Canon 814XL User manual

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~
INSTRUCTIONS ·- §[fl§[~~~'t;fl " ~ f t . ' . a .

Exposure adjustment knob
Filming speed dial
Instant
slow motion switch
CCA filter cancellation socket (with cover)/---
Lighting unit attaching socket
Distance scale
Zooming scale
Zooming ring
Focusing ring
Shutter release lever
Socket cover
Rubber sheet
3
Footage counter.
Battery check
window
Battery check button
Exposure adjustment
scale
Lock
button
.Variable shutter
control dial
Sound recording jack
(8'-pin jack)
Remote control socket
Flash synchronizing socket

4
The 814XL Electronic is a precisron Super 8
movie camera which incorporates a series of im-
provements to the Canon Auto Zoom 814 Elec-
tronic in reply to the requests of photographers
who wish to make higher quality 8mm movies.
Thus, the optical performances of the lens and
viewfinder have been improved to give you bet-
ter photographic effects. Mechanisms such as
macro-cinematography and variable shutter
opening angle enable you to make enjoyable and
excellent movies.
Before Use
This camera is designed for easy operation and
includes some special filming devices. Because
this instruction manual contains all necessary in-
structions for operation
of this camera and for
movie filming, please read this manual
thoroughly and become acquainted with the
camera before starting to film in order to avoid
mistakes when operating the camera's many
special shooting mechanisms.

Outstanding Features
Variable ~hutter Opening Angle Mechanism
The variable shutter opening angle mecha-
nism sets the angle at 220°
for XL filming,
150°
for regular shooting and 150° - 0° for
fading effects. Exposure is automatically
set at either 220° or 150° to insure correct
exposure. The variable shutter opening
angle is a unique double-blade mechanism.
Synchronous Domle Sound Recording System
Shooting with synchronous sound record-
ing is possible because
of abuilt-in pulse
generator and by using exclusive adapter,
stereo tape recorder
for good quality
sound.
XL echanism Excellent for Indoor Shooting
It is possible to film under dim light con-
ditions, a dark room or at
night because of
this camera's features such as its ac-
ceptability of highly sensitive film, 220°
shutter opening angle, exceptionally fast
lens, highly sensitive exposure meter. The
bright viewfinder an9 highly accurate
range-finder are additional advantages for
this kind
of photography.
Viewfinder with Increased Brightness
An XL camera needs a viewfinder which is
easy to see
for easy focusing under dark
conditions. In this camera, the viewfinder's
brightness has been doubled by increasing
the lens' effective aperture and exit pupil to
.allow a greater amount of light to reach the
viewfinder. Aberrations are 'properly com-
pensated, the angle of the split-image
prism has been widened
for easier viewing
and the accurate metering range ·has·been
increased.
High Quality Lens for Faithful Color Reproduction
This is a new design, large aperture, zoom
lens
which gives top performance for both
XL and general shooting. Especially,
aberration in the telephoto range has been
decreased and the ideal light transmission
factor has been attained
for high resolu-
tion, high contrast and perfect color ba-
lance
throughout the zooming ranqe, And
the built-in macro-cinematography
mechanism on the wide-angle end gives
you a field-of-view of 33mm x 45rnm.
Changing from macro to zoom is always
. . 5

6
possible, a technique that is perfect for
scene changes.
Abundant Viewfinder Information
Aperture and over/under exposure warning
marks, film transport indicator and film end
warning are all indicated by lamps
for easy
confirmation under dim light conditions.
And each amp has been installed out of
the visual field so as not to obstruct the
viewfinder.
High Accuracy Servo EE
This is a TIL exposure metering system,
with a servo meter to control the
diaphragm. ·The film drive circuit
HC) has
more
power for increased reliability. This
makes a diaphragm aperture
of f/45
possible and stabilized performance even
with changes of temperature or voltage.
Accessories to Widen Shooting Possibilities
You can use the self-timer and interval
timer coupled to the magnetic shutter
release mechanism. Single frame shooting
with flash is possible by utilizing the flash
synchronizing socket.
Others
Exposure compensation system
Instant
slow motion
Collapsible grip
Constant voltage regulator
Built-in collapsible hood

Specifications
Type: Super 8 SLR for silent XL filming
with circuit and jack for double sound
(pulse-sync) system shooting.
Picture Size: 5.8 x 4.2mm
Lens: f/1.4 zoom lens with focal length of
7.5mm - 6Omm. Zooming ratio 8:1.
Lens Construction: 18 elements in 13
groups, Spectra Coating; filter thread
.size: 58mm; lens cap size: 6Omm; built-in
rubber hood.
Macro-cinematography Mechanism:
Macro-cinematography is possible using
zooming ring in wide angle end of
zooming range. With the distance scale
at 00 , the shooting distance from the
film plane indicator is 165mm. The
minimum field of view is33 x 45mm.
Focusing Adjustment: Rotating front
component.
Distance Scale:
ft. 4 5 7 10 15 50 00
m 1.2 1.5 2 3 5 10
Zooming: Both power and manual
zooming are possible. Power zooming
speed is about 5seconds. Manual
zooming is possible by rotating
the
zooming ring. Rotating angle is 121°30'.
Viewfinder: Single-lens reflex viewfinder
with split image focusing screen.
Viewfinder Information: Aperture scale,
over/under exposure -warninq marks,
film transport indicator (green LED) and
film end warning indicator (red LED).
Dioptric Adjustment: Adjustable from
- 4 to +2diopters.
EE Mechanism: Automatic exposure
mechanism coupled to ASA film speed
and filming speed. Through-the-Iens EE
with CdS photocell, coupled to single
frame shooting.
Light Metering Range: From ASA 400,
f/1.4, EBJ
(220°),9 fps. to ASA 25, f/45
;oc- (150°), instant slow motion of ap-
prox. 36 fps.
Film Speed:
Artificial light: ASA 25 - 400
Daylight:
ASA 16- 250
7

Film ASA Setting: Automatically set
when cartridge is loaded.
Color Temperature Adjustment Filter:
Manually removed or automatically can-
celled when daylight-type film is in-
serted, or when
eCA filter cancellation
adapter or lighting unit is used.
Exposure Compensation: Two possible
compensations of +0.5 and +1.5
f/stops (These numbers are actual
f/stops and not multiple exposure fac-
tors.)
Manual Exposure Control: Full manual
exposure control is possible by using
the
manual aperture control dial.
Filming Speeds; Dial positions for 9, 18
fps., and single frame. Separate switch
for instant SLOW MOTION (approx, 36
fps.)
Angle of Shutter Opening: 220° (ef-
fective angle)
for XL filming and 150° for
regular filming and these two angles are
provided
with ~ safety lock and click
stop.
8
Shutter Angle Compensation: Automat-
ic exposure adjustment at 220° (EBJ)
and 150° ( ioc- ).
Variable Shutter Control: 150° to 0°
continuously by turning the spring-
tensioned fading control
downward.
The dial will return automatically to the
"0:- position if it is released.
Shutter Release Mechanism: Built-in
electromagnetic release system.
Drive System: High-performance electric
micromotor.
Power Source: Four 1.5V penlight (size
AA) batteries in the grip are used to
power the film drive, power zooming
,and exposure metering.
Battery Check: A red LED lamp lights up
when
the battery check button is press-
ed if the batteries are in good condition.
Battery Life: More than 10 cartridges for
18 fps. shooting or more than one car-
tridge
for single frame shooting.
Remote Control: By use of Remote
Switch 60 or 3.

Main Switch: Dial positions for OFF, R
(Running) and RL (Running Lock) on
the main switch.
Footage ' Counter: Counts exposed foot-
age from 0 to 50ft. and automatically
resets itself when cartridge is removed.
There is also a separate frame counter
for 72 frames.
Film End Warning: A.red LED lamp lights
in the viewfinder about 2ft. before the
end
of the film. .
Recording System: Double sound (pulse-
sync) system. 8 pronged jack for special
use. Sound Recording .is accomplished
by a stereo tape recorder using a special
cord or the designated cord. The DIN
method of synchronous recording is
possible
with one pulse every 4 frames
by using the cord 'SRP', the adapter
'Synvoton 1-4' and the cord 'SV 2209'
made by Velmut Volland, and the
Philips' '2209AV' tape recorder. Simulta-
neous starting and stopping of the tape
recorder and camera are possible.
Flash Synchronization: Possible at both
220° and 150° shutter angles. Syn-
chronized with single frame shooting.
Grip: Collapsible, doubles as battery com-
partment.
Attaching Lighting Unit: Use screw type
socket on the upper surface of the
camera body. CCA filter is automatically
cancelled when lighting unit is attached.
Dimensions and Weight: 265 x118 x
92.5mm; (10-7/16" x 4-5/8" x 3-5/8") ,
1520g (3 Ibs. 6 ozs.) (including batteries).
Accessories: Included; Soft Case,
Remote Switch 60, Lens Cap 50, Finder
Cover, CCA Filter Cancellation Adapter,
Rubber Sheet, Socket Cover, Optional;
58mm Filters, Close-up Lenses 450C-8-2
and 240C-8, Self-Timer E, Interval Timer
E,
Time Lapse Programmer, and
Remote Switch 3.
Subject to change without notice.
9

Preparations
Befor~ Filming
1 Unfold the grip.
2 Insert batteries.
3
Check battery power 4
level. Adjust eyepiece.
10

5 Insert film.
13
Adjust the focus in the
telephoto range.
6
Set the main switch to
"R".
14
Decide composition.
(Zoom as desired)
7 Comfirm film advance.
<p 0
Film transport indicator
Confirm the exposure at
the first step of the
shutter release lever
15
and shoot at the second
step of the shutter re-
lease lever .
Set the variable shutter
control dial to:
8.,of
for outdoors
EBJ for indoors
16
Remoye the film after
shooting.
•
11

Hand Grip and Strap
-The hand grip is collapsible and doubles as the
battery compartment. When it.is unfolded all the
way, the hand grip will lock in place. It can be
folded again by pushing the grip locking lever up-
ward. When holding the camera, please make
sure to put your hand through the strap
for
safety.
Lens Hood
The hood is collapsible. Please extend it before
shotting.

Battery Loading
Both the drive system and the exposure metering
of this camera are powered by the same bat-
teries. Please make sure
that the batteries are
loaded before filming. Four penlight (size AA)
batteries are used and are loaded
into the grip.
1. Remove the battery compartment -cover by
unscrewing it as shown by the arrow.
2. Follow the diagram on the side of the grip
when loading the batteries. '
3. Replace the cover and tighten the screw.
When changing batteries; be sure to load
new
batteries of the same brand and same kind at the
same time. Please be careful when loading them
because if they are loaded the
wrong way, the
reversed polarities may damage ' the camera.
When filming in cold places, battery life will be
shortened so please take extra batteries
with
you. The batteries must be kept warm before
shooting in such places.
When you shoot in tem-
peratures below QOC, Ni-Cd batteries are highly
recommended.
When not using the camera for a
long period
of time, take the batteries out to
avoid damage' to the camera from leaky bat-
teries.
When not filming please make sure to
switch
off the camera to prevent battery waste.

Battery Check
Check the battery's power before filming. Rotate
the Main Switch at the side of the camera body
to the 'R' setting and press the battery check
button. If the lamp lights, battery power is suf-
ficient and shooting is possible at any frame
speed. If the lamp starts blinking, correct filming
is possible only at 18and 9fps. If the lamp fails to
light, the batteries must be changed. Please
check the batteries if you have just changed bat-
teries, you have filmed about 10 cartridges, you
have not used the camera for a long time, and if
you arefilming in cold places.
Dioptric Adjustment
Dioptric adjustment is indispensable because
blur will result if the eyepiece is not adjusted to
the user's eyesight. The adjustable range is from
- 4to +2diopters.
1. Remove the cover and set the distance scale
at
00.
2. Point the camera toward a window and look
through the eyepiece.
3. Rotate the dioptric adjustment ring.
4. Stop rotating the dioptric adjustment ring
when the line located in the center of the split-
image screen can be clearly seen.

Film Loading
Please use ASA 40 film for outdoor daylight
shooting and
ASA 160 film for indoor shooting
at night.
1. The rear cover will open if you press the rear
cover opening button.
2. Insert the film cartridge so that the film label
can be seen through the window.
, 3. Push the rear cover until it snaps shut.
4. When loading the film, the film speed will be
automatically set.
Film Speed
Artificial Light: ASA 25 40 64 100 160 250 400
Daylight: ASA 16 25 40 64 100 160 250
Footage Count~r
The footage counter indicates exposed footage
and will automatically return to '0' when the car-
tridge is removed. It will
not move unless a car-
tridge is inserted. .
Frame Counter
The frame counter can count up to 72 frames (1
ft.) in one full turn and counts two frames per
unit. To confirm exposed frames set the needle
at '0' by rotating the frame counter setting knob.
The counter can also be used
for fading and
single-frame shooting.

Main Switch
By rotating the Main Switch to the 'R' setting, all
circuits will be turned on and the camera will be
ready. When not using the camera, turn the Main
Switch
off to avoid battery waste. The 'RL' set-
ting on the switch stands for running lock. This is
used for continuous and remote-control shoot-
,ing.
Manual Aperture Control Dial
Pleaseleave this dial pushed in. If pulled out, the
camera will be switched to manual exposure
control.
Setting the Filming Speed
Normally, the camera is set at 18 fps. as this is
the standard speed for Super 8 movies.
Changing the speed to 9 fps., is used to speed up
the subject's motion. This speed is also used to
compensate for under-exposure
of a still subject
in dim light. Single frame shooting is used for
purposes like animation photography which is
single frame shooting
that gives a feeling of
motion.
*Concerning slow motion shooting, please refer
to page 42.

Variable Shutter Control Dial Settings
The dial is set on the .,oe- setting for normal
daylight or rather bright indoor conditions, and is
set on the indoor
EBJ setting for dim light con-
ditions. To select a setting, rotate the variable
shutter control dial while pressing the lock but-
ton in.
*When the variable shutter control dial rotates
clockwise while pressing the lock button, the
shutter blades will gradually close. They will be
fully closed when the dial reaches its rotational
limit. If you take your fingers away
from the dial,
it will be ·automatically returned to the .,oe-
settinq by a spring. (Refer to page 32.)
*The .,of setting has a shutter opening angle
of 150° for regular shooting. The opening angle
of 220° (
EBJ )is for XL shooting in dim light con-
ditions.
*Be sure to set the EBJ setting for filming a TV
screen.
Exposure Adjustment Knob
This is an adjustment knob used for direct-light
shooting. Set it on the white dot for regular
shooting to obtain the correct exposure.
*The 0.5 and 1.5 settings are used for exposure
compensation. (Refer to page 23.)

o
?
Film transport indicator
Film Transport Check
To check the film transport, slowly press the
shutter release lever while looking through the
viewfinder. The shutter release lever has
two
steps and only the second step will release the
shutter. If the film transport indicator (green
LED) located in the lower left
of the viewfinder
lights, then the film is being correctly trans-
ported. This check can be performed very easily.
If the film is not being correctly transported,
remove the cartridge and, using your finger,
slightly wind the film clockwise by rotating the
spool to take up slack. Then reload the cartridge.
How to Hold the Camera
Hold the grip in your right hand placing your in-
dex finger on the shutter release lever. For ad-
ditional safety, put your right hand through the
wrist strap before taking hold of the grip. Your
right elbow should be tight against your body to
avoid blur caused by camera movement. Your
left hand is used to operate the focusing and
zooming, 'and should be kept on the camera
while shooting. Stand with your feet slightly
apart and keep your upper body firm. When you
wish to pan sideways, turn your upper body
along with the camera. It is very important to

Split-image focusing screen
hold the camera steady to obtain a clear picture
image. Please pay special attention to this when
zooming or shooting in the telephoto range. On
this occasion, it is best to use alarge tripod
for
the camera and the Remote Switch 60. When .
using a
tripod and not looking directly int01fie
viewfinder for shooting, make sure to attach the
finder cover to stop light from entering through
the eyepiece. Especially when shooting with the
light behind you, too much light can enter and
cause improper exposure. So please be careful.
The same thing can happen with single frames
or title shootinq. .
Viewfinder Information
Since this camera's viewfinder is a single lens
reflex type,
what you see in the viewfinder is
exactly
what is being filmed. In the center of the
viewfinder is a split-image focusinq screen and .
at
the top of the viewfinder the aperture scale
and over/under exposure warning marks are
located. The film end warning
mark (red LED)
is in the lower right and the film transport indi-
cator (green LED) is in
the left hand side.
Information, all located outside the viewfinder
screen,
only lights during shooting.
Underexposure
warning mark
cp
Film transport indicator
Exposure
indication
window
Aperture scale
o
Film end warning
indicator 19