for separate feed and take-up chambers, which ensures that the bulk of the loading process is performed in daylight.
THE MAGAZINE sitive high speed stocks, as is the case with the LTR and some other manufacturers' magazines, has been known to cause grain fracturing and a resulting abnormal exposure of the film in that area.) 3.3 PRESSURE PLATE SYSTEM The DX magazine features two pressure plates which are located at the front of the nose of the magazine. When the loaded magazine is attached to the camera, these pressure plates provide the precise stabilization of the film during exposure and transport. 3.3.
claw and functions to stabilize the film as the claw engages the film perf between exposures. Proper tension and functioning of the claw plate contribute to reliable transport and quiet operation. ID of Mags on XTRplus vs XTRprod As mentioned, the XTRprod can distinguish seven magazines because its sensors can read all three receivers. The XTRplus, however, can only distinguish three magazines, as its sensors will only detect the two upper receivers. Be aware of this fact when renting additional magazines.
THE MAGAZINE The straightforward design of the DX magazine allows for quick, easy loading and an absolute minimum amount of threading in the dark. The film does not need to be cut in preparation for loading. 3.5.1 Feed Side - In the Changing Bag • Place the film can and the magazine, feed side up, in the changing bag and zip closed. • Disable the mechanical footage counter, located on the feed door, by rotating counter clockwise until it locks in its recessed position.
• Remove the magazine from the changing bag. 3.5.2 Take-up Side - In Daylight • Unfasten the take-up door lock by rotating downward and open the door. • Release the doors of the upper and lower pinch rollers by pressing the white buttons and gently pulling open. • Pull the length of film from the slot of the coaxial roller and pass below the first idler roller. Bypass the upper sprocket for the time being and push the film directly through the upper channel slot to the outside of the nose.
THE MAGAZINE • Hold the lower sprocket with your right thumb and rotate the take-up core counter-clockwise to remove any slack. • Thread the film around the upper sprocket and adjust the loop until its taut length is 14 to 15 frames long outside of the nose. When the proper length is achieved, close the upper pinch roller until it locks firmly in position. • Remove any slack, then close and lock the take-up door.
3.6 800 ft magazine Though the 800 ft design and loading is very close to the 400 ft magazine, the following points need to be respected.
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4 THE AATON SYSTEM 65
4.1 CAMERA CONFIGURATIONS 4.1.1 15mm Front Rods The most versatile and popular configuration for accessorizing the XTRplus camera, the universal 15mm screw-in front rod system can instantly accept Aaton, Arri, Chrosziel, Petroff and other manufacturers' mattebox and follow focus systems. Utilizing the front rod system allows for quick conversion from tripod to shoulder operating modes without the need for recon-figuration.
THE AATON SYSTEM Standard bridgeplates from Aaton, Arri and other manufacturers can be attached to the XTRprod by means of the 3/8-16 tripod recepticle on the underside of the camera. The sliding bridgeplate system is recommended when large 35mm lenses and accessories are to be used, when using a geared head or when the highest possible production value is neccessary. 4.2 HANDGRIP The XTRprod body includes a wooden handgrip, short 15mm rods, rod coupler and Lemo2 cable as standard.
handgrip as a simple intervalometer. 4.2.3 Handgrip Adjustments The handgrip rotation should be adjusted for maximum handheld operating comfort. Loosen the T screw and rotate the handgrip at the star plate until a more comfortable position is found. If a more extreme repositioning is required, whether it be for reasons of comfort or clearance in certain studio rig configurations, this can be achieved with coupler extenders, spacers and intermediate arms which utilize the star plate system for adjustment.
THE AATON SYSTEM shoulder to tripod operating modes. 4.5 CARRYING HANDLE The carrying handle of the XTRprod is reinforced to safely accommodate any carrying, operating or mounting situation. 4.5.1 3/8 Accessory Screw The handle features a 3/8-16 insert to receive accessories such as french flags and lightweight monitors. Be sure not to use a 3/8 screw longer than 10mm (7/16"); longer screws can fracture the insert casting and damage the viewfinder's optics. 4.5.
which is positioned between the rods directly behind the 3/8 insert. To use this stud, pull it up and fasten the ring of a standard assistant's tape measure around it; the stud holds the tape measure zero point precisely at the film plane. 4.6 TRANSPORT One often overlooked, yet vital factor in the proper functioning and longevity of your camera equipment is your transportation practices. A few good shipping habits can avert potential damage caused by careless messenger services and airport handling.
THE AATON SYSTEM facturers suggest a minimum of 1 1/2" padding between high precision components such as the camera and lenses. 1" of padding is acceptable, however, between some of the more rugged components, such as magazines and batteries. Manufacturers also suggest to allow 2" of padding between the component and the outside of the case. Choose a case design that, not only meets your shipping and travel requirements, but allows you maximum flexibility and comfort out in the field.
temperatures at all times during a cold weather shoot. 7.2 Warm Weather To keep the temperature of the camera body down, avoid having the camera exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time by using a barney, all-weather cover, or some form of shading, like an umbrella. Most importantly, keep raw stock and magazines in a dry cooler or in the coolest location available.
THE AATON SYSTEM 73
5 CLEANING 75
5.1 LENS Lens Cleaning Tips Avoid handling lens tissue on the surfaces which will contact the lens. Oil from your hands transferred to the lens surface will make an easy cleaning job tough. Furthermore, never clean a lens element without the aid of cleaning fluid. A good number of scratches on lens surfaces are caused by poor cleaning methods. 5.1.1 Lens Elements The front and rear surfaces of your lenses should be inspected regularly and always kept clean of dust particles, smudges, fingerprints, etc.
CLEANING port ring completely free of dirt and debris. Clean this surface, as well as the threads of the lens lock ring using alcohol or a multi-purpose cleaner applied to a Q-tip. 5.2.3 Camera Gate The gate should be cleaned of film particles by means of a pointed wooden or plastic orange stick. The tool used should be of a soft and pliable enough material (like wood) to conform to the grooved side channels of the gate without breaking.
a Finding the dirt There is a simple means of locating much of the dirt within your viewing system: Look through the viewfinder with no lens on the camera and adjust the diopter ring. If the dust particles remain in focus, they are most likely located on either side of the eyepiece. If the dust comes in and out of focus as the ring is moved, the dust is probably located on either surface of the viewing screen.
CLEANING 5.3.3 Viewfinder With the eyepiece off, look into the remaining viewfinder and clean the exposed element of the pechan prism using canned air or an air syringe. If dirt particles are still present, remove the viewfinder assembly from the camera by removing the four allen screws that hold the base of the viewfinder to the front housing. Clean the exposed underside element of the viewfinder. 5.4 MAGAZINE 5.4.
6 SUPER16 81
6.1 SUPER16 6.1.1 The Format Super16 is a means of utilizing the cost effectiveness of 16mm film for wide-screen applications. The 1.66 aspect of Super16 uses 20% more of the film surface by extending the picture into an area otherwise reserved for soundtrack or a second set of perforations. This increase in usable area results in significant improvements in image quality obtainable from 16mm film when used for any wide-screen application. 16mm standard Super16 6.1.
SUPER16 film must be free from contact with transportation surfaces in all instances, whether it be in the camera, at the lab or on the telecine. The Aaton XTR camera series, since its debut in 1984, has been built for safe and trouble-free Super16 operation. On the other hand, equipment that has not been designed with Super16 in mind may cause rub, scratch or pressure marks within the area once occupied by a second set of perfs.
6.2.3 Ordering Film When ordering raw stock from your distributor, make sure to specify Super16 or single perf film. In the US, where 16mm double perf film is manufactured as standard, it is recommended to check stock of Super16 color negative 1-2 weeks prior to shooting. When ordering Super16 black & white stocks, it is advised to contact your distributor a month in advance when possible. 6.2.
SUPER16 stops of 4 and above, when possible. 6.3.3 Lighting It is recommended not to cut corners with your lighting package for the sake of the budget. Those scenes which rely in the speed of the lens to compensate for minimal lighting will produce more grain than scenes which are amply lit and use a less critical lens aperture (T4 and higher). 6.3.
simple steps. The following section offers detailed instructions on this procedure. • For easier identification, the Super16 position of all adjustments will be marked with red dots, standard 16 position will be unmarked. • All references to alignment in these instructions are made looking at the port of the camera from its front, unless otherwise noted. 6.4.
SUPER16 by an individual who is somewhat mechanically inclined. 4.2 Procedure • 1. Changing the Viewing Screen The XTRprod features an interchangeable viewing screen which allows the user to install a screen with the 16 or Super16 aspect markings of his choice. See section Chnaging the viewing screen to proceed. • 2. Checking Screen Centering It is adviseable to check that the newly-installed screen is properly centered to the aperture opening. Remove both the port cap and the aperture cover.
the aperture opening (indicated below in grey). Regardless of the screen or format, the entire full frame indicated on all screens, should be centered to the entire aperture opening of the camera gate. The tolerance for this alignment is approximately the thickness of a line of the screen. If the viewing screen does not seem to be aligned properly, check its seating by pressing against the threaded hole with your thumb. • 3.
SUPER16 If the port cap is on, remove it. Notice that there are six slotted screws which lock the lens port ring to the lens holder, each with an unoccupied hole alongside it. Also note that one of each pair of holes will be marked with a red dot indicating Super16 positioning. Remove the six screws and carefully lift off the lens port ring and its accompanying shims and place on a clean surface with the shim side face up. Take note of the screw holes from which the six screws have been removed.
Shift the lens port by refastening the lens port ring utilizing the second set of screw holes on both the lens port ring and the lens holder. The clockwise-side holes on both are for standard 16 positioning, the counter-clockwise holes are for Super16. Carefully replace the lens port ring and its shims, and install the three allen screws in the appropriate holes as detailed in the diagram. Be sure not to damage the shims; take extra care to align their cutouts around the holes to be used.
SUPER16 make sure that the right edge of the centering rod is flush against the right edge of the aperture opening. For Super16 centering, make sure the Super16 end of the centering rod fits evenly through the aperture opening. When the centering rod is aligned accordingly, firmly secure the screws of the lens port ring. On Aaton len ports, replace the lens lock ring by screwing it onto the lens port ring until it stops, then backing it off until the lock stop knob screw hole is at the 2 o'clock position.
Position the camera body underneath the paper target with the lens port facing up towards the target. Use a block of wood or a spacer of sorts to position the camera so that the lens port is approximately parallel to the ceiling. Select the zoom lens that will be used most frequently with the camera; preferably the lens in your kit with the longest zoom ratio. Mount the lens on the camera and tighten the lens lock ring moderately.
SUPER16 93
7 AATONCODE 95
7.1 CONCEPT AatonCode, Aaton's proprietary in-camera timecode system, is recorded in the XTRprod on the edge of the film between the perforations in both matrix and man-readable form. As recorded in the camera, AatonCode contains a six digit production ID, a SMPTEcompatible real time address (full date and time), a camera equipment ID and the running speed of the body. Timecode is exposed onto the film by means of seven micro-diodes, which flash rapidly to form the code as the film rolls through the gate.
AATON CODE me) for 8 hours. After 8 hours of keeping time, the yellow diode on the base of the XTRprod will flash once every four seconds, indicating that accurate time is no longer guaranteed. In order for the internal clock to operate, the camera must be powered before initialization. The camera is also equipped with an instantly charged supercapacitor buffer that is designed to keep time between battery changes.
prod camera. The preferred method is by means of the OriginCplus, which inputs timecode in ASCII form. It is also possible for the camera to receive information in SMPTE form directly from a SMPTE timecode device such as an TC audio recorder. Both methods are detailed below. 7.4.1 Using the OriginCplus - Recommended Method• • Program the OriginCplus by inputting Prod ID, accurate date and time of day.
AATON CODE ra base will blink to indicate running timecode. Also, the control panel of the XTRprod will display hours/minutes/seconds when the button marked time is selected. Toggling this button will also display year/month/day, then the production ID, then the equipment #. • Make sure to adjust the ASA selection to the exposure index of the film stock being used. • Disconnect the OriginCplus from the body and proceed to the next device.
tion to act as a visual reference and for quick drift monitoring. Once timecode has been initialized into the camera(s) and sound recorder, accurate time will be individually maintained in each machine for six hours. It is suggested, however, that new timecode be re-initialized after four hours or so as a precautionary measure. Get into the habit of using the OriginCplus to monitor timecode drift in each device when possible; every 2-3 hours or so is recommended. 7.5.
AATON CODE fically designed for cinema, which means with no integrated timecode, Aaton needed to modify its OriginCplus: now, OriginCplus is able to serve as a SMPTE generator, which you can connect to any sound recorder. But OriginCplus may be too big and too powerful for such an usage. So Aaton decided to built the GMT1, a mini SMPTE generator also designed to provide a timecode track for any sound recorder.
of the normal gate cleaning procedure, clean this area with a Q-tip and lens cleaning fluid to assure that no dust particles cover the LED array. The seven diodes will illuminate in test position whether or not timecode is running in the camera. 8.7.2 Setting the ASA When changing magazines, make sure the ASA/ISO setting of the camera matches the film stock being used. To check the current ASA selection on the LCD control panel, press the button marked ISO twice .
AATON CODE 103
8 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 105
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Weight 6kg / 13 lbs with 400 ft load and 12V on-board battery. Power 10-14 V, 600 mA, with film à 25°C / 77°F. Temperature range -20°C / +4°F to +40°C / +104°F. Noise level 20 dB -1/+2. Speeds preset speeds of 6, 12, 18, 20, 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 36, 40, 48, 60 and 75 fps. Built-in variable crystal control from 3 to 75 fps in 0.001 increments. Image stability Co-planar claw and lateral pressure. Vertical and lateral steadyness to 1/2000 of image dimensions.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 8.2 CONNECTOR - PIN ATTRIBUTIONS Type Fonctions Diagram Localisation Pin Attributions Between the two motors. Looking down. 1 Ground 2 Start Under jog wheel. 1 Ground 2 Smpte In 3 ASCII In/Out 4 et 5l Not used Above the right motor. 1 -Batt 4 +Batt 6 Start 2, 3 & 5 Not used Above and to the right of the left motor. 1 -Batt 2 TV Sync 3 ASCII In/Out 4 +Batt 5 100 PFF Out 6 Start 7 100 PFF In 8 Ground Above the left motor.
AVAILABLE VIEWING SCREENS 108
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 109
