JVC GR-AX640 User Manual

COMP ACT VHS CAMCORDER

GR-AX640

ENGLISH

INSTRUCTIONS

For Customer Use:

Enter below the Model No. and Serial No. which is located on the bottom of cabinet. Retain this information for future reference.

Model No.

Serial No.

LYT0255-001C

2 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 (

• Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well.

• Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference.

Z pg. 7).

It is recommended that you . . .

..... refer to the Index (Z pgs. 45 – 48) and familiarize

yourself with button locations, etc. before use.

..... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions and Safety

Instructions that follow. They contain extremely important information regarding the safe use of this product.

You are recommended to carefully read the cautions on pages 49 and 50 before use.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Warning on lithium battery

(for clock operation)

The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C (212°F) or incinerate. Replace the battery with Maxell, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric), Sanyo or Sony CR2025; use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

n Dispose of used battery promptly. n Keep away from children. n Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire.

NOTES:

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) and safety caution are on the bottom and/or the back of the main unit.

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) of the AC Power Adapter/Charger is on its bottom.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

The AA-V15U AC Power Adapter/Charger should be used with: AC 120 V`, 60 Hz in the USA and Canada, AC 110 – 240 V`, 50/60 Hz in other countries.

CAUTION (applies to the AA-V15U)

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

ATTENTION (s’applique à l’AA-V15U)

POUR ÉVITER LES CHOCS ÉLECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND.

This camcorder is designed to be used with NTSCtype color television signals. It cannot be used for playback with a television of a different standard. However, live recording and viewfinder playback are possible anywhere. Use the BN-V11U/V12U/ V20U battery packs and, to recharge them, the provided multi-voltage AC Power Adapter/Charger. (An appropriate conversion adapter may be necessary to accommodate different designs of AC outlets in different countries.)

ATTENTION:

The product that you have purchased is powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery is recyclable. At the end of its useful life, under various state and local laws, it may be illegal to dispose of this battery into the municipal waste stream. Check with your local solid waste officials for details in your area for recycling options or proper disposal.

IMPORTANT PRODUCT

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Electrical energy can perform many useful functions. But improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. This product has been engineered and manufactured to assure your personal safety. In order not to defeat the built-in safeguards, observe the following basic rules for its installation, use and servicing.

ATTENTION:

Follow and obey all warnings and instructions marked on your product and its operating instructions. For your safety, please read all the safety and operating instructions before you operate this product and keep this manual for future reference.

INSTALLATION

1. Grounding or Polarization

(A) Your product may be equipped with a polarized

alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

(B) Your product may be equipped with a 3-wire

grounding-type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.

2. Power Sources

Operate your product only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. If your product is intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

3. Overloading

Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

4. Power Cord Protection

Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

EN3

5. Ventilation

Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered.

•Do not block the openings by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface.

•Do not place the product in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

6. Wall or Ceiling Mounting

The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

ANTENNA INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Outdoor Antenna Grounding

If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.

2. Lightning

For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

3. Power Lines

An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, ANSI/NFPA 70

ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE

GROUND CLAMP

ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT

(NEC SECTION ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM (NEC ART 250. PART H)

NEC – NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS (NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

4 EN

USE

1. Accessories

To avoid personal injury:

• Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. It may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product.

• Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product.

• Use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any mounting of the product.

• Do not try to roll a cart with small casters across thresholds or deep-pile carpets.

2. Product and Cart

Combination

A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

3. Water and Moisture

Do not use this product near water—for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool and the like.

4. Object and Liquid Entry

Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

5. Attachments

Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer of this product as they may cause hazards.

6. Cleaning

Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

7. Heat

The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

PORTABLE CART WARNING (Symbol provided by RETAC)

SERVICING

1. Servicing

If your product is not operating correctly or exhibits a marked change in performance and you are unable to restore normal operation by following the detailed procedure in its operating instructions, do not attempt to service it yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

2. Damage Requiring Service

Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged. b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen

into the product.

c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water. d. If the product does not operate normally by

following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.

e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in

any way.

f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in

performance—this indicates a need for service.

3. Replacement Parts

When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

4. Safety Check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating condition.

QUICK OPERATION GUIDE

EN5

SUPPLY POWER

INSERTING A VIDEO CASSETTE

Hook on.

Push in.

BATTERY RELEASE

Using the battery pack

Hook its end to the camcorder ( ) and push the battery pack in until it locks in place ( (Charging procedure,

Z pg. 8)

1 Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder. 2 Insert a video cassette. 3 Press PUSH to close the cassette holder.

PUSH Button EJECT Switch

(For more details, Z pg. 13)

To remove the battery pack

Slide BATTERY RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.

PLAYBACK SHOOTING

REW (

) Button

LENS COVER Open/Close Ring

PLAY/PAUSE

(

/6) Button

STOP (5) Button

Set to “PLAY”

1 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY”. 2 Press REW (

— The tape will automatically stop at the

beginning of the tape.

3 Press PLAY/PAUSE (

— Playback starts and the playback picture

appears.

•To stop playback, press STOP (5).

(For more details, Z pg.36.)

Or simply play back the tape on a VHS VCR using the Cassette Adapter (VHS Playpak).

/6).

Z pg. 39

Set to “AUTO” or “PRO.”

Recording Start/Stop Button

1 Turn the LENS COVER Open/Close Ring to

open the lens cover.

2 Set the Power Switch to “AUTO” or “PRO.”.

— The power lamp will light and an image

will appear.

3 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button.

— Recording starts.

•To stop recording temporarily, momentarily press the Recording Start/Stop Button once again. (For more details, Z pgs. 16, 17)

6 EN

MAJOR FEATURES

REMEMBER

The Logical Choice

The only compact video

cassettes that can be

used with your VHS VCR*

Program AE with Special Effects (

n Electronic Fog Filter n ND Effect n Sepia n Twilight n Sports n Nega/Posi n 1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter

5-Sec. Recording (Z pg. 20)

Z pg. 22, 23)

Picture Stabilizer (Z pg. 20)

Digital Hyper Zoom

Z pg. 18)

(

Zoom in

Zoom out

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

•AC Power Adapter/ Charger AA-V15U

•Cassette Adapter (VHS Playpak) C-P7U

Menu Adjustment

Z pg. 26, 27, 28)

(

Cassettes marked can be used with this camcorder.

•Shoulder Strap •Battery Pack

•Lithium Battery CR2025 x 1 (for clock operation)

BN-V11U

•DC Cord

CONTENTS

EN7

GETTING STARTED

Power............................................................................................................ 8

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal .............................................................. 10

Date/Time Settings.......................................................................................... 11

Recording Mode Setting..................................................................................... 12

Tape Length Setting.......................................................................................... 12

Loading/Unloading A Cassette............................................................................. 13

Grip Adjustment .............................................................................................. 14

Viewfinder Adjustment ..................................................................................... 14

Shoulder Strap Attachment ................................................................................. 15

Tripod Mounting .............................................................................................. 15

RECORDING

Basic Recording............................................................................................... 16

Basic Features ................................................................................................ 18

Advanced Features........................................................................................... 21

PLAYBACK

Basic Playback................................................................................................ 36

Features ....................................................................................................... 37

Using The Cassette Adapter ................................................................................ 39

Basic Connections And Tape Dubbing ...................................................................... 40

8 – 15

16 – 35

36 – 41

USER MAINTENANCE TROUBLESHOOTING

43 – 44

INDEX

Indications..................................................................................................... 45

Controls, Connectors And Indicators ...................................................................... 46

Terms .......................................................................................................... 48

CAUTIONS

45 – 48

49 – 50

SPECIFICATIONS OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ESPAÑOL

52 – 53

FOR SERVICING (Only in U.S.A.) WARRANTY (Only in U.S.A.)

8 EN

Marks

CHARGE indicator

REFRESH switch

REFRESH indicator

REFRESH

The AC Power Adapter/Charger features a REFRESH function that allows you to fully discharge the battery pack before recharging. Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.

To discharge the battery . . .

.... attach the battery pack to the adapter as

shown in the above illustration. Then push REFRESH. The REFRESH indicator lights when discharging starts, and goes out when discharging is complete.

To AC outlet

GETTING STARTED

Power

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

SUPPLY POWER

Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall outlet.

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it locks in place.

•The CHARGE indicator begins blinking to indicate charging has started.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

When the CHARGE indicator stops blinking but stays lit, charging is finished. Slide the battery pack opposite the direction of the arrow.

Battery pack Charging time Discharging time

BN-V11U approx. 1 hr. 10 min. approx. 3 hrs. 30 min. BN-V12U approx. 1 hr. 10 min. approx. 3 hrs. 30 min. BN-V20U approx. 1 hr. 50 min. approx. 6 hrs. 40 min.

Hook on.

Push in.

BATTERY RELEASE

ATTENTION:

Before detaching the power source, make sure that the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction.

USING THE BATTERY PACK

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

Hook its end to the camcorder ( ) and push the battery pack in until it locks in place (

DETACH BATTERY PACK

Slide BATTERY RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.

Battery pack Approximate recording time (unit: min.)

BN-V11U 70 BN-V12U 70

BN-V20U 110

) .

INFORMATION:

VU-V856KIT is a set composed of the BN-V856U battery pack and AA-V80U AC Power Adapter/Charger. The BN-V856U battery pack provides approx. 7 hours of recording time. Also read thoroughly the VU-V856KIT’s instruction manuals. It is impossible to charge the BN-V856U battery pack using the provided AC Power Adapter/Charger. Use the optional AA-V80U AC Power Adapter/Charger.

EN9

Charge marker

Charge Marker

A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to help you remember whether it has been charged or not. Two colors 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.

●

Charging times noted on page 8 are for a fully discharged battery pack, and discharging times are for a fully charged battery pack.

●

Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack.

●

Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from your camcorder.

●

Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.

●

While the AC Power Adapter/Charger’s power cord is disconnected from the AC outlet, it is possible to discharge the battery by pressing the REFRESH switch. During that time, the AC Power Adapter/Charger does not charge the battery. When discharging is complete, detach the battery from the AC Power Adapter/ Charger to store it.

●

High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Do not allow it to discharge in a container, such as a bag.

●

If you stop recharging or discharging part way through, make sure to remove the battery pack before unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.

●

Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.

●

To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.

●

Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.

●

The CHARGE indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one that has been stored for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The CHARGE indicator should blink during recharging. If it doesn’t, contact your nearest JVC dealer.

GETTING STARTED

To DC IN jack

Car Battery Cord AP-V7U (optional)

DC OUT terminal

DC Cord

Car Battery Charger/Adapter BH-V3U (optional)

To AC outlet

AC Power Adapter/Charger AA-V15U

To car’s cigarette lighter socket

USING AC POWER

Use the AC Power Adapter/Charger (connect as shown in the illustration to the left).

NOTES:

●

The provided AC Power Adapter/Charger features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V.

●

When using the DC cord, make sure you connect the end of the cord with the core filter to the camcorder. The core filter reduces interference.

USING A CAR BATTERY

Use the optional Car Battery Cord or Car Battery Charger/Adapter (connect as shown in the illustration to the left).

NOTES:

●

When using the car battery, leave the engine idling.

●

The optional Car Battery Charger (BH-V3U) can also be used to charge the battery pack (except BN-V20U/V856U).

●

When using the optional Car Battery Charger or Car Battery Cord (AP-V7U), refer to the respective instruction booklet.

10 EN

Battery holder

Slot

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal

This battery is necessary for clock operation and to perform date/time settings.

SWITCH OFF POWER

Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power supply unit (battery pack, AC Power Adapter/Battery Charger, etc.).

REMOVE BATTERY HOLDER

Pull out the battery holder.

INSERT BATTERY IN HOLDER

Insert the battery in the holder, and be sure to have the “+” mark visible.

RE-INSERT HOLDER

Slide the holder back into the slot until you hear a click.

NOTE:

See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” (Z pg. 2) for information on safe handling of lithium batteries.

MENU Button

Select Dial

Display

NEXT M . W . B . D . ZOOM TELE MACRO

DATE TIME

TAPE LENGTH

RETURN

DATE TIME

YEAR

MONTH

DAY

TIME

EXIT

NEXT M . W . B . D . ZOOM TELE MACRO DATE TIME TAPE LENGTH

RETURN

AUTO ON OFF

T30

1999

JAN

PM 12 : 00

AUTO ON OFF

T30

Power lamp

Power Switch

Menu Screen

DATE/TIME Menu

12-hour indication with AM or PM

EN11

Date/Time Settings

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”, then press MENU.

•The power lamp comes on.

SELECT FUNCTION

Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “DATE/TIME”, then press it. The DATE/TIME Menu appears.

•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.

SET DATE

Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to the item you want to set and then press it. When the setting begins blinking, rotate the Select Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it. The setting stops blinking.

•Repeat this procedure until you’re satisfied with the Date settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH” and “DAY”).

SET TIME

Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “TIME” and then press it. When the hour setting begins blinking, rotate the Select Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it. When the hour setting stops blinking and the minute setting begins blinking, rotate the Select Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it. The minute setting stops blinking.

START CLOCK OPERATION

When none of these settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH”, “DAY”, “TIME”) blinks, rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “EXIT”, and press it. The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on “RETURN”.

CLOSE MENU SCREEN

Press the Select Dial.

NOTE:

To display the date and time in the camcorder’s display and on a connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert” (Z pg. 24).

GETTING STARTED

12 EN

Viewfinder

NEXT M . W . B . D . ZOOM TELE MACRO DATE TIME

TAPE LENGTH

RETURN

TAPE LENGTH

T20

T30

T40

MENU Button

SP/EP Recording Mode Button

Select Dial Power Switch

T30

Tape length indicator

Recording mode indicator

Display

Menu Screen

TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu

AUTO ON OFF

T30

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Recording Mode Setting

Set depending on your preference.

SET RECORDING MODE

First set the Power Switch to “AUTO” or “PRO.”. Press SP/EP for more than 1 second. “SP” (Standard Play) provides higher picture and sound quality and is better for dubbing, while “EP” (Extended Play) is more economical, providing three times the recording time.

NOTE:

If the recording mode is switched during recording, the playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.

Tape Length Setting

Set the tape length according to the length of the tape used.

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

First set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press MENU.

SELECT FUNCTION

Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “TAPE LENGTH”, then press it. The TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu appears.

SET TAPE LENGTH

Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to the correct setting. T20=20 minutes of recording time, T30=30 minutes, and T40=40 minutes (in SP).

•If you decide you want to return the tape length to the previous setting, rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “EXIT”.

CLOSE MENU SCREEN

Press the Select Dial. The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on “RETURN”. Press the Select Dial again to close the Menu Screen.

NOTE:

The tape remaining time (Z pg. 17) displayed in the viewfinder is correct only if the correct tape length has been selected.

EXIT

NEXT M . W . B . D . ZOOM TELE MACRO DATE TIME TAPE LENGTH

RETURN

AUTO ON OFF

T40

Cassette holder

EJECT SwitchPUSH Button

Erase Protection Gear

Turn to take up slack.

EN13

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER

Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force to open.

INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE

Make sure the label is facing outward.

CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER

Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and locked.

NOTES:

●

The cassette holder cannot be opened unless a power supply is attached.

●

Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the cassette. If there is any slack, turn the gear on the cassette in the direction of the arrow to take up the slack.

●

Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some cassettes have removable tabs. If the tab has been removed, cover the hole with adhesive tape.

●

The cassette holder cannot be opened while the camcorder is in the record mode.

GETTING STARTED

14 EN

Power Zoom Lever

GETTING STARTED

Grip Adjustment

EXPAND LOOP

Separate the Velcro strip.

INSERT HAND

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip.

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.

(cont.)

Recording Start/Stop Button

180°180

Set “POWER” to “CAMERA” (“AUTO” or “PRO.”)

PAUSE

Viewfinder Adjustment

SELECT OPERATION MODE

Set the Power Switch to “CAMERA” (“AUTO” or “PRO.”).

POSITION VIEWFINDER

Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability (see illustration at left).

ADJUST DIOPTER

Turn the Diopter Adjustment Control until the indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

EN15

Shoulder Strap Attachment

ATTACH STRAP

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.

ADJUST LENGTH

Adjust as shown in the illustration at left 4.

Tripod Mounting

ALIGN AND TIGHTEN

Align the screw and camera direction stud on the tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud hole. Then tighten the screw.

CAUTION:

When using a tripod, be sure to open and extend its legs fully to stabilize the camcorder. To prevent damage to the unit caused by falling over, do not use a small-sized tripod.

GETTING STARTED

16 EN

EJECT Switch

Recording Start/Stop Button

LENS COVER Open/Close Ring

Power Switch

Power lamp

RECORDING

Basic Recording

NOTE:

You should already have performed the procedures listed below. If not, do so before continuing.

●

Power (Z pg. 8)

●

Recording Mode Setting (Z pg. 12)

●

Tape Length Setting (Z pg. 12)

●

Grip Adjustment (Z pg. 14)

●

Viewfinder Adjustment (Z pg. 14)

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.

ENTER RECORD-STANDBY MODE

Turn the LENS COVER Open/Close Ring to open the lens cover, then set the Power Switch to “CAMERA” (“AUTO” or “PRO.”).

•The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode.

•The scene you are aimed at appears on the viewfinder screen, with the word “PAUSE” superimposed upon it.

Tally lamp (lights while recording is in progress)

START SHOOTING

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button.

•“ ” appears in the viewfinder while recording is in progress.

Power Switch Position

According to the Power Switch position you have selected, the following functions are available:

AUTO (Full Auto mode):

Allows you to record using NO special effects or manual adjustments. Suitable for standard recording.

Allows you to set various recording functions using the menus. If you want more creative capabilities than full auto recording, try this mode.

PRO. (PRO. mode):

OFF:

Allows you to switch off the camcorder.

Tape remaining time indicator

25MIN

Recording Start/Stop Button

DISPLAY Button

MIN

(Now calculating)

120MIN

119MIN

3MIN

2MIN

(Blinking)

1MIN

(Blinking)

0MIN

(Blinking)

EN17

STOP RECORDING

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again to stop recording.

•The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

NOTES:

●

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.

●

The tape remaining time is only displayed in the viewfinder as shown.

●

The remaining time indicated in the viewfinder is approximate.

●

The time required to calculate the remaining tape length, and the accuracy of the calculation, may vary according to the type of tape used.

●

The tape remaining time indicator is correct only if the correct tape length has been selected (

●

“TAPE END” appears when the tape reaches its end, and the power goes off automatically if left in this condition for 5 minutes. “TAPE END” also appears when a cassette whose tape is already at its end is loaded.

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If the Record–Standby mode continues for 5 minutes without performing Zoom or any other operations, the camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. Set the Power Switch to “POWER OFF”, and then back to “CAMERA” to turn the camcorder on again.

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If the Recording Start/Stop button is pressed after the Record-Standby mode has continued for over 5 minutes, recording may not start immediately.

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If you are recording on a cassette from the middle (such as when a tape is removed and re-inserted during recording), use the Retake function ( the end of the last recording so you don’t erase any of it.

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The LENS COVER warning blinks for about 5 seconds when the camcorder is turned on with the cover closed.

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While shooting, sound is not heard from the speaker.

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To turn the tally lamp off during recording, refer to pgs. 26 and 28.

pg. 12).

pg. 19) to find

RECORDING

Viewfinder Indications

By pressing DISPLAY, you can make the following, indications appear/disappear from the camcorder’s display: cassette warning, tape remaining time, battery pack remaining power indicator and tape length indicator (Z pg. 45).

PRESS DISPLAY BUTTON

When you do not want the indications to appear, press DISPLAY for longer than approximately 1 second. Certain indications disappear. Press again for longer than approx. 1 second to make the indications reappear.

NOTE:

Even if DISPLAY is pressed, the tape remaining time appears blinking when the tape is about to reach its end, and the battery pack remaining power indicator also appears blinking when the power is almost gone.

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