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AAton 35-III User Manual

Summary of 35-III

  • Page 1

    U ser’s g uide june 97 3 5 - i i i user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 1.

  • Page 2

    2 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 2.

  • Page 3

    3 introduction user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 3.

  • Page 4

    The aaton 35-iii user guide aaton 2 rue de la paix bp 3002 38000 grenoble france +33 4 7642 9550 +33 4 7651 3491 fax e-mail: support@aaton.Com web: http://www.Aaton.Com (c) june 1997 aaton / grenoble , france. Limitation of liability the information contained in this manual is distributed without wa...

  • Page 5: 1 General Overview

    1 general overview front view 12 rear view 13 battery side 14 motor side 15 lcd control panel - quick reference 16 2 the camera body 2.1 lenses 20 arri pl lens port 20 installing the lens 20 2.2 viewing system 20 viewfinder options 20 installing the extension finder 21 viewfinder tension adjustments...

  • Page 6

    2.6 magazine 30 installing the magazine 30 removing the magazine 31 2.7 power 31 installing the battery on the camera 31 battery charging 32 other power options 32 2.8 motor 33 camera speeds 33 using external speed devices 34 electronic inching 34 single frame operation 35 2.9 lcd control panel and ...

  • Page 7: The Magazine

    Menu operations 42 3 the magazine concept 48 pressure plate system 48 the gate plate 48 the picture plate 48 loading 49 first step, in daylight 49 loading, in the dark 50 adjusting the loop 51 4 the aaton system camera configurations 56 15mm front rods 56 sliding bridgeplate 56 handgrip 57 mounting ...

  • Page 8: Cleaning

    5 cleaning 5.1 lens 64 lens elements 64 lens exterior 64 mounting surface 64 5.2 body 64 exterior 64 mounting surfaces 65 camera gate 65 5.3 viewing system 65 viewing screen 66 eyepiece 66 viewfinder 66 5.4 magazine 66 exterior 66 pressure plates 66 interior / film path 67 6 super35 6.1 super35 70 t...

  • Page 9: Aatoncode

    8 aatoncode 8.1 concept 80 8.2 the internal clock 80 8.3 originc plus masterclock 81 8.4 initializing aatoncode in the camera 81 using the originc plus - recommended method 82 using an external smpte device 82 8.5 monitoring and maintaining aatoncode 83 monitoring aatoncode with originc plus 83 main...

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    User 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 10

  • Page 11

    General overview 11 1 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 11.

  • Page 12

    1.1 front 1 eyepiece 2 friction adjusting ring adjusts the tension of the eyepiece swivel 3 diopter set ring adjusts the diopter setting of the viewfinder to the operator’s eye 4 lateral lock knob locks the lateral position of the viewfinder 5 pl lens port 6 ccd control unit 7 ccd friction ring 8 le...

  • Page 13

    1.2 rear 11 pitch and mirror shutter adjusting tools 12 ccd led - on/off indicator 13 magnetic wheel for the magazine’s sprockets 14 xlr4 connector allows for the battery connection 15 aperture opening 16 battery locking screw 17 magnetic wheel for the magazine’s take-up core 18 lcd control panel di...

  • Page 14

    1.3 battery side 21 carrying handle 22 base of the carrying handle and viewing system block 23 guiding pin for the magazine 24 amph9 connector connects the ccd unit to the camera body 25 cap covering the viewing screen holder 26 magazine connector 27 coupler allows for the handgrip attachment 28 gui...

  • Page 15

    1.4 motors side 31 eyepiece shutter blocks light when operator’s eye is away from the viewfinder 32 lemo6 connector 33 lemo8 connector 34 led indicators 35 handgrip run/test switch provides camera run and full frame inching 36 lemo2 connector 37 magazine’s take-up core motor 38 handgrip t-screw 39 m...

  • Page 16

    16 in show mode 24’ - 080 camera speed and remaining footage (default mode) iso = 100 film asa (1 x batt/iso) batt = 10’4 battery voltage (2 x batt/iso) mag =0071 magazine number (3 x batt/iso) sp = 27’454 camera speed (1 x speed) ela = 042 elapsed footage during last take (2 x speed) 22=32=54 hours...

  • Page 17

    17 general overview user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 17.

  • Page 18

    User 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 18.

  • Page 19

    The camera body 19 2 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 19.

  • Page 20: 2.1 Lenses

    2.1 lenses the aaton 35-iii’s flexible lens mounting system allows for the use of a wide variety of 35mm lenses. 2.1.1 arripl lens port the arripl lens port is the standard mounting system delivered with the aaton 35-iii and allows the use of all 35mm arripl mounted motion picture lenses. Pl lenses ...

  • Page 21

    Mitchell type dolly, or in situations requiring additional reach, the hyperlong (400 mm) finder, which is twice as long as the standard extension finder, can be used. The aaton hyperlong finder integrates as a standard feature a hea- ting system designed to fight mist. A heating system kit is also a...

  • Page 22

    Pin on the seat of the viewfinder and align the pin with the hole in the flange of the finder. Make the flange to the seat of the viewfin- der and tighten the lock ring until it is set firmly in place. During this procedure, you will notice that the extension finder needs to face 180° away from the ...

  • Page 23

    - use this reference to quickly recall your particular setting when more than one person will be looking through the viewfinder. If a corrective lens is required, one can be fitted in the recessed area of the eyecup ring of both the standard eyepiece and the extension finder. 2.2.5 the eyepiece shut...

  • Page 24

    The viewing screen is designed to be easily removed by the user for the purpose of interchanging or for cleaning. To remove the screen, first remove the port cap. Remove the battery and clear the mirror shutter so that it is positioned safely inside the body by rotating at the base of the shutter wi...

  • Page 25: 2.3 Mirror Shutter

    Of the camera is set according to the manufacturer specifications. 52 mm ,57.15 mm and that the lens used is correctly adjusted ; this can be determined by the use of a collimator. It is preferable to use a “wide angle lens” i.E. : less than 25 mm. To proceed, you must first unscrew and remove the c...

  • Page 26

    Without flicker. • 144° to minimize the roll bar while filming ntsc broadcast monitor at 24 fps. 2.3.2 adjusting the shutter to adjust the shutter opening, unscrew the shutter tool marked “sh” located in the hollow at the rear of the camera’s carrying hand- le. Make sure that the battery is off the ...

  • Page 27: 2.5 Flange Focal Distance

    When the adjustment is complete, remove the tool and store back in the hollow of the carrying handle. 2.4 film gate and pulldown claw 2.4.1 adjusting the pitch to adjust the pitch, use the tool (ref 09.203.65) located at the rear of the camera carrying handle. Looking at the camera with the lens por...

  • Page 28

    2.5.1 concept for a few years now, aaton has inserted a spacer between the lens port and the camera body. This thin (0.3mm) metallic ring is res- ponsible for the precise distance between the lens port seat and the film plane called the flange focal distance (ffd), and therefore it is also mainly re...

  • Page 29: 2.6 Magazine

    To readjust the precise focus of the viewing screen. Refer to the 2.9 section of this chapter to proceed. 2.5.5 flange focal distances here are the flange focal distances for all the lens ports available for the aaton 35-iii. Remember that these distances are automatical- ly shorter by 0.3mm than th...

  • Page 30: 2.7 Power

    2.6.2 removing the magazine to remove the magazine, situate yourself at the rear of the camera body, battery side. Place your right hand palm on the camera take- up motor and pull the mag lock lever towards the rear of the camera with your fingers. The mag will be toward the rear of the camera. The ...

  • Page 31

    Body. When snug, tighten the knurled screw onto the battery tab to hold it in place. When running aatoncode, get into the practice of having a fresh battery on hand before removing the one from the camera. Even a low battery that no longer runs the body (below 10v) will have enough voltage to keep a...

  • Page 32: 2.8 Motor

    Batteries where the norm; these chargers where most likely rated for the lower amperage batteries of that time and will consistently undercharge the higher rated nicad cells of today. 2.7.3 other power options since the aaton 35-iii power input is a standard 4 pin xlr type, a great varitey of 12-14 ...

  • Page 33

    Enables the body to run at any speed between 3 and 40 in .001 fra- me increments. A phase adjustment of the variable speed is acces- sible from the var selector and jog wheel. The camera speed can also be adjusted while the camera is running in either sync or variable mode. For more information on t...

  • Page 34

    The camera, but provides half frame inching for gate inspection and loop situating when installing a fresh mag. From a remote cable the lemo2 connector, as well as lemo6, lemo8 and amph9 acces- sory connectors, provide the capability of using a remote on/off with either a half-frame or full-frame in...

  • Page 35

    Ton ot by rotating the jog, depending on the parameter. Pressing set afterwards (or waiting for 7 seconds) will enter your selection. Capped text (sync, var, iso) refers to those functions adjustable while in the set mode; standard text (speed, time, iso/batt) refers to those functions accessible di...

  • Page 36

    Used. The asa/iso selection will insure that the timecode matrix recorded on the edge of the film in the gate will be exposed at an appropriate and useable level. If aatoncode is not running in the camera, the setting of the asa/iso will have no effect. Press button iso/batt twice to view the asa se...

  • Page 37

    To set the camera to be driven from an external source (such as film/video synchronizer or external speed control), press set, then var twice. Et will be displayed, indicating that camera is set in external mode. 2.9.9 speed phasing the phasing of the variable speed can be set to eliminate a roll ba...

  • Page 38: 2.10 Led Indicators

    35mm 4-perf camera, working with the software version number 2.08. 2.9.13 total footage recall to find out total footage run through the camera since manufacture install, hook up a battery onto the camera body, press sync and flip the switch to test. The footage displays in thousands of images. 2.9....

  • Page 39: 2.11 Video Assist

    2.10.4 low battery indicator ● yellow diode is on. ● ● ● red diode is evenly flashing. The lcd control panel displays lo batt. 2.10.5 low speed indicator ● yellow diode is on. ● ● ● red diode is blinking fast. The lcd control panel displays lo speed. 2.11 video assist the aaton 35-iii accept 4 diffe...

  • Page 40

    Frame is easier to locate than the viewing screen’s frame. The director can then immediatly control his operator’s images. Of course, the video assist was first created to be used in such a way. But, now that video editing (including the virtual video editing) offers new powerfull tools to the edito...

  • Page 41

    Necessary, clean this surface with lens fluid applied with a coton q- tip. Install the lens into the camera video port. Connect the control unit cable to the camera body through the amph9 connector. Connect a bnc cable to the monitor and power the aaton 35- iii. Turn on the toggle switch of the ccd ...

  • Page 42

    Inside the video image. Use the arrows to proceed. •time time allows you to choose the position of the current time insertion inside the video image. Use the arrows to proceed. • cam cam allows you to choose the position of the magazine number insertion inside the video image. Use the arrows to proc...

  • Page 43

    Technical allows you to access to a submenu only dedicated to the vitc lines insertion. These lines are automatically inserted in the video image. Technical/xtal adjust is a parameter adjusted in factory. Keep in mind that you should never modify it. Technical/vitc position allows you to choose the ...

  • Page 44

    User 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 44.

  • Page 45

    The magazine 45 3 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 45.

  • Page 46: 3.1 Concept

    3.1 concept the aaton magazine has been designed to be instantly installed or removed, and to be loaded quickly. In order to have a more compact magazine, both cores (feed and take-up) shift together during fil- ming. The magazine is driven magnetically from two intermediate drives connected to the ...

  • Page 47: 3.3 Loading

    3.3 loading 3.3.1 first step, in daylight here you prepare the magazine to receive the film. • place the magazine on a table, its throat facing left. Unfasten the door locks by turning downward and open the door. • you can now choose to have the footage remaining displayed (on the magazine as on the...

  • Page 48

    • remove the film from its can and bag. • place the film roll on the rear spindle. Check that the core drive pin on the spindle is not caught on one of the core ribs or the roll will not seat properly. Secure the spindle-lock. • thread two feet of film, making sure it passes outside the top gui- din...

  • Page 49

    Once the door is closed, you need to adjust the loop. • place the magazine with its digital display facing toward you and the magazine nose being to your right. The correct loop size can be adjusted, by using the loop tool delivered with the magazine. • if you cannot insert the tool between the mag ...

  • Page 50

    The take-up core indicating that the magazine has been correctly loa- ded. • you can then install the mag on the camera body. • to engage the film, turn the camera's on/off switch to test posi- tion and off again. If the loop is too short or not properly centered into the camera gate, the camera lcd...

  • Page 51

    51 the magazine user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 51.

  • Page 52

    User 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 52.

  • Page 53

    The aaton system 53 4 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 53.

  • Page 54: 4.1 Camera Configurations

    4.1 camera configurations the aaton 35-iii is designed to be easily converted between the follo- wing two accessory configurations: 4.1.1 15mm front rods the most versatile and popular configuration for accessorizing the aaton 35-iii, the universal 15mm screw-in front rod system can instantly accept...

  • Page 55: 4.2 Handgrip

    The aaton 35-iii can also accept standard 15 and 19mm sliding bridgeplates for building the camera system for high-end studio work. The bridgeplate configuration can accept aaton, arri, chros- ziel and other manufacturer’s mattebox, follow focus and support equipment that is designed for bridgeplate...

  • Page 56: 4.3 Tripod Use

    While hand-holding the camera, pressing the rocker switch to the right provides camera run, pressing the switch to the left provides test. Unlike the body switch, the camera test position of the hand- grip is a momentary switch. Pressing and holding the switch opens the shutter and advances the mech...

  • Page 57: 4.5 Carrying Handle

    Additional padding for handheld operation. The wooden handgrip is attached to the front rod coupler at a slight angle to bring the opera- tor’s elbow into his side and increase stability. The system can be completely built off the 15mm front rods without the use of a bridgeplate to allow for quick c...

  • Page 58: 4.7 Extreme Conditions

    One often overlooked, yet vital factor in the proper functioning and lon- gevity of your camera equipment is your transportation practices. A few good shipping habits can avert potential damage caused by careless mes- senger services and airport handling. When shipping and carrying your equipment, i...

  • Page 59

    Located in its base which is designed to automatically turn on when needed and maintain the claw mechanism at a temperature of 15°f. One of the cold, hard facts of cold weather shooting is the conside- rable reduction of battery life. Do whatever possible to conserve your batteries and always carry ...

  • Page 60

    User 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 60

  • Page 61

    Cleaning 61 5 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 61.

  • Page 62: 5.1 Lens

    5.1 lens 5.1.1 lens elements the front and rear surface of your lenses should be inspected regu- larly and always kept clean of dust particles, smudges, fingerprints, etc. First, blow off any large particles of debris using an air syringe. Lens elements should then be cleaned using lens cleaning flu...

  • Page 63: 5.3 Viewing System

    Port ring completely free of dirt and debris. Clean this surface, as well as the threads of the lens lock ring using alcohol or a multi-pur- pose cleaner applied to a q-tip. 5.2.3 camera gate the gate should be cleaned of film particles by means of a pointed wooden or plastic orange stick. The tool ...

  • Page 64: 5.4 Magazine

    The body. Remove the viewing screen. Clean both upper and lower surfaces of the screen and reinstall. 5.3.2 eyepiece clean the eyepiece lens, which is the outermost element closest to your eye, by first blowing the surface with canned air, then cleaning with lens fluid and a q-tip. Remove the eyepie...

  • Page 65

    With soft bristles to clean particles from tight crevices. Afterwards, use canned air and thoroughly blow out any remaining dust in the throat and chamber. 65 cleaning user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 65.

  • Page 66

    User 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 66.

  • Page 67

    Super35 67 6 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 67.

  • Page 68: 6.1 Super Vs Standard 35Mm

    6.1 super vs standard 35mm 6.1.1 the super35 format super35 is a comeback to the cinema origins: silent cameras were exposing all the available area between perforations of the 35mm film. When came the “talkies” the picture had to be reduced to give room to the 2.54mm-wide optical sound track. Equip...

  • Page 69: 6.2 Camera Conversion

    Cal “reduction and axis shift” at the interpositve stage. 6.2 camera conversion the 35-iii camera can easily be converted from standard35 to super35 and back. A quick lateral sliding of the viewfinder and lens mount, that’s all there is to it. 6.2.1 lens-mount repositionning the lens-mount is on a t...

  • Page 70

    (until it reaches its stop), and then tighten back the screws. To set the viewfinder to standard35, shift the handle toward the dis- play side. 6.2.3 selecting a viewing screen there is a wide choice of standard35 viewing screens and four super35 ones to the 1.78, 1.85, 2.35 and scope aspect ratios....

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    71 super35 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 71.

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    User 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 72.

  • Page 73

    3-perf format 73 7 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 73.

  • Page 74: 7.1 Concept

    7.1 concept the only thing we know about tomorrow’s high definition tv is its aspect ratio of 16/9 (1.78). This new ratio is now taking the place of the 1.85 (usa) and 1.66 (europe) ratios. This is why it is time to re-examine the moscow’s idea (1962) of the 3-perf format. As a matter of fact, an im...

  • Page 75

    With the sames viewing system, magazines, and lens as on a standard aaton 35-iii (4-perf ). For one who already owns a aaton 35- iii, it is only required to buy a 35-iii 3-perf camera body, because he can use the magazines, viewing systems, batteries, and so on whi- ch was aquired for his standard 3...

  • Page 76

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  • Page 77

    Aatoncode 77 8 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 77.

  • Page 78: 8.1 Concept

    8.1 concept aatoncode, aaton’s proprietary in-camera timecode system, is recor- ded in the aaton 35-iii on the edge of the film between the per- forations in both matrix and man-readable form. As recorded in the camera, a six digit production id, a smpte-compatible real time address (full date and t...

  • Page 79: 8.3 Originc

    Frame) for 8 hours. The camera is equipped with an instantly charged supercapacitor buffer that is designed to keep time between battery changes. Keep in mind that a battery which is too low to run the camera has enough energy to drive internal clock for hours. Get into the habit of leaving an exhau...

  • Page 80

    8.4.1 using the origincplus - recommended method • program the origincplus by inputting prod id, accurate date and time of day. Press the # key to scroll through each field; after all fields are set as desired, press * to start the clock. • make sure the camera has a battery attached. • plug the lem...

  • Page 81: Aatoncode

    Aatoncode after initialization, the origincplus should be left on during produc- tion to act as a visual reference and for quick drift monitoring. Once timecode has been initialized into the camera(s) and sound recorder, accurate time will be individually maintained in each machine for 7 hours. It i...

  • Page 82

    Because more and more cineasts are using sound recorders not speci- fically designed for cinema, which means with no integrated timeco- de, aaton needed to modify its origincplus: now, origincplus is able to serve as a smpte generator, which you can connect to any sound recorder. But origincplus may...

  • Page 83

    Check that all diodes are operational and evenly illuminated. As part of the normal gate cleaning procedure, clean this area with a q-tip moisten with lens cleaning fluid to assure that no dust particles cover the led array. The seven diodes will illuminate in test position whether or not timecode i...

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    User 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 84.

  • Page 85

    Technical specifications 85 9 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 85.

  • Page 86

    9.1 technical specifications weight 7kg (16 lbs) with 400’ load and on-board battery. Power brushless, high efficiency tri-phase motor; 1.4 amp. Consumption with film at 25°c (77°f) under 12v power supply (10-15v). Temperature range -10°c (14°f) to +40°c (104°f) noise level 4-perf: 30 / 33 db. 3-per...

  • Page 87

    9.2 connector - pin attributions t ype fonctions diagram localisation pin attributions lemo2 on/off/test between the 1 ground two motors. 2 start looking down. Lemo5 timecode under 1 ground interface jog wheel. 2 smpte in 3 ascii in/out 4 et 5l not used lemo6 power zoom above the right 1 -batt motor...

  • Page 88

    88 acad+tvtrans+ tv safe 1.66 1.85 1.37 + 1.66 & 1.85 markings acad+tvtrans+ tv safe + 1.85 scope 2.35 acad + tvtrans + tv safe +1.66 1.85 super35 1.85 + scope super35 1.85 super35 2.35 + super35 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 88.

  • Page 89

    89 technical specifications user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 89.

  • Page 90

    User 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 90

  • Page 91

    Worldwide support 91 10 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 91.

  • Page 92

    Australia lemac film 277 highett street tel : 61 39 429 8588 victoria 3121 richmond fax : 61 39 428 3336 contact: john bowring belgium color by dejonghe diskmuidekaai 4 tel : 32 5635 0710 b 8500 kortrije fax : 32 5635 0780 contact: dirk dejonghe brazil haga de rua sergipe 475 cj. 711 tel : 55 11 258...

  • Page 93

    Germany dedo weigert film karl-weinmair strasse 10 tel : 49 89 356 1601 80807 munich 40 fax : 49 89 356 6086 contact: victoria johnson great britain ice film equipment 156 caledonian road tel : 44 171 278 0908 n1 9uu london fax : 44 171 278 4552 contact: peter bryant greece chassapis olymbou st 55 t...

  • Page 94

    Malaysia trans asian & american films & cinema 7, tingkat taman ipoh - 10 tel : 605 545 7113 31400 ipoh, perak fax : 605 547 7873 contact: alexander sange portugal animatografo rua da rosa 252 tel : 351 1347 4593 1250 lisboa fax : 351 1347 3252 contact: antonio cunha telles spain epc nieremberg 29 t...

  • Page 95

    Abelcine tech / ny 66 willow avenue tel : 1 718 273 8108 ny 10305 staten island fax : 1 718 273 8137 contact: peter abel 95 worldwide support user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 95.

  • Page 96

    User 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 96.

  • Page 97

    Index 97 11 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 97.

  • Page 98

    98 3-perf 2.6, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 9.1 aatoncode 1.2, 1.5, 2.7.2, 2.9.3, 2.9.4, 2.11.3, 8, 8.1, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.5.1, 8.5.2, 9.1 amph9 1.4, 2.8.3, 2.11.2, 9.1, 9.2 aperture opening 1.2, 2.2.8, 2.9.3, 3.2.2, 5.2.3 arripl 2.1.1, 9.1 asa 1.2, 1.3, 2.9.4, 8.1, 8.4.1, 8.7.2 battery 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.3.2, 2.7, 2....

  • Page 99

    99 index user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 99.

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    100 user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 100

  • Page 101

    101 index user 35 us 23/1 -2 1/20/98 19:46 page 101.