COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER GR-FX53 GR-FX43 GR-FX33 GR-FX23 ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS LYT0341-001B EN
EN Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of this product. Using This Instruction Manual •All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents (Z pg. 3). •Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well. •Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference. It is recommended that you . . . ....
MAJOR FEATURES n Programme AE with Special Effects (Z pg. 20 – 21) •Electronic Fog Filter •ND Effect •Sepia •Twilight •Sports •Nega/Posi •1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter n Snapshot (GR-FX53 only) (Z pg. 18) n 5-Sec. Recording (GR-FX43/FX33/FX23 only) (Z pg. 16) n Menu Adjustment (Z pg. 24, 25, 26) n Picture Stabilizer (Z pg. 16) n Digital Hyper Zoom (Z pg. 14) n Integrated Auto Light (GR-FX53 only) (Z pg.
GETTING STARTED EN Power Marks To AC outlet CHARGE indicator This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you choose the most appropriate source of power. NOTES: ● No function is available without power supply. ● Use only the specified power supply. ● Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment. CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK REFRESH switch 1 SUPPLY POWER 2 ATTACH BATTERY PACK Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall outlet.
EN 5 A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to help you remember whether it has been charged or not. Two colours are provided (red and black)—you choose which one means charged and which means discharged. NOTES: ● The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record-Standby mode and the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs to cover 3 times the planned shooting time.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Slot Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal This battery is necessary for clock operation and to perform date/time settings. 1 SWITCH OFF POWER Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power supply unit (battery pack, AC Power Adapter/Battery Charger, etc.). 2 REMOVE BATTERY HOLDER 3 INSERT BATTERY IN HOLDER Pull out the battery holder. Battery holder Insert the battery in the holder, and be sure to have the “+” mark visible.
EN 7 1 ACCESS MENU SCREEN Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”, then press MENU. •The power lamp comes on. 2 SELECT FUNCTION Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “DATE/TIME”, then press it. The DATE/TIME Menu appears. MENU Button Power lamp •If you decide you want to return the date and time to the previous settings, rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “EXIT” and press it, then go to step 6. •If you want to set only the time without changing the date, go to step 4.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Recording Mode Setting Set depending on your preference. 1 SET RECORDING MODE First set the Power Switch to “AUTO” or “PRO.”. Press SP/LP for more than 1 second. “SP” (Standard Play) provides higher picture and sound quality and is better for dubbing, while “LP” (Long Play) is more economical, providing twice the recording time.
EN 9 1 OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force to open. 2 INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE 3 CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER Make sure the label is facing outward. Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and locked. PUSH Button EJECT Switch Turn to take up slack. Erase Protection Gear NOTES: ● The cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power supply is attached. ● Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the cassette.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Power Zoom Lever Grip Adjustment 1 EXPAND LOOP 2 INSERT HAND Separate the Velcro strip. Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip. 3 ADJUST STRAP LENGTH Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button and Power Zoom Lever. Refasten the Velcro strip. Recording Start/Stop Button Viewfinder Adjustment 3 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 2 POSITION VIEWFINDER Set the Power Switch to “CAMERA” (“AUTO” or “PRO.”).
EN 11 1 ATTACH STRAP 1 2 3 4 Following the illustration at left, thread the strap through the top of the eyelet 1, then fold it back and thread it through the buckle 2. Repeat the procedure to attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet 3, making sure the strap is not twisted. 2 ADJUST LENGTH Adjust as shown in the illustration at left 4. Tripod Mounting 1 ALIGN AND TIGHTEN Align the screw and camera direction stud on the tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud hole.
RECORDING Basic Recording EN LENS COVER Open/Close Ring NOTE: You should already have performed the procedures listed below. If not, do so before continuing. ● Power ( Z pg. 4) ● Recording Mode Setting ( Z pg. 8) ● Tape Length Setting ( Z pg. 8) ● Grip Adjustment ( Z pg. 10) ● Viewfinder Adjustment ( Z pg. 10) 1 LOAD A CASSETTE Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to ensure the holder is closed and locked.
EN Tape remaining time indicator MIN 25MIN (Now calculating) 120MIN 13 4 STOP RECORDING Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again to stop recording. •The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode. 3MIN 2MIN (Blinking) 1MIN (Blinking) 0MIN (Blinking) Recording Start/Stop Button DISPLAY Button ● The cassette holder cannot be opened unless a power supply is attached. ● There may be a delay after you slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force.
RECORDING Basic Features EN FEATURE: Zooming Zoom in PURPOSE: Zoom out To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous change in image magnification. Digital circuitry extends the maximum magnification offered by optical zoom. This system is called Digital Zoom. OPERATION: Display Zoom indicator bar 1X Zoom level indicator Approximate zoom ratio Power Zoom Lever Power Switch Zoom In Push the Power Zoom Lever towards “T”. Zoom Out Push the Power Zoom Lever towards “W”.
EN 15 FEATURE: Quick Review PURPOSE: To check the end of the last recording. OPERATION: 1) Press “ ” and release quickly during the Record– Standby mode. n Tape is rewound for about 2 seconds and played back automatically, then pauses in Record–Standby mode for the next shot. NOTE: Distortion may occur at the start of playback. This is normal. FEATURE: Retake PURPOSE: To re-record certain segments. OPERATION: 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby mode.
RECORDING Basic Features (cont.) EN 5 SEC. REC Button FEATURE: Picture Stabilizer P. STABILIZER Button PURPOSE: To compensate for unstable images caused by camerashake, particularly at high magnification. OPERATION: 1) Press P. STABILIZER. “ ”appears. n To switch off the Picture Stabilizer, press P. STABILIZER. The indicator disappears. NOTES: Display PAUSE 5S Power Switch 5 Sec.
EN 17 FEATURE: Video Light (GR-FX53 only) PURPOSE: To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim. LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON Switch DANGER n The video light can become extremely hot. Do not touch it either while in operation or soon after turning it off, otherwise serious injury may result. n Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case immediately after using the video light, since it remains extremely hot for some time.
RECORDING Advanced Features EN SNAPSHOT Button Snapshot (GR-FX53 only) Use your camcorder like a regular camera and take a snapshot, or several of them in succession. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 TAKE SNAPSHOT Set the Power Switch to “AUTO” or “PRO.”. Press SNAPSHOT. Power Switch If you press during Record-Standby . . . .... a still image will be recorded for approx. 6 seconds, then the camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode. If you press during Recording . . . ....
EN 19 Fade/Wipe [Ex.: Fader] Fade in These effects let you make pro-style scene transitions. Fade- or wipe-in works at recording start, and fade- or wipe-out works at recording end or when you enter Record–Standby mode. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE FADE- OR WIPE-STANDBY 2 ENGAGE MODE Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Display After 2 sec. EFFECT MOSAIC EFFECT MOSAIC Press EFFECT to cycle through the modes as shown at left. Once the desired mode appears, it is selected and reserved.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Programme AE With Special Effects Display P.AE After 2 sec. :SEPIA P.AE :SEPIA All you have to do to access any of the variety of shooting effects is press P.AE. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 SELECT MODE Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press P.AE to cycle through the modes as shown on the left. •The selected mode’s name and its indication are displayed for approx. 2 seconds. Then the name disappears, and only the indication remains. The mode is activated.
EN Display SEPIA Mode Sepia Display S 1/2000 Mode 1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter Sepia High-Speed Shutter (1/2000s.) The scene being shot is recorded in sepia-tinted (reddish-brown) monochrome, giving the effect of an older movie. Use together with Wide (Z pg. 25) for the authentic look of a classic Hollywood movie. Captures faster action than Sports mode. NEGA POSI 21 Nega/Posi Nega/Posi (Negative/Positive) SPORTS Sports The colours of a picture are reversed.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Date/Time Insert The feature allows you to display the date and time in the viewfinder, or on a connected colour monitor, as well as to record them manually or automatically. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN 3 ACCESS “DATE/TIME DISP.” MENU Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press the Select Dial to display the Menu Screen. Move the highlight bar to “DATE/TIME DISP.” by rotating the Select Dial while in Record-Standby.
EN 23 Instant Titles The camcorder has eight preset titles in memory. You can superimpose one of them above a previously stored title as shown in the illustration on left. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN 3 ACCESS “TITLE” MENU Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press the Select Dial to display the Menu Screen. 4 SELECT THE DESIRED MODE Select Dial Power Switch •If you wish to make the title indication disappear, select “OFF”. Display Menu Screen FOCUS AUTO EXPOSURE AUTO WIDE OFF S.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Using Menu For Detailed Adjustment This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. Select Dial 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN Turn the Power Switch to “PRO.”. MENU Button Display (ex. Menu Screen available using the MENU Button) Menu Screen 1 4NEXT M .W. B . D .
EN 25 MENU SCREEN EXPLANATIONS FOCUS EXPOSURE WIDE S.LX AUTO Adjusts focus automatically. MANU Allows you to adjust focus manually (Z pg. 28, 29). AUTO Adjusts exposure automatically. MANU Allows you to adjust exposure manually (Z pg. 27). OFF Does not display black bars. ON Allows you to record black bars at the top and bottom of the screen to produce a cinema-like “wide-screen” effect. If a snapshot (GR-FX53 only, Z pg.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Menu Screen Available Using The MENU Button (cont.) DATE/TIME Allows you to set the current date and time (Z pg. 7). TAPE LENGTH Allows you to set the tape length depending on the tape used (Z pg. 8). REC TIME This feature allows you to set the parameters for Animation and Time-Lapse recording (Z pg. 33). INT. TIME This feature allows you to set the parameters for Self-Timer (Z pg. 32) and TimeLapse recording (Z pg. 32, 33).
EN 27 Exposure Control This feature automatically adjusts the iris for the best available picture quality, but you can override and make the adjustment manually. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN 3 ACCESS “EXPOSURE” MENU Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press the Select Dial to display the Menu Screen. Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “EXPOSURE” and press it. Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “MANU”, then press it.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Focus detection zone Focusing AUTO FOCUS The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up to infinity. However, correct focus may not be obtainable in the situations listed below (in these cases use manual focusing): •When two subjects overlap in the same scene. •When illumination is low.* •When the subject has no contrast (difference in brightness and darkness), such as a flat, one-colour wall, or a clear, blue sky.
EN 29 MANUAL FOCUS NOTE: You should already have made the necessary viewfinder adjustments (Z pg. 10). If you haven’t, do so before continuing. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN 3 ACCESS “FOCUS” MENU Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press the Select Dial to display the Menu Screen. 4 ACCESS MANUAL FOCUS Select Dial Power Switch Display FOCUS AUTO EXPOSURE AUTO WIDE OFF S.LX OFF TITLE DATE TIME DISP.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN White Balance Adjustment A term that refers to the correctness of colour reproduction under various lighting. If the white balance is correct, all other colours will be accurately reproduced. The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, the more advanced camcorder operator would prefer to control this function manually and achieve a more professional colour/tint reproduction.
EN White paper 31 Manual White Balance Operation If the camera is operating in PRO. mode, perform a Manual White Balance when shooting under various types of lighting. MODE 1 SELECT OPERATION Z Follow steps 1 through 4 of the white balance adjustment ( pg. 30), and select “MWB”. 2 SET MANUAL WHITE BALANCE Hold a sheet of plain white paper in front of the subject. Adjust zoom or position yourself so that the white paper fills the screen.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Self-Timer You can set the delay between pressing the Recording Start/Stop button and the actual start of recording. If you secure the camcorder, you (or whoever is operating the camcorder) can enter the scene before recording starts. NOTE: Make sure the Power Switch is set to “PRO.” and the camcorder is in the Record-Standby mode before performing the following steps. 1 ACCESS MENU SCREEN 2 ACCESS “INT. TIME” MENU MENU Button Press MENU.
EN 33 Animation Time-Lapse You can give stationary scenes or objects an illusion of movement. This function allows you to shoot a series of pictures, each slightly different, of the same object for a brief period of time. You can record sequentially at preset time spans. Leaving the camcorder aimed at a specific subject, you can record subtle changes over an extended period of time. NOTE: NOTE: Before performing the following steps, make sure that: ● The Power Switch is set to “PRO.”.
PLAYBACK Basic Playback EN REW (2) Button FF (3) Button PLAY/PAUSE (4/6) Button STOP (5) Button 1 LOAD A CASSETTE Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to ensure the holder is closed and locked. 2 SELECT MODE Set the Power Switch to “PLAY”. The power lamp lights. 3 PLAY BACK Press PLAY/PAUSE (4/6). The playback picture appears. 4 STOP PLAYBACK Press STOP (5).
PLAYBACK Features EN 35 Tracking This function can be used to eliminate noise bars that appear on-screen during playback. Initial setting is Auto Tracking. Manual Tracking is also available. 1 ACTIVATE MANUAL TRACKING Press P.AE and EFFECT simultaneously. Then, press P.AE or EFFECT as many times as necessary until the noise bars disappear. •To return to Auto Tracking, press P.AE and EFFECT simultaneously. “AT” blinks. When Auto Tracking finishes, the indication disappears.
PLAYBACK Features (cont.) EN Power Switch FEATURE: Still Playback PURPOSE: To pause during playback. OPERATION: 1) Press PLAY/PAUSE (4/6) during playback. 2) To resume normal playback, press PLAY/PAUSE (4/6) again. NOTE: Noise bars appear and pictures may become monochrome during Still Playback. This is normal. FEATURE: Shuttle Search PURPOSE: To allow high-speed search in either direction.
PLAYBACK Using The Cassette Adapter EN 37 Cassette Adapter Use this to play back a VHS-C video cassette recorded with this camcorder on a VHS VCR. It is fully compatible with any VHS video cassette recorder. The C-P7U (provided only with the GR-FX53/FX43/FX33) or C-P6U (optional) adapter is battery powered and automatically performs tape loading and unloading.
PLAYBACK Basic Connections And Tape Dubbing EN These are some basic types of connections. When making connections, refer also to your VCR and TV instruction manuals. A. Connections Connection to a TV or VCR equipped with an S-VIDEO Basic Use the provided Video and Audio cables. To Video Output TV Video cable (provided) To AUDIO and VIDEO IN connectors To Audio Output To TV or VCR Audio cable (provided) VCR Connector cover* A.
EN Basic Connections 39 Tape Dubbing 1 CONFIRM POWER-OFF STATUS 1 CONNECT EQUIPMENT CAMCORDER TO TV OR 2 CONNECT VCR 2 PREPARE FOR DUBBING Make sure the camcorder’s power is off. Following the illustration on pg. 38, connect the camcorder and the VCR. Pull out the connector cover and open it. Connect as shown in the illustration (Z pg. 38). Set the camcorder’s Power Switch to “PLAY”, turn on the VCR’s power, and insert the appropriate cassettes in the camcorder and the VCR.
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT EN The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can operate this camcorder from a distance as well as the basic operations (Playback, Stop, Pause, Fast-Forward and Rewind) of your VCR. The remote control unit makes additional recording functions possible. A 1 B Slot 2 3 Installing The Battery C 2 2 1 3 1 Lock hole 1 1 The remote control uses one lithium battery (CR2025).
EN 41 FEATURE: Self-Timer, Animation and Transmitted beam effective area Time-Lapse PURPOSE: The remote control lets you set/release Interval Timer and Rec Time functions without using the Menu Screen. OPERATION: Remote sensor When using the remote control, be sure to point it at the remote sensor. The illustration shows the approximate transmitted beam effective area for indoor use.
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.) EN Random Assemble Editing [R.A.Edit] Create edited videos easily using your camcorder as the source player. You can select up to 8 “cuts” for automatic editing, in any order you like. R.A.Edit is more easily performed when the RM-V700U MBR (Multi-Brand Remote, Z pg. 40) is set to operate with your brand of VCR (see VCR CODE LIST), but can also be performed by operating the VCR manually.
EN 43 MAKE CONNECTIONS TO . . . 1 CONNECT JVC VCR EQUIPPED WITH REMOTE PAUSE TERMINAL Connect the editing cable to the Remote PAUSE terminal. Open the cover. Open the cover. To J terminal (JLIP) To Audio Output To Video Output JVC VCR NOT EQUIPPED WITH REMOTE PAUSE TERMINAL BUT EQUIPPED WITH R.A.EDIT CONNECTOR Connect the editing cable to the R.A.EDIT connector. VCR OTHER THAN TYPE OR Connect the editing cable to the RM-V700U’s PAUSE-IN connector.
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.) EN SELECT SCENES Remote sensor 4 START SOURCE PLAYBACK Press PLAY, then press ON/OFF on the remote control. Make sure to point the remote control at the camcorder’s remote sensor. •The R.A.Edit counter display appears. 5 REGISTER BEGINNING OF SCENE Press REW or FF to locate the beginning of the scene you want, then press IN/OUT to register that point. •The data appears under “IN” on the display.
EN AUTOMATIC EDITING TO VCR Original tape (camcorder) 1 IN 3 IN OUT OUT 45 2 IN OUT 9 PREPARE SOURCE TAPE Rewind the tape in the camcorder to the beginning of the scene you want to edit and press PAUSE. 10 ENGAGE VCR’S RECORD-PAUSE MODE Point the remote control towards the VCR’s infrared sensor and press VCR REC STBY, or manually engage the VCR’s Record-Pause mode.
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.) EN Insert Editing Power Switch You can record a new scene onto a previously recorded tape, replacing a section of the original recording with minimal picture distortion at the in- and out-points. The original audio remains unchanged. NOTE: Use the RM-V700U or RM-V705U remote control unit to perform this procedure. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 FIND EDIT-OUT POINT Set the Power Switch to “PLAY”.
EN 47 Audio Dubbing Display e4 M 0 : 05 : 20 Audio dubbing indicator You can record a new soundtrack on a prerecorded tape (normal audio only). Perform steps 1, 2 and 3 of the Insert Editing procedure (Z pg. 46) before continuing. •The sound comes from the built-in microphone.
TROUBLESHOOTING EN If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your JVC dealer. The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from functioning properly. In such cases, first disconnect its power supply unit (battery pack, AC Power Adapter/Battery Charger, etc.) and clock battery; and then re-connect it and proceed as usual from the beginning.
EN SYMPTOM 49 POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) OTHER During recording, the indications do not appear. ● Press DISPLAY for longer than 1 second to make the indications appear (Z pg. 13). The tape will not eject. ● The battery pack is running low. Some functions are not available. ● The Power Switch is set to “AUTO”. ● Certain combinations of modes or effects are not possible to use. Vertical white lines appear when shooting a very bright object.
INDEX Controls, Connectors And Indicators EN u 1 t2 i q p Q W o we 3 456 E 7 8 9 ! 0 @ # $ % ^ R r ) & * y( T Y
EN 51 Controls Connectors 1 Dioptre Adjustment Control ................. Z pg. 10 2 Lens Cover Open/Close Ring q DC IN Jack ............................................ Z pg. 5 The connectors w to r are located beneath the [LENS COVER] .................................... Z pg. 12 3 Video Light Switch [LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON] (GR-FX53 only) .................................... Z pg. 17 4 •Snapshot Button [SNAPSHOT] 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) (GR-FX53 only) ................................. Z pg.
INDEX Indications EN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 0 ! @ 30MIN T45 FINE 10 REC SP FADER NORM 01 2 LENS COVER PAUSE 20X INDEX 15S TAPE END 5S MERRY CHRISTMAS 25. 12. 99 1 Cassette Warning/ Tape Remaining Time .......................... Z pg. 13 When no cassette is inserted: the cassette ( ) warning blinks. When the Erase Protection tab is not in the position that allows recording: the cassette ( ) warning lights.
CAUTIONS DANGER: Video Light •The video light becomes extremely hot. Do not touch it either while in operation or soon after turning it off, otherwise serious injury may result. •Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case immediately after using the video light, since it remains extremely hot for some time. •When operating, keep a distance of about 30 cm between the video light and people or object. •Do not use near flammable or explosive materials.
CAUTIONS (cont.) EN 2. Avoid using the unit . . . ... in places subject to excessive humidity or dust. ... in places subject to soot or steam such as near a cooking stove. ... in places subject to excessive shock or vibration. ... near a television set. ... near appliances generating strong magnetic or electric fields (speakers, broadcasting antennas, etc.). ... in places subject to extremely high (over 40°C) or extremely low (under 0°C) temperatures. 3. DO NOT leave the unit . . . ...
SPECIFICATIONS EN 55 Camcorder General Format : VHS PAL standard Power source : Power consumption GR-FX53 light on : light off : GR-FX43/FX33/FX23 : Signal system : Video recording system Luminance : Colour : DC 6.0 V 8.1 W 5.2 W 5.2 W PAL-type FM recording Converted sub-carrier direct recording Conforms to VHS standard : cassette Cassette Tape speed SP : LP : Recording time (max.) SP : LP : 23.39 mm/sec. 11.70 mm/sec.
EN GR-FX53 GR-FX43 GR-FX33 GR-FX23 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LIMITED ®Registered Trademark owned by VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD. COPYRIGHT© 1999 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.
