Canon 310 XL User manual

Canon
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INSTRUCTIONS

Power Zoom Switch
Distance Scale
Focusing Ring
Zoom Lens —
Manual Zooming Lever/
Macro Set Lever
Shutter Release Lever
Cable Release Socket
CdS Photocell
Exposure Control Plate
2

CCA Filter Switch
Film Compartment
Film Type Indicator
Dioptric Adjustment Ring
Tripod Socket
Folding Grip
Side Cover Opening Switch
3

Canon 310XL Features
The Canon 310XL is a photography system
that enables the shooting of dark subjects and
indoor shooting, without any additional light,
because of its fast lens and wide-angle shutter,
and because of the high speed film which is
used with it. It is a slim and compact camera
with specifications that will satisfy not only the
beginning photographer, but, as a second
camera, expert photographers as well.
The Fastest (f/1.0) 3X Zoom Lens in the
World
With the fastest lens of any 8mm movie camera,
the Canon 310XL can clearly catch even very
dimly lit subjects. Despite the speed of f/1.0, its
newly designed lens construction of 13 ele¬
ments in 11 groups obtains sharp picture images
without flare at full aperture and excellent
color balance. In addition, the Canon 310XL is
most suitable for home movies with a consid¬
erable depth of field and wide angle within its
focal length of 8.5mm-25.5mm.
Easy Close-up Photography using the Macro¬
photography Mechanism
The macrophotography mechanism enables one
to shoot close-up photography without attach¬
ing any accessories. It can focus at a point
^ 21.5 cm from the film plane indicator by a
simple adjustment of the macro set lever. The
field size is then 84.4 x 118mm.
Bright Viewfinder with Filming Information
The viewfinder has a large exit pupil to pre¬
cisely catch dark subjects. Furthermore, the
battery check, macro-indication, underexposure
warning mark and film transport indicator are
all contained in the viewfinder.
Easy-to-Carry, Slim, Compact Design
Even though the Canon 310XL is a camera with
a large aperture f/1.0 lens, it has an extremely
compact design. The diameter of the filter is
only 43mm and the camera body is but 39mm
wide.
High Performance Exposure Meter with 1C
The exposure is accurately metered because
there is a built-in high performance exposure
meter with an 1C within the metering circuit
which is designed also to control the change in
voltage. As for the power source, 2 penlight
1.5V batteries are used to power the film
transport, auto zoom and exposure metering
functions.
Other Characteristics
Exposure control plate for shooting against the
light. A safety switch prevents accidental shoot¬
ing. One set of batteries conveniently powers all
the electric functions. Viewfinder Information.

Technical Data
Type: SLR type Super 8 with XL mechanism
Frame Size: 5.8 x 4.2mm Super 8 size (Movie frame),
5.4 X 4mm (Projection frame)
Lens: Focal Length 8.5 — 25.5mm (Zoom Ratio 3)
f/1.0. Lens construction: 13 elements in 11 groups.
Coating: Spectra Coating. Filter thread size: 43mm.
Lens cap size: 45mm.
Macro Shooting Mechanism: Macro chooting mecha¬
nism is done by switching macro set lever. With the
focus set at infinity («>); close-up shooting at 21.5cm
from the film plane indicator is possible.
The field size is then 84.4 x 118mm.
Viewfinder: Single reflex aerial image system
(Viewfinder Information): Underexposure warning
mark; Film transport indicator; Battery check lamp;
Macro indication; Dioptric adjustment from —4 to +2
dpt. with eyecup.
EE Mechanism: Automatic exposure mechanism cou¬
pled to film speed and filming speed.
(Electric Eye System): Light measurement by a CdS
photocell through the window above the main lens.
Exposure Control Plate.
EE Metering Range: ASA 250 f/1.0 18fps; ASA
25 f/45 18fps, single frame
Film Speed: (Artificial light) ASA 40 160 250
(Daylight) ASA 25 100 160
Film Speed Setting: Automatically set when cartridge
Is loaded.
Color Temperature Adjustment CCA Filter: Built-in
CCA filter for correct color balance with tungsten film
under daylight and switch on camera body for quick
cancellation of filter under artificial light. Filter is
automatically cancelled when daylight type film car¬
tridge is inserted.
Filming Speeds: 18 fps, single frame
Angle of Shutter Opening: 220°
Drive System: Film drive with high-performance elec¬
tric micromotor and power zooming.
Power Source: 2 penlight batteries (3V).
Film drive; power zooming; measuring exposure;
Sufficient for 5 cartridges under normal temperatures;
One cartridge with new batteries when shooting single
frames.
Footage Counter: Automatically returns to S and
counts footage of exposed film. Coupled to the
removal of the cartridge.
Battery Check: A lamp in the viewfinder activated by
the check button.
Grip: Collapsible
Socket: Cable releaes socket
Switch: "ON-OFF" single frame switch used also as
safety switch.
Safety Mechanism: Switch to prevent unnecessary
battery consumption or shooting inadvertently.
Dimensions and Weight: 176 x 112 x 39mm;
(6-15/16" x 4-7/16" X 1-1/2"); 580g (1 lb. 4 ozs.
(including batteries)
Subject to change without notice.
5

How to Film with
the Canon 310XL
1 Remove cap and unfold the grip.
2 Load the batteries.
3 C h e ck the batteries. (When main switch is
at "ON").
^ Perform dioptric adjustment by ad¬
justing the viewfinder.
5 Turn main switch to "ON",
g Insert the film.
Note:
When filming out-of-doors in daylight, you
should usually use the low speed film ASA 40.
If you are filming out-of-doors in daylight with
high speed film ASA 160, please use the Canon
Filter ND-4.
6

1 Check CCA filter,
g Focus.
Q Check exposure.
'IQ Decide composition and pull shutter
release lever. (Verify that the film can
advance)
‘I'l Zoom as desired.
10 Remove the film when you finish
shooting.
7

Instructions for Shooting
Unfold the Grip
Pull out the grip in the direction indicated by the
arrow. To fold It back, push it in the opposite
direction.
Opening and Closing the Film Compartment
“I To open the film compartment slide the safety
lock release in the direction of the arrow.
2 To close, simply push the cover In and it will
snap in place.
8

Loading the Batteries
(The same batteries power the exposure meter,
zooming system and film drive).
Insert 2 new A A size batteries of the same brand
into the battery compartment. Be sure that the +
and — ends of each battery are in the proper
direction.
If the camera will not be used for a prolonged
period, remove the batteries and store them in a
dry place. (Batteries may leak and damage the
camera if left inserted for a long period of time.)
Main Switch
By turning the dial of the Main Switch to '"ON", all
electric circuits are connected. Similarly, at '"OFF"
all the circuits are disconnected, and, as a safety
measure, neither the shutter nor the zooming switch
can be operated.
* When the camera is not in use for a long period
of time turn the dial to "'OFF"', in order to
conserve battery energy. A red mark is visible
when the dial is in the position to let you
see at a glance that the power Is "'ON"'.
9

Battery Check
If the capacity of the batteries is insufficient,
filming cannot be accomplished correctly. There¬
fore please remember to check the batteries occa-
sionally.
^ Turn the main switch to
2 While looking through the viewfinder, push the
battery check button.
If the lamp in the upper portion of the view¬
finder is lit, voltage is sufficient for filming.
When the lamp is not lit, replace batteries with new
ones.
Replacing Batteries
Always use batteries of the same brand. One set of
batteries is enough for five cartridges of film under
normal conditions.
While shooting single frames, if the capacity of
the batteries is insufficient, first turn the main
switch to "OFF", then replace the batteries.
10

Dioptric Adjustment
While looking through the viewfinder, turn the
eyecup to adjust the eyepiece to your vision.
*1 Turn the focusing distance ring to infinity.
2 Look through the viewfinder. Turn the dioptric
adjustment ring until the subject in far distance
appears clearest and sharpest.
The eyepiece adjustment range is from —4 to +2
diopters.
Loading the Film
Insert the film cartridge with the identification label
placed as shown in the picture.

CCA Filter
The Super 8 camera is made generally so as to allow
filming with tungsten light film (artificial light) in
daylight conditions.
Therefore there is a CCA filter built-in for adjust¬
ment of color temperature within the optical path
of the lens. When shooting in daylight, the filter
should be applied, on the other hand, when shoot¬
ing indoors with artificial light, the filter should be
removed from the optical path.
However, when the G type film for daylight or
artificial light and daylight type film are loaded into
this camera, the filter is automatically cancelled no
matter what the position of the filter switch is.
Settings of the CCA Filter
When you are using tungsten type film, the CCA
filter has to be set differently according to the kind
of light source.
Under artificial light, slide down the filter setting
switch and when the Q mark Is visible, the filter
IS cancelled. In daylight, slide up the switch until
^ mark is Indicated. It is Impossible to obtain
12 the proper color balance unless this is done.

CCA Filter Settings
Light
^\Sou rce
Film Type
Daylight
Artificial
Light
Tungsten Type
Q
Daylight Type or
G Type
1 Both position
Q J can be used.
1_
J
M
Him transport indicator
Checking the Film Transport
The film transport indicator can be seen in the
lower part of the viewfinder. The indicator is visible
and moves up and down when the film is being
properly transported. If the indicator does not
move, remove the film cartridge and advance the
film slightly with your finger; then insert the
cartridge once more.
* When the film reaches the end, the film transport
Indicator stops.
13

Setting the Distance
The Canon 310XL can focus as close as 1.2 meters,
but focusing is by eye. After determining the
distance between camera and subject, turn the
distance ring until the proper distance is aligned
with the index in order to focus correctly. The
distance ring may be set at or in between the
numbers. The lower row of white numbers represents
distance in meters and the upper row of green
numbers represents distance in feet.
Using the Zone Focusing
When filming out-of-doors under a clear sky, the
depth of the field is increased and you can simply
use the 3 or 10 red zone gradations without
focusing exactly. (For generally close shooting of up
to about 7 meters set the distance ring at 3; for
shooting subjects farther away set the distance ring
at 10).
When perfect focusing is required, measure the
distance between subject and camera exactly and
adjust the distance ring accordingly.
14

I Battery check
lamp
Macro Indication
Under-exposure
Mark
<
Film transport Indicator
Confirming the Exposure
When the subject is too dark, a red mark in the
lower right part of the viewfinder warns of under¬
exposure. Under these conditions, use additional
light. A battery check lamp, film transport indi¬
cator, and macro indication are also built into the
viewfinder.
Backlight Control Plate
For filming snowcovered mountains in the daylight,
at the beach or when it is clear out, if a high speed
film (ASA 160) is used, the picture will be
overexposed. We would highly recommended the
use of ASA 40 (25) film for daylight and outdoor
photography. When you use the film of ASA 160.
please use the Canon Filter ND—4. When attaching
the filter to the lens, pull up the exposure control
plate which is located at the base part of the ex¬
posure metering window. The range of this exposure
control plate is 2 stops.
* Do not use the ND filter and the UV or Skylight
filter together.
* Do not use filters except of 1 or 4 of exposure
factor.
15

Exposure Adjustment When Shooting Against the Light
The exposure control plate is used in order to attain
the correct exposure when shooting against strong
direct light such as when the sun is behind the
subject. Exposure adjustment value is approximate¬
ly 2 f/stops. When shooting a subject with a window
in the background or in ordinary light conditions,
exposure adjustment is not necessary.
Pull the shutter release lever and shoot
Press the zooming switch when necessary. Zooming
can be used for composition or to make the image
change continuously. Power zooming or manual
zooming are both possible.
Power Zooming
-j While pulling the shutter release lever, press the
zooming switch.
2 The subject will become larger when "T" is
pressed, and smaller when "W'^ is pressed.
When the image stops moving, the zooming lever
will not rotate anymore.
Keep the light metering window uncovered while
you operate the power zooming. Power zooming
cannot be performed without pulling the shutter
release lever.

Manual Zooming
Since power zooming produces the zooming effect
at a fixed speed, use manual zooming for zooming
at different speeds.
1 Slide the manual zooming lever (doubles as
macro set lever) up or down as desired.
After Shooting, Remove the Film Cartridge
1 When the film ends, the film transport indicator
in the viewfinder stops.
0 After you have shot 50ft., open the film
^ compartment and remove the film cartridge. In
this case, the film footage counter automatically
indicates "S'".
* When filming the television picture, the picture
will be overexposed since the light is outside of
the lens. When you shoot the picture, we would
recommended placing a table lamp on the televi¬
sion to obtain correct exposure.
17

Macro Filming
The Canon 310XL has a built-in macro-filming
system which enables titling or close-up shooting by
simply moving the zooming lever. In macro-filming,
focus at 21.5cm from the film plane indicator.
“I Rotate the macro set lever and set it at the "'W"
position.
2 Slide this lever to the ''W" position and then pull
and slide it further to the '"M"' position to set for
macrophotography. When shooting macrophotog¬
raphy, a yellow mark appears In the upper left of
the viewfinder. (Please see page 15)
Q Set the distance scale on the focusing ring at
infinty.
^ Measure 21.5cm from the subject to the film
plane indicator. The wrist strap is approximately
the correct length. Measure it once, and then use the
wrist strap to measure the distance, between the
subject and the film plane indicator, judging any
remaining distance by eye.
C To cancel the macrophotography mechanism,
slide the lever back to the "W" position.
With the distance ring at Infinity, the full field
size Is 84.4 x 118mm.
Macro shooting should be performed In a well lit
18 place.

Single Frame Shooting
Single frame shooting is possible for titling or
animation with the EE mechanism and will enhance
the enjoyment of making movies.
^ Turn the main switch to *'1
0 Each time the shutter release is pulled, only one
^ single frame is exposed. In single frame shooting,
the use of a tripod and cable release will assure a
stable image.
Cable Release Socket
It is advisable to use the cable release whenever
single frame shooting is performed or when using a
tripod. The cable release socket is next to the
shutter release lever.
Holding the Camera
To avoid blurred movies, it is most important to
hold the camera correctly. The best method of
holding the camera is to put your hand through the
strap and grasp the grip while putting the other hand
on the top of the camera, for focusing or zooming.
When holding the camera, press your elbow firmly
against your body and keep your feet slightly apart.
When performing photography with your eye sepa¬
rated from the finder's eyepiece, cover the eyepiece
with your hand so as to prevent outside light from
entering the finder.

Accesories
Copy Stand 4
Copy Stand 4 is convenient for macrophotography,
title shooting and copy work. Consists of stanchion,
carrying arm, metal fasteners and case.
Filters
Use 43mm filters for both color films and black and
white films.
Type: UV, skylight, CCA 4, CCA 8, CCA 12,
CCB 4, CCB 8, CCB 12, ND-4,ND-8.
C-8 Wide Attachment Lens 43
This is an attachment lens for super wide-angle
shooting. Set the lens wide-angle macrophotography
and shoot at a fixed focal length. This camera uses
the focal length of 5.5mm. When the exposure is
more than f/4, the focal length Is most suitable at
0.8 m to oo, so you can concentrate on photograph¬
ing without worrying about focusing.
20