Moviecam SL User manual

FRITZ GABRIEL BAUER
PRESENTS
THE USERS GUIDE TO THE
SUPER - LIGHTWEIGHT MODULAR
THE ADVANCED MOS MODULAR 35mm
MOTION PICTURE CAMERA FOR MULTIPLE
APPLICATIONS AND INCREASED UTILIZATION
Compiled by Frédéric Gérard Kaczek
Illustrated by Andreas Pauleschitz
WEB-EDITION 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE 5
MOVIECAM FEEDBACK MAIL 6
SL CHECKLIST 6
CARE AND CLEANING 7
BODY OF THE CAMERA SYSTEM
Camera front 14
Camera left side 16
Control board 17
Display 19
Camera rear 21
Camera right side 23
Camera top 24
Viewfinder mount plate 25
Camera base 26
OPTICAL VIEWFINDERS AND VIEWFINDER
ADAPTER PLATE
SL viewfinder 30
Mounting the SL viewfinder 32
Eyecup 33
Eyepiece retaining mount 33
Eyepiece heater 34
Adjustment of the pivoting eyepiece 35
Diopter corrections 36
SL B&W video camera 37
B&W video assist monitor 39
SL VIDEO VIEWFINDERS, SL VIEWFINDER
ADAPTER PLATE, READOUTS AND MOVIELITES
Viewfinder adapter plate 42
SL MAGAZINES
SL magazines 48
Digital footage counter 49
SL magazine interior 51
Roller assembly 52
Loading the SL magazines 53
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
SL MAGAZINE ADAPTER AND
OTHER MAGAZINES
SL magazine adapter 60
CARRYING HANDLE, LIGHTWEIGHT SL BASE
AND HANDGRIPS
SL carrying handle 64
Right handgrip 65
Left handgrip 66
SL lightweight base plate 67
INTERIOR OF THE SL
Interior of the camera 70
Pitch adjustment control 71
Ground glasses 72
Changing the ground glasses 73
Upper aperture plate/gate 75
Lower aperture plate 78
Pressure plate 80
Mirror shutter 81
Setting the shutter angle 82
POWER SUPPLIES
Power supply unit 86
Battery block 88
Voltage stabilizer 90
THREADING FILM IN THE SL
Door lock 94
Magazine/magazine adapter mounting rail 95
Threading film in the SL 96
Threading film using the SL magazine adapter 98
Dust check knob 107
ACCESSORY BOXES,
REMOTE CONTROL AND IRIS CONTROL
Accessory connector 110
Accessory box interface 111
Remote control 112
5
6
7
8
10
9
23

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE 5
MOVIECAM FEEDBACK MAIL 6
SL CHECKLIST 6
CARE AND CLEANING 7
BODY OF THE CAMERA SYSTEM
Camera front 14
Camera left side 16
Control board 17
Display 19
Camera rear 21
Camera right side 23
Camera top 24
Viewfinder mount plate 25
Camera base 26
OPTICAL VIEWFINDERS AND VIEWFINDER
ADAPTER PLATE
SL viewfinder 30
Mounting the SL viewfinder 32
Eyecup 33
Eyepiece retaining mount 33
Eyepiece heater 34
Adjustment of the pivoting eyepiece 35
Diopter corrections 36
SL B&W video camera 37
B&W video assist monitor 39
SL VIDEO VIEWFINDERS, SL VIEWFINDER
ADAPTER PLATE, READOUTS AND MOVIELITES
Viewfinder adapter plate 42
SL MAGAZINES
SL magazines 48
Digital footage counter 49
SL magazine interior 51
Roller assembly 52
Loading the SL magazines 53
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
SL MAGAZINE ADAPTER AND
OTHER MAGAZINES
SL magazine adapter 60
CARRYING HANDLE, LIGHTWEIGHT SL BASE
AND HANDGRIPS
SL carrying handle 64
Right handgrip 65
Left handgrip 66
SL lightweight base plate 67
INTERIOR OF THE SL
Interior of the camera 70
Pitch adjustment control 71
Ground glasses 72
Changing the ground glasses 73
Upper aperture plate/gate 75
Lower aperture plate 78
Pressure plate 80
Mirror shutter 81
Setting the shutter angle 82
POWER SUPPLIES
Power supply unit 86
Battery block 88
Voltage stabilizer 90
THREADING FILM IN THE SL
Door lock 94
Magazine/magazine adapter mounting rail 95
Threading film in the SL 96
Threading film using the SL magazine adapter 98
Dust check knob 107
ACCESSORY BOXES,
REMOTE CONTROL AND IRIS CONTROL
Accessory connector 110
Accessory box interface 111
Remote control 112
5
6
7
8
10
9
23

PREFACETABLE OF CONTENTS
SUPPORT, FOLLOW FOCUS AND MATTE BOX
Base plate 116
35/S35 base plate 117
Lens support 118
Studio follow focus 120
Lightweight follow focus 123
Matte box 125
MISCELLANEOUS AND APPENDIX
Assistant work light 130
Tools 131
Directors finder 132
APPENDIX
CONNECTORS AND CABLES 136
11
12
The MOVIECAM family has grown - we herewith
proudly present our latest ”offspring“, the
MOVIECAM SL. This very small camera has a weight
of 12,55 lbs / 5,7 kg only incl. magazine for
shoulder operation. Contrary to other ”noisy“ cameras,
the SL makes, when shooting at 24 or 25 fps, just a
pleasant, quiet buzzing sound (25 db). Together with
the new body, two new SL MAGAZINES, an SL
OPTICAL VIEWFINDER, an SL B&W VIDEO CAMERA
and an SL CARRYING HANDLE system have been
developed so far. In addition, two new SL
ADAPTERS and an SL INTERFACE have been
designed which allow to use several parts from other
MOVIECAM cameras with the SL. For instance,
all viewfinder systems of the MOVIECAM COMPACT,
incl. several EYEPIECES, READOUTS, VIDEO
CAMERAS, VIDEO ASSIST MONITORS and
MOVIELITES as well as the MAGAZINES and
ACCESSORY BOXES can be mounted on the SL.
Please take the time to read the following pages
carefully. You will see that this new camera offers you
a great variety of possibilities and is at the same time
easy to handle. For descriptions of all compatible
parts of the MOVIECAM family, please consult the
updated edition ‘95 of the COMPACT USERS GUIDE.
For further general or technical information, please feel
free to contact one of our MOVIECAM rental houses
or directly the MOVIECAM Headquarters in Vienna,
Austria (for addresses and phone numbers, see
appendix). We built this camera for you – now you
may enjoy the MOVIECAM SL!
Gabriel Bauer and Team, Vienna 1995
PREFACE
45

PREFACETABLE OF CONTENTS
SUPPORT, FOLLOW FOCUS AND MATTE BOX
Base plate 116
35/S35 base plate 117
Lens support 118
Studio follow focus 120
Lightweight follow focus 123
Matte box 125
MISCELLANEOUS AND APPENDIX
Assistant work light 130
Tools 131
Directors finder 132
APPENDIX
CONNECTORS AND CABLES 136
11
12
The MOVIECAM family has grown - we herewith
proudly present our latest ”offspring“, the
MOVIECAM SL. This very small camera has a weight
of 12,55 lbs / 5,7 kg only incl. magazine for
shoulder operation. Contrary to other ”noisy“ cameras,
the SL makes, when shooting at 24 or 25 fps, just a
pleasant, quiet buzzing sound (25 db). Together with
the new body, two new SL MAGAZINES, an SL
OPTICAL VIEWFINDER, an SL B&W VIDEO CAMERA
and an SL CARRYING HANDLE system have been
developed so far. In addition, two new SL
ADAPTERS and an SL INTERFACE have been
designed which allow to use several parts from other
MOVIECAM cameras with the SL. For instance,
all viewfinder systems of the MOVIECAM COMPACT,
incl. several EYEPIECES, READOUTS, VIDEO
CAMERAS, VIDEO ASSIST MONITORS and
MOVIELITES as well as the MAGAZINES and
ACCESSORY BOXES can be mounted on the SL.
Please take the time to read the following pages
carefully. You will see that this new camera offers you
a great variety of possibilities and is at the same time
easy to handle. For descriptions of all compatible
parts of the MOVIECAM family, please consult the
updated edition ‘95 of the COMPACT USERS GUIDE.
For further general or technical information, please feel
free to contact one of our MOVIECAM rental houses
or directly the MOVIECAM Headquarters in Vienna,
Austria (for addresses and phone numbers, see
appendix). We built this camera for you – now you
may enjoy the MOVIECAM SL!
Gabriel Bauer and Team, Vienna 1995
PREFACE
45

CARE AND CLEANINGFEEDBACK CARD
Like the MOVIECAM SL system itself, its users guide
consists of several interchangeable parts that will
continuously be updated. Just send an E-mail by
pushing HERE directly to the Vienna Headquarters
and future updates will be mailed to you free of
charge. You may also use this mail to let us know any
comments (e.g. proposals, or – if really necessary –
complaints) you may have . . . . .
MOVIECAM FEEDBACK MAIL
MOVIECAM SL CHECKLIST
The attached checklist (see appendix), which is ready
to be photocopied, gives a general overview of all
modular parts of the MOVEICAM SL plus the
compatible parts of the COMPACT system and might
be of help when placing your order.
6
Like the other MOVIECAM cameras, the
MOVIECAM SL is almost maintenance-free. There
is only one requirement for a smooth operation:
the camera has to be meticulously clean. Therefore
you should protect it against any dirt or smudges.
Clean the camera exterior with window cleaner
(caution - do not moisten connectors!). Cleaning the
magazine exterior is identical whether it is of
aluminum or carbon fiber.
Only when really necessary, e.g. to remove camera
tape gum, should you use alcohol or benzine.
Caution: Never use acetone!
When applied properly, compressed air is the best
cleaner; a vacuum cleaner or an air syringe will do
fine.
Cotton tips, orangewood sticks, soft and hard
brushes may be used for gentle cleaning.
Caution: The camera may be lubricated at a
MOVIECAM service center only!
CARE AND CLEANING
7
Warning!
Socket and/or pinning might have been changed
by some rental houses. Be aware of that when
putting your equipment together.

CARE AND CLEANINGFEEDBACK CARD
Like the MOVIECAM SL system itself, its users guide
consists of several interchangeable parts that will
continuously be updated. Just send an E-mail by
pushing HERE directly to the Vienna Headquarters
and future updates will be mailed to you free of
charge. You may also use this mail to let us know any
comments (e.g. proposals, or – if really necessary –
complaints) you may have . . . . .
MOVIECAM FEEDBACK MAIL
MOVIECAM SL CHECKLIST
The attached checklist (see appendix), which is ready
to be photocopied, gives a general overview of all
modular parts of the MOVEICAM SL plus the
compatible parts of the COMPACT system and might
be of help when placing your order.
6
Like the other MOVIECAM cameras, the
MOVIECAM SL is almost maintenance-free. There
is only one requirement for a smooth operation:
the camera has to be meticulously clean. Therefore
you should protect it against any dirt or smudges.
Clean the camera exterior with window cleaner
(caution - do not moisten connectors!). Cleaning the
magazine exterior is identical whether it is of
aluminum or carbon fiber.
Only when really necessary, e.g. to remove camera
tape gum, should you use alcohol or benzine.
Caution: Never use acetone!
When applied properly, compressed air is the best
cleaner; a vacuum cleaner or an air syringe will do
fine.
Cotton tips, orangewood sticks, soft and hard
brushes may be used for gentle cleaning.
Caution: The camera may be lubricated at a
MOVIECAM service center only!
CARE AND CLEANING
7
Warning!
Socket and/or pinning might have been changed
by some rental houses. Be aware of that when
putting your equipment together.

THE SL SYSTEM THE SL SYSTEM
8 9
[1] [2] [3]
[10] [12]
[13]
[18]
[16] [17][15][6]
[9]
[11]
[7][5] [6] [8][4]
[7] [14]
RAW STOCK
PRESET SET
ft
m
1 400 FT/120 M STEADICAM SL MAGAZINE
2 FOOTAGE COUNTER WITH INPUT UNIT
3 SL VIDEO VIEWFINDER
4 POWER RECEPTACLE
5 SYNC OUT CONNECTOR
6 COVER PLATE OF MAIN FUSE HOLDER
7 ACCESSORY BOX INTERFACE PLUG
8 RIGHT HANDGRIP ATTACHMENT
9 ACCESSORY BRACKET
10 400 FT/120 M SL MAGAZINE
11 MAGAZINE/M. ADAPTER RELEASE BUTTON
12 COVER PLATE OF VIEWFINDER EXIT
13 SL VIEWFINDER
14 RIGHT HANDGRIP MOUNTING RAIL
15 RIGHT HANDGRIP
16 24V OUTLET
17 SL BASE PLATE
18 LEFT HANDGRIP
19 MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BUTTON
20 FPS INPUT UNIT/DISPLAY
21 ON/OFF BUTTON
22 DOOR LOCK
23 SL MAGAZINE LOCK
24 MATTE BOX
25 FILTER HOLDERS
26 ORIENTABLE VIEWFINDER ON ADAPTER PLATE
27 B&W VIDEO ASSIST
28 READOUT
29 MOVIELITE
30 B&W VIDEO CAMERA
31 LONG EYEPIECE
32 1000 FT/300 M MAGAZINE
33 LONG RODS
34 LENS SUPPORT BRACKET
35 FOLLOW FOCUS
36 BASE PLATE
37 SL MAGAZINE ADAPTER

THE SL SYSTEM THE SL SYSTEM
8 9
[1] [2] [3]
[10] [12]
[13]
[18]
[16] [17][15][6]
[9]
[11]
[7][5] [6] [8][4]
[7] [14]
RAW STOCK
PRESET SET
ft
m
1 400 FT/120 M STEADICAM SL MAGAZINE
2 FOOTAGE COUNTER WITH INPUT UNIT
3 SL VIDEO VIEWFINDER
4 POWER RECEPTACLE
5 SYNC OUT CONNECTOR
6 COVER PLATE OF MAIN FUSE HOLDER
7 ACCESSORY BOX INTERFACE PLUG
8 RIGHT HANDGRIP ATTACHMENT
9 ACCESSORY BRACKET
10 400 FT/120 M SL MAGAZINE
11 MAGAZINE/M. ADAPTER RELEASE BUTTON
12 COVER PLATE OF VIEWFINDER EXIT
13 SL VIEWFINDER
14 RIGHT HANDGRIP MOUNTING RAIL
15 RIGHT HANDGRIP
16 24V OUTLET
17 SL BASE PLATE
18 LEFT HANDGRIP
19 MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BUTTON
20 FPS INPUT UNIT/DISPLAY
21 ON/OFF BUTTON
22 DOOR LOCK
23 SL MAGAZINE LOCK
24 MATTE BOX
25 FILTER HOLDERS
26 ORIENTABLE VIEWFINDER ON ADAPTER PLATE
27 B&W VIDEO ASSIST
28 READOUT
29 MOVIELITE
30 B&W VIDEO CAMERA
31 LONG EYEPIECE
32 1000 FT/300 M MAGAZINE
33 LONG RODS
34 LENS SUPPORT BRACKET
35 FOLLOW FOCUS
36 BASE PLATE
37 SL MAGAZINE ADAPTER

THE SL SYSTEM
1 400 FT/120 M STEADICAM SL MAGAZINE
2 FOOTAGE COUNTER WITH INPUT UNIT
3 SL VIDEO VIEWFINDER
4POWER RECEPTACLE
5 SYNC OUT CONNECTOR
6 COVER PLATE OF MAIN FUSE HOLDER
7 ACCESSORY BOX INTERFACE PLUG
8 RIGHT HANDGRIP ATTACHMENT
9 ACCESSORY BRACKET
10 400 FT/120 M SL MAGAZINE
11 MAGAZINE/M. ADAPTER RELEASE BUTTON
12 COVER PLATE OF VIEWFINDER EXIT
13 SL VIEWFINDER
14 RIGHT HANDGRIP MOUNTING RAIL
15 RIGHT HANDGRIP
16 24V OUTLET
17 SL BASE PLATE
18 LEFT HANDGRIP
19 MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BUTTON
20 FPS INPUT UNIT/DISPLAY
21 ON/OFF BUTTON
22 DOOR LOCK
23 SL MAGAZINE LOCK
24 MATTE BOX
25 FILTER HOLDERS
26 ORIENTABLE VIEWFINDER ON ADAPTER PLATE
27 B&W VIDEO ASSIST
28 READOUT
29 MOVIELITE
30 B&W VIDEO CAMERA
31 LONG EYEPIECE
32 1000 FT/300 M MAGAZINE
33 LONG RODS
34 LENS SUPPORT BRACKET
35 FOLLOW FOCUS
36 BASE PLATE
37 SL MAGAZINE ADAPTER
THE SL SYSTEM
10
[23]
[21] [22] [10] [19] [20]
[25] [26][24] [27] [28] [30][29] [31] [32]
[33] [34] [36][35] [37]
[11]
11

THE SL SYSTEM
1 400 FT/120 M STEADICAM SL MAGAZINE
2 FOOTAGE COUNTER WITH INPUT UNIT
3 SL VIDEO VIEWFINDER
4POWER RECEPTACLE
5 SYNC OUT CONNECTOR
6 COVER PLATE OF MAIN FUSE HOLDER
7 ACCESSORY BOX INTERFACE PLUG
8 RIGHT HANDGRIP ATTACHMENT
9 ACCESSORY BRACKET
10 400 FT/120 M SL MAGAZINE
11 MAGAZINE/M. ADAPTER RELEASE BUTTON
12 COVER PLATE OF VIEWFINDER EXIT
13 SL VIEWFINDER
14 RIGHT HANDGRIP MOUNTING RAIL
15 RIGHT HANDGRIP
16 24V OUTLET
17 SL BASE PLATE
18 LEFT HANDGRIP
19 MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BUTTON
20 FPS INPUT UNIT/DISPLAY
21 ON/OFF BUTTON
22 DOOR LOCK
23 SL MAGAZINE LOCK
24 MATTE BOX
25 FILTER HOLDERS
26 ORIENTABLE VIEWFINDER ON ADAPTER PLATE
27 B&W VIDEO ASSIST
28 READOUT
29 MOVIELITE
30 B&W VIDEO CAMERA
31 LONG EYEPIECE
32 1000 FT/300 M MAGAZINE
33 LONG RODS
34 LENS SUPPORT BRACKET
35 FOLLOW FOCUS
36 BASE PLATE
37 SL MAGAZINE ADAPTER
THE SL SYSTEM
10
[23]
[21] [22] [10] [19] [20]
[25] [26][24] [27] [28] [30][29] [31] [32]
[33] [34] [36][35] [37]
[11]
11

CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF
THE COMPACT-SYSTEM
Notes:
12

CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF
THE SL-SYSTEM
Notes:
12

CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
The lower connector [1] may be used for the remote control
of the on/off button (e.g. RIGHT HANDGRIP button). The
dovetail type accessory bracket [3] is used to hold the
CARRYING HANDLE or the LIGHTWEIGHT FOLLOW
FOCUS device.
15
CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
Contrary to the other MOVIECAM CAMERAS, the
MOVIECAM SL is provided only with an ARRI PL lens
mount [5]. Depending on the mounting, you can shoot
either STANDARD 35 or SUPER 35 format. This choice has
to be stated at the rental house where the necessary
changes are made. To remove the MOUNT CAP [6] or the
lens itself, turn the two bayonet levers [4] counter-clockwise.
To mount a lens, turn the levers gently clockwise until the
lens is seated properly. Do not use force!
Left of the lens mount there are two connectors. The top one
[2] has a 24 V outlet, is protected by a 1,6 A multifuse and
may be used for any remote-controlled device, e.g. zoom
drive. In case of an external short circuit, e.g. defective
zoom drive, the automatic multifuse cuts off the power
supply of the connector. To reactivate the multifuse, remove
the part that caused the short circuit; disconnect the camera
for approx. 30 seconds, i.e. power supply has to be totally
cut.
Remark: Depending on the customer´s requests, the camera
may be delivered with different types of connectors. Make
sure that all the accessories, cables and plugs you order fit
together. 
Fig. 2 – CAMERA FRONT
On/off button outlet
24 V outlet
Accessory bracket
(Dovetail)
Lens mount lever
Lens mount
Lens mount cap
Tape measure hook
Accessory/
STEADICAM
attachment
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[10]
[20]
[4] [20]
[10]
[3]
[2]
[1]
14

CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
The lower connector [1] may be used for the remote control
of the on/off button (e.g. RIGHT HANDGRIP button). The
dovetail type accessory bracket [3] is used to hold the
CARRYING HANDLE or the LIGHTWEIGHT FOLLOW
FOCUS device.
15
CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
Contrary to the other MOVIECAM CAMERAS, the
MOVIECAM SL is provided only with an ARRI PL lens
mount [5]. Depending on the mounting, you can shoot
either STANDARD 35 or SUPER 35 format. This choice has
to be stated at the rental house where the necessary
changes are made. To remove the MOUNT CAP [6] or the
lens itself, turn the two bayonet levers [4] counter-clockwise.
To mount a lens, turn the levers gently clockwise until the
lens is seated properly. Do not use force!
Left of the lens mount there are two connectors. The top one
[2] has a 24 V outlet, is protected by a 1,6 A multifuse and
may be used for any remote-controlled device, e.g. zoom
drive. In case of an external short circuit, e.g. defective
zoom drive, the automatic multifuse cuts off the power
supply of the connector. To reactivate the multifuse, remove
the part that caused the short circuit; disconnect the camera
for approx. 30 seconds, i.e. power supply has to be totally
cut.
Remark: Depending on the customer´s requests, the camera
may be delivered with different types of connectors. Make
sure that all the accessories, cables and plugs you order fit
together. 
Fig. 2 – CAMERA FRONT
On/off button outlet
24 V outlet
Accessory bracket
(Dovetail)
Lens mount lever
Lens mount
Lens mount cap
Tape measure hook
Accessory/
STEADICAM
attachment
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[10]
[20]
[4] [20]
[10]
[3]
[2]
[1]
14

CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
Power (24 V) for eyecup heater or ASSISTANT WORK
LIGHT is supplied via the connector [8].
The tape measure is attached to the hook [10] that
indicates the image plane. 
[4] - Lens mount lever
[7] - On/off button
[8] -Connector 24 V / 400 mA
[9] -Multi-functional button
[10] - Tape measure hook
[15] -Cover plate for Viewfinder exit
[23] -FPS display
[24] -FPS input unit
[green LED] - Camera is running
[red LED] -Battery low, out of sync
Fig. 3b – CONTROL BOARD
[15]
[10]
[8]
[24]
[7]
[4]
[23]
[9]
17
[green
LED]
[red
LED]
CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
[4] - Lens mount lever
[7]- On/off button
[8] -Connector 24 V / 400 mA
[9] -Multi-functional button
[10] - Tape measure hook
[11] -Magazine / Magazine adapter connector
[12] -Door lock
[15] -Cover plate for Viewfinder exit
[16] -Power receptacle
[19] -Magazine / Magazine adapter release button
[23] -FPS display
[24] -FPS input unit
[green LED] -Camera is running
[red LED] -Battery low, out of sync
The door is located at the left side of the camera
body. When it is closed, the door lock [12] must be
flush with the door. By turning the door lock the door is
firmly pressed onto the camera body so no light can
enter.
In case of difficulties when closing the door, do not use
force! Please check whether the movement is in its front
position and the film guides are closed.

Fig. 3a – CAMERA LEFT SIDE
[15] [10] [20] [19]
[11]
[12]
[16]
[7]
[4]
[23]
[9]
16
[green LED]
[red LED]
[24]
[8]

CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
Power (24 V) for eyecup heater or ASSISTANT WORK
LIGHT is supplied via the connector [8].
The tape measure is attached to the hook [10] that
indicates the image plane.
The multi-functional button [9] has the following three
functions: 
[4] - Lens mount lever
[7] - On/off button
[8] -Connector 24 V / 400 mA
[9] -Multi-functional button
[10] - Tape measure hook
[15] -Cover plate for Viewfinder exit
[23] -FPS display
[24] -FPS input unit
[green LED] - Camera is running
[red LED] -Battery low, out of sync
Fig. 3b – CONTROL BOARD
[15]
[10]
[8]
[24]
[7]
[4]
[23]
[9]
17
[green
LED]
[red
LED]
CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
[4] - Lens mount lever
[7]- On/off button
[8] -Connector 24 V / 400 mA
[9] -Multi-functional button
[10] - Tape measure hook
[11] -Magazine / Magazine adapter connector
[12] -Door lock
[15] -Cover plate for Viewfinder exit
[16] -Power receptacle
[19] -Magazine / Magazine adapter release button
[23] -FPS display
[24] -FPS input unit
[green LED] -Camera is running
[red LED] -Battery low, out of sync
The door is located at the left side of the camera
body. When it is closed, the door lock [12] must be
flush with the door. By turning the door lock the door is
firmly pressed onto the camera body so no light can
enter.
In case of difficulties when closing the door, do not use
force! Please check whether the movement is in its front
position and the film guides are closed.

Fig. 3a – CAMERA LEFT SIDE
[15] [10] [20] [19]
[11]
[12]
[16]
[7]
[4]
[23]
[9]
16
[green LED]
[red LED]
[24]
[8]

CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
Flashing when a buckle switch has
been interrupted (e.g. badly
threaded film).
Stand-by camera.
Lighting when camera runs with 12 fps.
Flashing when lower speed has
been selected.
Lighting when camera runs with 24 fps.
Lighting when camera runs with 32 fps.
Flashing when a higher speed has
been selected.
Flashing when multi-functional knob
is pressed and mirror shutter is in
shooting position.
Shows malfunction of the driving
system (motor, electronics).
Following information is provided by the display on
the control board of the MOVIECAM SL, on the
READOUT or on the REMOTE CONTROL BOX
– MOVIECAM SL without ACCESSORY BOX:
19
Fig. 3c – DISPLAY
CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
CAMERA IS OFF:
1.Take-up function:
By shortly pressing this button, the film is tightened by
the two magazine winders.
2.Dust-check function:
By pressing this button approx. 2 seconds, the mirror
shutter is cleared out of the way and thus permits to
check the film gate without having to open the camera
door.
CAMERA IS ON:
3.TV-bar function:
By pressing this button during shooting, the image
separation bar on the TV or computer screen may be
shifted toward the bottom of the viewfinder image. As
long as the bar remains in this position, it is not visible
on film.
The camera is switched on by activating either the
button [7], the RIGHT HANDGRIP button or the button
on the REMOTE CONTROL.
Equally, any of those buttons can be employed to
switch off the camera, and vice versa.
18

CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
Flashing when a buckle switch has
been interrupted (e.g. badly
threaded film).
Stand-by camera.
Lighting when camera runs with 12 fps.
Flashing when lower speed has
been selected.
Lighting when camera runs with 24 fps.
Lighting when camera runs with 32 fps.
Flashing when a higher speed has
been selected.
Flashing when multi-functional knob
is pressed and mirror shutter is in
shooting position.
Shows malfunction of the driving
system (motor, electronics).
Following information is provided by the display on
the control board of the MOVIECAM SL, on the
READOUT or on the REMOTE CONTROL BOX
– MOVIECAM SL without ACCESSORY BOX:
19
Fig. 3c – DISPLAY
CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
The multi-functional
button [9] has the following three functions:
CAMERA IS OFF:
1.Take-up function:
By shortly pressing this button, the film is tightened by
the two magazine winders.
2.Dust-check function:
By pressing this button approx. 2 seconds, the mirror
shutter is cleared out of the way and thus permits to
check the film gate without having to open the camera
door.
CAMERA IS ON:
3.TV-bar function:
By pressing this button during shooting, the image
separation bar on the TV or computer screen may be
shifted toward the bottom of the viewfinder image. As
long as the bar remains in this position, it is not visible
on film.
The camera is switched on by activating either the
button [7], the RIGHT HANDGRIP button or the button
on the REMOTE CONTROL.
Equally, any of those buttons can be employed to
switch off the camera, and vice versa.
18

CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
[11] - Magazine / Magazine adapter connector
[14] - Camera opening
[16] - Power receptacle
[13] - Magazine / Magazine adapter mounting rails
[20] - Accessory / STEADICAM attachment
[25a] - Magazine / Magazine adapter release button
[25b] - Magazine / Magazine adapter lock
The connector [11], mounted mobile to facilitate the
plug-in, is used for both electronic interface and power
supply for the magazine drives.
The MAGAZINES (or MAGAZINE ADAPTER) are
attached at the camera rear by sliding them onto the
mounting rail [13].
Below the magazine lower mounting rail there is the
receptacle [16] for the camera’s 24 V power supply.
Fig. 4a – CAMERA REAR
[14]
[16]
[11]
21
[13]
[25a] [20] [25b]
CHAPTER 1
THE BODY OF THE SL SYSTEM
Flashing when speed either too high
or low has been selected on SUPER
SPEED CONTROL BOX.
Lighting when camera runs with 2 fps.
Flashing when lower speed has been
selected.
Lighting when camera runs with 40 fps.
Flashing when higher speed has
been selected.
Reverse shooting with 12 fps.
Flashing when lower reverse speed
has been selected.
Reverse shooting with 24 fps.
Reverse shooting with 32 fps.
Flashing when higher reverse speed
has been selected.
Shown when mirror shutter, controlled
via single frame connector, remains in
shooting position (approx. 4 seconds).
Shown when reverse mode is chosen
(SUPER SPEED CONTROL BOX) and
an SL MAGAZINE is mounted.
20
– MOVIECAM SL with ACCESSORY BOX: