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The XTRplus User Guide Peter Abel Abel Cine Tech Inc. 66 Willow Avenue Staten Island, NY 10305 (718)273-8108 (718)273-8137 fax © January 1995 Abel Cine Tech Inc. Ali rights reserved. No part of!his manuaI may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanicaI, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. For more information contact Abel Cine Tech.
Front Vicw ............................................................................................ 10 Rear Vicw ................. ................................................... .......................... 11 Battery Side. ..........•................................................................................ 12 Motor Sille ......... ................................................................ ..................13 leD Cononl Panel - Quid. Reference ............... ...........................
8. ASA Setting ......................................................................................... ,28 9. Lightmeter" ,... "", ... """ .... """"", .. """", ..... ,""""""""""""""""""",,28 Display" .. """, .. """"""""""""""""" """""""""".",.""".", .. """""", ,29 Operation.""" ... """ .. , .. """ ... " .. " .. ", .. """" ......... " .. "",."""." .""""""",,29 Using the LighbUeter without Running Film .... """"""""""""."""."",29 Testing and Adjusting the MeteL""""""""" """."".
1. Lens .................................... . Lens Elements ....... . Lens Exlerior......... Mounting Surface. .......................... ............. 60 . ............................... .......60 ....60 .... 60 2. Body................. ...................... ..................... ....... .. ................ .....60 Exterior.................................... . .......................... ............. 60 Mounting Surfaces....................................... ..................... .... . ....
1. ConcepL. ............... ............................................ _............ 82 2. The Internai Clock..............................................................................82 3. Orialn Cp/us................................. .......................................................83 4. Initializing AatonCode ln the Camera............. .................... 83 Using the OriginCplus. Recommcndcd MethW ........................... .. .... 84 Using an ExtemaJ S MPTE Deviee.......................
Front l·~"""""", .sjutb Ille _ _ oflbe eyepiccc swivd. 2· r.~8IIJI1 hallkup_1iIm pIae. ,---!-I.-nI'....... ' ..... n. '7....... , <>0 • _1. . . . . Iocblbe 1IIInl~ oflbe~. '-iwl'•., ehlt-a.d_~fiadom.. ....1i&IK .... ..--~'""" • ...,.ffom*'fdder. _âepanwbicb_tbc"'*'"P'!tbor ..~=-. paW6eI_ n1II and balf1"rame iDI:IbiQa. _1beOCD lIe.cI. """--.sr-forXTRpII
Rear input provides -+/-, Hl., aad camera run fllnctions. II -Ampll9 ac<:e$KIf)' 12 - ~ IrtsLever coptrols CCD iris opcraIÎon. Ij - Lemo14 c:onnccts CCD J......:l '" the CCD conuolllniL 14 - M...,ck DriYe providcs IIIIIglICtic lllllgUinc: coupling. 15 - M8&.w- Lever n:les'OeS the magazine for n:ntQ\'aL 16 a.r&er3' l..odI. Screw fasll:ns the on-board bauery 10 the camera body. t7-c-aFu. proteçl$lhe body from excessive current and reverse polarity.
BaHery Si de - -• ......-me'S:llkJ:!.tlp ..... uv 1IDOfGr1rIIatIbeIIoapcaIioD. "'lO_lIod!ft:Ir.... ~~.., . . 25..f.I!D', $ • . . . , tidc isIdic:asors'b eIIISIIn-' CIIIlIeIIIfl:l;tamd~. ilpnJllDllÎdel s::iI:DIn_ fIIDI:Iiuas. 28.r,c SC.. 1ddadict.. . ap1cJIfOr _ _ _ JJ-'d . . . . . . ...b4iq:cei..,.,.,d"~oowftaIc:t.tbo ........'& . . . 2t ........~............
Motor Si de MoaCoœ ad SMYTE lIInCOOIIe C
_CD Control Panel - Quick Reference _ED Indicators - Quick Reference
• ·1 . •• ",-.>;.-~~,,~")io,... ~"~' :~. ~ . ,r. ;:~l(;-~~I:;t'J!"';'l; ~)- . . . . .;:·.. ;'·;~;t':";/~ .
Lenses 1 Aaton 's flexible lens nwunting system alfows for the use of a wide varier)' of 16",m, 35mm and srill-plwlOgraphic {e,lSes. - . .. II8dci! di*D /nJnI lIIrIn_tu . . . . . . . _ FfD"~.1O -1SIn..--.... . . , ... ... In_ 'tlswwaeidld"' ... "'œlNdldnlDWCllnlcl \11. 1.1 Aaton Lens Port The Aston Jens pon is the standard mounting system for the XTRplus.
1.3 ArriPL Lens Port The XTRpius can also be installed with an ArriPL lens port, which is available on option and allows access to ail 16 and 35mm ArriPL-mounted motion picture lenses. In order to install the PLport, the Aaton lens seat and locking ring must first be removed. The specific FFD of the XTRpius with PL port is 52mm -6 to -15/lm. Keep in mind tha! the greater FFD of the PL port forfeits the ability of fitting Aaton, Nikon and Leica-R mounted lenses onto the camera. 2.
" .......... ".. ,~ ~ CIdIr Ioll!Ml)lll!,olly en- .......I5tII . . . . "*'" ......... _ _. ~aI*MlDllS!l lIIâ:fIalCllllrCGl'llplllllIlf Il1O ~ ...... ....., ..... On_ wiIIIIIrIln, dIpeIIIIng 01\ lhII COIIIIrUCtIDn ofllis.orism.lœIonolllle~aUI 3IiO"wHlcut"lnIIgIirlhllindllrlD UlsIigIIIIy~ _ . . . . III.....,.fnIIr,lIh1 iInIIiIt~...... ~Io_tIliIIed 2.2 AHachlng the Extension Finder ln order 10 use an extension fmder on the XTRplus. the standard eycpiece must firs! be removed.
To adjust the tension of the swivel, loosen the steel knurled screw (C) located on the friction adjusting ring, Rold the eyepice in place, rotate the adjusting ring slightly and retighten the screw; 1/8 of a tum, at first, will have an effect To increase tension of the eyepiece swivel, rotate the adjusting ring clockwise; to decrease the tension, rotate the adjusting ring counter-dockwise. 2.
standard eyepiece, locale the s mall tab at the base of the rubber eyecup and slide il until the shulter completely cavers the cye- pieee opening. On the hyperlong finder. rotate the knurlcd ring closes! 10 the eyecup counter-cJocKwise to close the shutltr. ............... .. v_ _ """""" _01.,- ... Js. . . " -.- .-nobllMlll tbnlIDGmIn - " , - n l ..... -...,,... ...... kI.-"O..... JIIIIIDn~1IIII'IIIIIIIIIIr .... ,...1WII .,.'IIlIIIaIllo ....... , . • .,. . . COIf4I(III . . . . . RUlllwrIIcI1lf 2.
The standard universaJ sereen of the XTRpius remai ns in the camera for bOlh sid 16 and Superl6 operatio n and possesses ail the markings needed ta frame for slandard 1.33 aspect. 1.33 TV safe, 1.66 full frame, 1.77 HDTV projeclion and SuperJ6!I.85. The diagram below ilIustrates Ihese markings in grealer detail. .... pmi camerll galll ..,.""" ..,. 1 1 1.78 l TV 1 - - 1 1 1 1 1 ,~ .... l I l.33 .
Film Gate and Pulldown Claw 4 4.1 Co-planar Movement Ali Aalon cameras, including the XTRplus, incorporate a patcnlcd means of advancing the film called a co-planar claw movemem. By uûlizîng this technique. Aaton is able 10 achieve an ultra-precise pulldown with a minimal number of moving parts. The co-planar concept is the key to the carncra's low~noise operation.
4.3 Cleaning the Gate ln order to avoid film dust buildup in the recessed channels of the gate, the gate should be illspecte
5.2 Removlng the Magazine To remove the magazine, situate yourself as before, IOwards the rcar motor sidc of thc camera. Grasp the magazine anywhere which Îs comfortablc at its rear. Place your hand above the motor of the camera and push the mag release lever lowardS the front of the camera with your thurnb. Pull the magazine straight off the camera with your right hand. Power fi XTRpius body requîres only 12 volts for ail aspects of operation. One SIandard Aaron on-board (12V J.
6,1 Installing the BaHery on the Camera The on-board battery fits helow the CCD control unit on the battery side of the camera body. ln order to install, loosen the black knurled screw approximately four or five tums. Push the bauery evenly onto the XLR4 eonnection on the body. When snug, tighten the knurled screw ontO the battery tab ro hold il in place. When running AatonCode. get inlo the practice of having a fresh bauery on hand hefore removing the one from the camera.
Get into the habit of carrying a standard XLR4 powercable in your package in case an alternative power source is needed. Regarding AC power supplies, it is recommended that the unit you use he at least 4 amps and 25 watts. Before connecting any non-standard source, always make sure that the pin configuration of the unit is correct. See the Technical Specifications chapter of this manual for details for proper wiring.
will increase mechani sm wear, increase noise and compromise image registration. Aaton urges to avoid such usage at ail cost and will not be responsible for the resulting damage that may occur. This top speed cap of 75 fps has been designated by Aaton because it is the level at which the camera can run safely without any adverse effect on its mechanics. 7.3 Electronic Inching The inching functi on of the motor is accompli shed electronically and can be accessed in a number of ways.
7.4 Single Frame Operation With the use of the electronic inching switch via the wooden handgrip or a remote cable. the XTRplus can be used as a simple imervalometer for single frame operation. Each frame is 1/4 sec exposure. When using the imemal Iightme:te:r and/or AatonCode: in the XTRplus. the ASA knob must he set to the exposure inde:x of the film stock heing usc:d. The: ASA knob provides selections betwetn 64 and 800 ASA.
9.1 Display DiagtiYl1 A, ~ ..,;1tJ IlE (;(J(I/f:( diIJdI!XIJit, inrJIi:4tes ptO(lt:l uposvre. -- fN{pilm B. MIel'. jl~ one sItJIl undu· Dia(;rlm C ill!mral~ one f1I)(J ~ Through the viewfinder, the lightmetel display is positioned directly above the viewing sereen across the lop of the frame. A single darkened diode moves acro.% an array of 13 yellow and green diodes, indieating proper exposurc. (see diagram) Eac:h diode rcpresents one third of a stop.
9.4 Testing and Adjusting the Meter If you are operating the üghtmeter for test purposes, don'I forgel to have fùm in the gale before taking a reading. The following is the procedure for checking and adjusting the sensitivity reading of the Iightmeter: 1 - Evenly Iighl a standard 18% grey cardo 2 - With a Joaded magazine and Jens on the camera, frame the chart 50 thal il compJetely fills the Superl6 frame.
9.5 Turning the Lightmeter Off If the lightmeler is nOI being used, il may he tumed off. TIle onloff loggle switch is localed on the operators side 10 the left of the motor. Kcep in mind, the red diode indicator and end-of-film wamings will funclÎon whether the display is on or off. AatonCode 10 AS a S13ndard fcature. the XTRplus is equipped with the capabiliIy of recording AalOnCode in-cwnera lime. Timecode infonnat"ion is exposed onto the film by mcans of seven micro-diodes, which are relayed.
Furthcrmorc, thc sizc or position of the film [oop does Dot, in any way, affect the accuracy orthe recorded timeeode. AatonCodc is initia1izcd in the camera, in ASCO or SMPTE form, wough the Lem05 conn~tor located to the left of the motof on the motor side of the body. For the most straightforward Wld reliable communication, OriginCplus, Aaton's masterclnek. comparator, and SMPTE generator device, should be used.
t'~~, ij rt.l dlal $peed i:s!!tln 29_91 tps.1hII iIdan :11.0 la:luII ils ra;. iI1iJ las r.u IOIIUII DI! bl !Ile nurest 0.\ 01 abaœ. lJIrorise . .nen usino 111_IliIl ped conIrDI t<1PIbII aI.IlO1 ~. Itie d"1SPIIY . mb:Ik:a!he .-!ollle ~ wiU r:tMe5tD.l01a1rllne. 11.4 Camera Speed With the camera running, press button 2 for a reading of the camera's frames peTsecond raie. Note IDal the display is not merely indicating the speed setting on the FPS dia!.
The XTRplus utiliz.es LED indicators in three locations 10 convey information: in the viewfinder and on bath /eft and righl outsides of the camera body. 12. 1 Camera Test Indicator A blinking red diode (long on, short off) is activated in all Ûlree locations when the camera is in test position. On the outside of the body, this will be accompanied by a soLid yeUow diode. 12.
The XTRpius uses six main connectars for power and a~·ce.uory inpul. Foliowing is a delai/cd lisl of the location and mainfunc+ tians of each. 13.1 XlR4 - Power ln The XLR4 connector, located on the bottom of the PBX pancl, is the main power input. It il! designed ta accep! a standard onboard battery or an XLR4 powercable ta another power source sueh as a battery belt, block or AC power supply. 13.
XTRplus aod providcs +1-, and camera on/uff. II is designed 10 accept a power zoom as its rrnUn input but will accept any accessory which does not rcquirc: a sync signal. and providc rcmotc on/off control as well. 13.5 Lemo2 - OnJOff Input Thc Lemo2 connector, located on Ùle battery side al the front of the base, provides camera on/off and is primarily used to carry handgrip on/off functions to the camera body. The Lemo2 can al50 he used for remote on/off control. 13.
Replace the two allen screws to fasten the control unit; a third screw of the sarne 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 XTRpLus without adding discernable bulk or weight. Simply keep the unit turned off and the bearnsplitter retracted (see below) when video assist is not needed. 14.
14.3 Positioning the Beamsplitter The heamsplitter adjustment screw is localed undemeath a small, capped port on the battery side of the camera. Ta access the heamspliuer, unscrew and remove this sil ver cap. A 1.3mm allen head adjustment screw will be visible waugh (he opening. With an rulen wrench. gently TO,ate the adjustment screw approximately 30 lums in the desired direction to position or relracllhe beamspliner.
14.4 The Beamsplitter Axis Adjustment The beamsplitter axis adjustmcm is used 10 reccnter the CCD assis! image when swilching bclween 16 and Superl6 formats. If the CCD image on yaur monitor appears off 10 one side, the angle of the beamspliuer must be adjusted. The beamsplittcr axis adjuslmenl is located to the abovc/right of the aperture and consists of an allen screw within a slot. A red dot to the upper ldl of the slot indicales the position of the screw for Superl6.
power source, you could estimate that one 12V on-board could mn 4-5 magazines and the VR42 for 4-5 hours. In order to conserve battery life, get into the habit of shutting off the assist when not in use. The VR46, on the other hand, because of its color, frame-store and timecode capabilities, draws 730-750ma, which translates into approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of operation from one 12V l.8ah on-board battery.
fluid applied with a foam or colton Q.tip, ln arder 10 install the head assembly into the side cavity. tirsl feed the Lemol4 connec· tor into the PBX so that il faces towards the rear of the camera. then install the head assembly ioto the tubular holder until the steel collar is SIOpped by the tube, - so_ 4 - Wbile holding the head assembly in place.
case, the beamplitter may be retracted. Remove the beamspliuer access cap on the battery side of the camera and position the bcamsplitter by rotating the adjusunent screw approximately 30 tums counter-clockwise until il reaches its stop. 8ack offIhe stop one tum clocl.:wise. 8 - Locate two allen head screws on the CCD head (A) identified by a red dot. Loosen the screws 1/2 a tum. While looking al the monitor, gently move the CCD head until the viewing sereen image is in focus.
The Aalon DX Magazine incorporlltes Many fcatures which add 10 lhc camera system's case-of-use. effieiency and reliability. The magazinc's coaxial de."ign allows for separale fee.d and takeup chambers, which ensures lhal the bulle of Ihe loading process is performed in daylight.
Pressure Plate System 3 The DX magazine features two pressure plates which are lacated or thefronl of the nose of the magazine. When the loaded magozjne ;$ attache" to the camera, fllese pressure plates provide the precise stabilizatio n of the film during exp O$ure and transport. 3.1 The Picture Plate The upper four-striped pressure plate. called Ihe piclure plate, is positioned at the camera's aperture opening and is designed 10 hold the film steady at the point of exposure.
5 loading The straighrforward design of th e DX magaône allows for quick. eary loadillg a/rd an absoluEe minimum amounI of threading ;11 t/ie dari Thefilm does t10lneed to be cllf in prepara/iollfor loading. 5.1 Feed Side - ln the Changing Bag • Place the film çan and the magaz.ine. (ccd side up, in the changîng bag and zip closed. Care- for your (.banaiDll Ba« AeIeao and lighI:-lJghI dwlgUlg trag Is Ille ootr Ihi~ separiling yoor 1ft" tkM 1~ kom a verlt3Dl&W3S/'ouI BeIDre uslng )'OUI chaogir!o b.
- Close and lock the feed door and engage the footage eoumer b)' rotating clockwise. - Remove the magazine from the changing bag. 5.2 Take-up Side - ln Daylight - Unraslen the lake- up door lock by rOlating downward and open the door. - Release the doors of the upper and lower pinch rollers by pressing the white buttons and gentl)' pulling open. • Pull the length of fi lm from the sim of the coaxial roller and pass below the firsl idler roller.
• Bypass the lower sprockel for 1I0W and pass the film underneath the lower roller. Fit the film end into the plastic take·up core and wind on a few turns counter-clockwise and emulsion in. W'B1loadng lIJl Eak&-1Ip sille 01 lIJl m;.gazllI!.1II! l~simCi!l1 ~ be measu~ by iostIrtJng Iwo f~. I~ lhelooll~ic>.JlaflO!hemag·s AI fil1l. detemIIne pI1lIlIII' Ioop sile tir' DUllfog !he ~ film ~ 1)'es:5lR paleS. · Thrcad the film around the lower sprockct. mnk.
5.4 Removing the Magazine To remove the magazine, situate yourself as before, towards the rear motor si de 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 body with your thumb. Pull the magazine straight off the camera with your right hand.
Camera Configurations 1 The XTRplus is designed 10 be easîly conve" ell between the following three accessory configurations: 1.1 15mm Front Rods The mos! versatile and popular configuration for accessorizing the XTRpius camera, the un iversa.1 ! 5mm scrcw·in front rod system can instant ly acccpt Aaton. Ani. Chrosziel. Petroff and other manufacturers' mattebox and follow focus systems.
Chrosziel and other manufacturers' mattebox, fo llow focus and support equipment that is designed for bridgeplate use. Standard bridgeplates from Aaton, AITi and other manufacturers can be attached ta the XTRplus 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. 1 .
The XTRplus body includes a wooden handgrip, short 15mm rods, rod coupler and Lem02 cable as standard. The handgrip, which is designed to be used for comfortable hand held operation, can also be used to provide on/off control on the battery side of the camera while on the tripod. 2.1 Mounting the Handgrip Screw in one 15mm short rod into each of the two recepticles on the front housing of the camera below the lens port.
3 ln order 10 use the XT Rpius on a standard tripod. the tripod's quick release plate must be fastened 10 the undcrside of the camera body whh its standard 3/8- 16 screw. Make sure to use only a quick release plate scrcw providcd by the manufacturer: non-standard screWli longer !han 8mm ( 1/3") can fracture the base casting and damage the camera's electrOnics.
One often overlooked, yet vital factor in the funetion and longe· vity of your camera equipmenr is your transportation pmctiees. A fe .... [(ood shipping habits can aw:rt po/enfial damage eau.fed by careless messenger services and airpor, handling. When shipping and carrying your equipment, il is always good procrice to break clown the package 10 its basic components whenever possible. Ship the body, mags and batteries unallachcd and individually padded.
One often overlooked, yet vital factor in the function 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. When shipping and carrying your equipment, it is always good practice to break down the package to its basic components whenever possible. Ship the body, mags and batteries unattached and individually padded.
powercable so that the on-board battery could be kept in a pocket close to the warmth of your body. When filming outdoors, use a standard or heated barney to protect the camera body from direct contact with the wind and cold. To avoid condensation inside the mechanism, electronics and lens elements, do not take the equipment indoors or expose it to sudden temperature changes.
1.1 Lens Elenients The front and rear surfaces of your lenses shouJd be inspecled regularly and aJways kept clean of dus! particles, smudges, fin gerprints etc. Firsl, blow off any large particles of debris using an air syringe. Lens elements should be then c1eaned using lens c1eaning fluid with lens tissue. Apply a few drops of cleaning fluid to a fresh Jens tissue or directly to the Jens. Wipe the Jens in a circular fasmon, starting from the center and woddng towards the outer edge.
.......... _'*Is ,tnllMlIII.lItICIIkin_ dntIIy ~b''''''aœdllle _;.œcnulllft)_1IId, CInII1I1iI~(aI-nOl'lthtlls ullœ. "'œ~staIcf!QI"'" bD1.,UldiDn ....... apen open:iJV, IInfpan.or __ .wlllpiMI -_..-.... .... ..-........IICI_ *'*IW)"'-'.Ja::iIIdJ lInItIg ~ -.................... - ',. ao ....... _oMhtftIIaIf....,. .... s. ID . . . . . .• ,.... 'iCIIL.lI_ -.e........... _iIIotaD""',1J ......" diltrutlltNllOlled, «1:10 ..........___ cneèlr ...................... - ~ _l'U" ~ . . . . . . ~ID ..
3.2 Eyepiece Clean the eye lens (A), whîch is the outennost element closest to your eye, by flISt blowing the surface with canned air, then cleaning with lens fl uid and a Q-tip. Remove the eyepiece and clean the fie ld lens (B), which is located on the inside of the eyepiece, in the same fashion. .. _~tDcllslnlhe. . _......... !Ulaœoflhe"'-ing ...... _ ._ **...........IrIP~1II _~ ...... 1IIe 1:IIiIIIICIIiIe_ ..... • JOU do ... 11* CDIIIIderII~ III SCIIII1InIlls 1dIion,.. _ _ _ ....
~,'- ... ""~I ~~ the .- isa s.mplarransol!ocabrl;l lIlI.dl cl d1~ t.ooI:: lI'
4.1 Exterior Kccp the extemal surface of the magazines ciean by wiping down with a cotton cioth with alcohol or a mulli-purpose cieaner. Whcn a deeper cieaning is necessary, use De-Soiv-/t rubbed into the mag's surface with a cotton clotho finish with a1cohol applied wüh a ciom 10 reSlore i lS original fini sh. 4.2 Pressure Plates The magazine pressure plates should he cieaned of dirt and film particles by means of a dust-free cotton or chamois c1oth.
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1.1 The Format Superl6 is a means of utilizing the cost effeclÎveness of 16mm fi lm for wide-screen applicatio'}8' The 1.66 aspect of Superl6 uses 20% more of the film surface by extending the piclure into an area otherwise reserved for soundtrack or a second set of perforations. This increase in usable area resuhs in significanl improvements in image quality oblainable from 16mm film when used for any wide-screen application. Stlndl rd 16 As!I.t1 SlIp. rl6 As!I.t1 1.
ail 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.
2.3 Super16 Compatible Lenses -- _... 2 .4 Orderlng Film When ordering naw siock from your distributor, make sure 10 specify Su per1 6 or single peH film . In the US, where 16mm double perf film is manufacrured as standard. it is recommended 10 check stock of Superl6 color negative 1-2 weeks prior 10 shooting. When ordering Super16 black & white stocks. il is ad~sed to contact your di suibulor a month in advance when possible.
2.5 Film Processing lt is always recommended to choose a film lab that has a certain level of experience handling Super16. Make sure of the services they offer. When preparing your film to be processed. be sure that yOuf camera assistant has clearly indicated on the film cans and camera reports that the exposed film is Superl6. One of the mosl important aspects of shoo/ing Super16 is achieving the full po/enliai quality of /he image.
3.4 Exposure When shooting Superl6 for blow~up, avoid underexposure and pusb-processing whenever possible, ln fact, slight overc:xposure of the negative will produce a blow-up with less grain and increase color saturation and detail in shadowed areas. For heS! rc:sults, it is recommended to overexpose the negative anywhere from 113 to one stop, depending on the slOck and the desired look.
4.1 Before Vou Begin Before attempting a field conversion, make sure you have the following tools on hand: 1 - small slotted screwdriver 1 - loupe - approximately 5x magnification . 1 - standard metric Allen L-wrench set - sizes delivered with camera 1 - orange stick 1 - Port Alignment Tooi * - part #09- JOO-62 for Aaton Port, #09-JOO-6J for PL Port * There is an alternate means of aligning the port which does not require the use of the Port Alignment Tool. See Step 3 for a description of both methods.
4.2 Procedure Step 1 . Shifting me Viewing Sereen The XTRplu.sJealures a universal viewing screelllVhich is desigllcd lO be shiftcd for use in both 16 and Super 16 Jorn/oIs. • Remove the Jens port cover and cJear the mirror shutter so mat il is rotaled safely inside the body and the aperture opening could he seen from Ihe lens port opening. This can he done by rolaling al the base of the shutter by hand or by setling the camera to Test position, then removing the battery.
Step 2 - Checking Screen Centering ln order to check your work, you must now confirm thatthe screen is properly centered 10 the aperture opening. - Remove both the port cap and the aperture coyer. Power the camera, preferably using a powercable so that a battery is not onboard. - Open the eyepiece shutter and direct Iight into the eyepiece by pointing its opening at a desk lamp or an overhead light source. - Situate the body so that the lens port is angled to face you.
- When both the viewing screen and apenure opening can be distinguished, check that the viewing sereen image is pmperly aligned 10 the aperture opening (i ndicated helow in grey), For 16 cemering, the left edge of the 16 full frame dOlled !ine should meel the lefl edge of the aperture opening, .. For S 16 centering, the entiTe Superl 6 full frame should he centered to the entire aperture opening, ~.
Stc p 4 - S hifting the Lens Pon The fells pon IIceds 10 be reset 10 the new oplicaf center of the shifted viewing screen and viewftnder. - If the pon cap is on, remove it. Rcmove the Jens StOp Knob by Joosening the single sJoned or allen screw which secures it to the Jens lock ri ng. ""-. . . . . Tt u.. PoI1 oI'OIder c.men.; The leris portS 01 oIdII AaIoo QIfI- _fll!llllel)' ~lTll an:l KTR~}.m _ ooIyore. 01 holeun;! will rel be matbcllI'Il'8:I. -.1IIis CIMI.
- Carefully replace the lens port ring and its shims, and install the three allen screws in the appropriate hales as detailed in the diagram. Be sure not ta damage the shims; take extra care ta align their cutouts around the hales to be used. Fasten the three screws, then loosen each 1/2 a tum in preparation for fine centering. Step 5 - Fine-Centering of the Lens Port. There are two methods by which to set the exact centering of the lens to the viewing screen. Both methods are equally acceptable.
For 16 centering, you'lI notice that the 16 end of the centering rad is less wide than the aperture and can easily fit in place. In this case, make sure that the right edge of the centering rod is flush against the right edge of the aperture opening. For Snper16 centering, make sure the Superl6 end of the centering rad fits evenly through the aperture opening. - When the centering rad is aligned accordingly, firmly secure the three allen head screws of the lens port ring.
- Select the zoom lens that will bc uscd most frequently with the camera: preferably the lens in your kil with the Jongest zoom ratio. Moum the lcns on thc camcra and tighten the Jens lock ring until the cutouts În the ring gÎve full access to the three allen screws. - Look through the viewfinder and set the zoom of the lens to its full telephoto position (the longesl focal length).
Step 6 - Realigning the CCD Assist Target The CCD assist needs ID be reposirioned and refocused ID be properly aligned to the new optical center. - Fasten the CCD assist to the camera body by means of three allen screws. Attach a monitor and BNC cable and power the camera and assist. If the monitor has an underscan mode, select it. Because al! other elements of the body have already been converted, the CCD image should be soft and off to one si de.
- Remove the four screws which hold the CCD cover onlo the battery side of the camera. Carefully remove Ihe CCD coyer. - Locate two allen head screws identified by a red dot. Looscn the screws one tum. - While looking al the monitor, geplly move the CCD head until the viewing screen image is in focus. Notice thal this adj ustrnenl also affects image rotation. When sharp and even focus is achieved and the image is square tO the monitor. tighten the IWO screws.
AatonCodc, Aaton's proprietary in-camera timecode system, is recorded in the XTRplus on the edge of the film between the perforations in bath matrix and man-rcadablc form. As rccordcd in thc camera, AatonCode contains a six digit production ID, a SMPTE-compatible Teal rime address (full date and rime), a camera equipment ID and the running speed of the body. Timecode is exposed onto the film by means of seven microdiodes, which flash rapidly ta fonn the code as the film roUs tbrough the gate.
ln order for the Înte rnal dock ( 0 opcfflte, the XTRplus must be powered before initializalion. The camera is also equippcd whh an inslantly charge
possible for the camera 10 receive information in SMPTE form directly!rom a SMPTE timecode device such as an TC audio recorder. Bath methods are detailed below. 4.1 Using the OrlglnCplus - Recommended Melhod - Program the OriginCplus by inputting Prod ID, accurate date and time of day. Press the. # key to scroll through each field; after ail fields are set as desired, Press * to start the dock. - Make sure the XTRplus has a battery attached.
- Connect a cable from the SMPTE output of the timecode device to the Lem05 chassis mount on the base of the camera. - Set the on/off switch on the XTRpius to test position, then off again; this will send the timecode information to the camera body. The XTRpius will altemately display hours/minutes, then minutes/seconds in its LCD window. Also, the small yellow diode on the camera base will blink to indicate running timecode. - Disconnect the cable from the body and proceed to the next device.
- Follow the same procedure for each camera or sound recorder on the sel running AlI.tonCode. 5.2 Maintaining AatonCode wlthout OrlginCplus If the OriginCplus has not been used and timecode bas been set in the XTRplw dire<:tly from the TC audio recorder, there Îs no way to monÎlOr timecode drift between the two devices. ln this case, it is recommended 10 simply re-jam the camera every two to three hours. Follow the procedure de railed in section 4.2 Using an Extcrnsl SJ\.
6.2 Setting the ASA As an instant reminder, test position. with magazine off the camera, will also display the CUTTent setting of the ASA knob. Make sure that the ISO rating of the loaded film matches what is selon the ASA knob. The ASA knob is located 10 the righl of the motor on the motor side. 6.3 Checklng for Runnlng Tlme The yellow LED located to the right of the mOlOr, will flash once per second on the second when limecode is running in the camera.
Teclmica1
List of Specifications - '6K& 1 l31bs with 400 ftJoId and 12V on..... -.y. 'FroID'.ID 7S f;ps ~:iJ6paJdcm aGmDId .._h_aol. -6.l2.20.24.'25.;]1)91. 30, 48. 5O;fjOt:tSfps:paeI'~witbl2V. ----lfit.SQPcd6 ........... ~'b1c .....:x:D _ _ _ ~fiberqJtic.c:enDining1 37. 1:78 1\'HW)JI:lI:S.aapec:t J8Iiœ. l ...............efiDdcrs.lMIpIf IÂDI ofllÏl:lW: ihe1IoIft6art~ · 95X/39" ' Ct '.... oOjqpitœ,Q:Ocrn)-99Xf41 .. lIwu'Jut« cyqJia:c{4Ocm) · 9 .9IIX/4ZO ~bmlfroms: Aatoo UDi\tasaI ........., An:iPL.
Accessory inputs Amph9 (video sync), Lemo6 (power zoom), Lemo14 (CCD assist), Lemo5 (SMPTE and ASCll- RS232 rime input) and Lemo2 (camera onlÇlff). " Time recording AatonCode; in-camera, at-the-gate matrix recording of man-Teadable figures and machine readable data. TCXO control for 1/2 frame accuracy over 8 hours internai clock. SMPTE and ASCll-RS232 in. VIdeo asslst Black & white - low power (170mA) higb - IieIlsitivity, ïntegratedCCD assistwiih manîiln , iris.PAL.orNTSC formats.
Connector ~ Pin Attributions • - pin 92 Tachnical SpecifICations o - socket
