Hitachi VM-E535LA Instruction Manual

Hitachi 8mm camcorders instruction manual model vm-e535la/vm-e635la

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Service manual (102 pages)

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Page 1 3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Tel. 808-836-3621 Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up. Keep it handy for feature reference. QR17263 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1997 HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC.
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Remote Control Batteries... 18 Charging the Battery ... 19 Charging Time... 19 Operating Time ... 19 Camcorder Batteries ... 20 Using Battery Pack... 20 Removing the Battery Pack ... 21 Checking the Battery's Charge... 21 Using Alternative Power Sources ... 21 Using the AC Adapter/Charger...
Page 3 Creating and Recording A Title ... 51 Creating a Title... 52 Correcting Errors ... 52 Recording Title on a Tape in the Camcorder ... 53 Recording a Created Title while Transferring a Tape... 53 Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR... 53 Simple Programmable Edit (Edit remote control is optional accessory)...
Page 4 Troubleshooting ... 61 Specifications ... 64 General Specifications... 64 Video Recorder Specifications ... 64 Camera Specifications... 64 Available Accessories... 65 To Order in the United States... 65 By Phone ... 65 By Mail... 65 FOR AUTHORIZED HITACHI SERVICE IN CANADA... 65...
Page 5: Important Safety Information
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION For Your Safety The CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch turns the camcorder on and off, leaving the date/time feature unaffected. If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn the camcorder off and close the lens door.
Page 6: Important Safeguards
Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold place to a warm, humid place. Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to stabilize in the ambient conditions of the surroundings before inserting a cassette. When moved from a cold place to a warm, humid place, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine.
Page 7 This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a Video camcorder and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating your video product and keep it in a handy place for future reference.
Page 8 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION reliable operation of the video product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the video product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. This video product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register.
Page 9 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION should be taken to keep from touching or approaching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal. Installing an outdoor antenna can be hazardous and should be left to a professional antenna installer. 14 Cleaning -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet before cleaning.
Page 10: Important Safety Instructions For Ac Adapter/Charger
Any problems that occur as a result of any of the following conditions will not be covered by our warranty. Be careful that no water, dust or sand enters the camcorder and all accessories. When you shoot at a scene which contains an extremely bright object such as the sun...
Page 11: Read This First
• A quick index for the information you use most often (this page). • A detailed table of contents directing you to specific information quickly (page 8). Get to know your video camcorder by using this manual, and get to know Hitachi. We appreciate your business.
Page 12: Features
EIS function No • This instruction manual shows the illustrations for the VM-E635LA. With this camcorder you can view the picture being recorded or the playback picture whether on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. Opening or closing the LCD monitor switches the picture to appear on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder.
Page 13: Getting Started
Set aside some time, relax, and familiarize yourself with this quality instrument. Enjoy getting to know all about your Hitachi 8mm camcorder. The more comfortable and familiar you are with the machine and its features, the more you can make it do for you.
Page 14: Identifying Controls
HiTRON, Inc. 675, Old Peachtree RD. Suwanee, GA 30174 Tel: 1-800-995-4500 For more information concerning the purchase of camcorder accessories, please see the optional accessory listing on page 59. Identifying Controls Front/Left Side Illustration 1. Lens Door Slide the lens door opener to open and close the lens door.
Page 15 Getting Started A power source must be connected to the camcorder before a cassette can be inserted or removed. 15. Cassette Holder Close Button CAUTION: Be sure to press this button to close the cassette holder. Otherwise, the tape may become slack and may be damaged.
Page 16 Use this button to stop playback, fast forward, or reverse. Also use this button to set dat and time. 31. AUDIO/VIDEO Output Jack (Behind the jack cover) Use this jack to connect the camcorder to a VCR or television ("Connecting to a Television without Audio In and Video In Jacks", p32). 32. REW/REVIEW Button Use this button to fast forward tapes or for visual search.
Page 17: Loading Clock And Remote Control Batteries
Loading Clock and Remote Control Batteries Clock Battery Install the battery to prevent misplacing it. 1. Pull out the battery holder. 2. Insert the battery with the "+" terminal facing up. 3. Fully insert the battery holder into the camcorder.
Page 18: Remote Control Batteries
Getting Started WARNING: KEEP THE BATTERY AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. IF SWALLOWED CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT. Note: Replace the battery with 3V micro lithium cells such as Maxell CR2025 or its equivalent. Note: Dispose of battery safely in accordance with local laws. Do not dispose of in fire. Note: Do not short circuit the battery.
Page 19: Charging The Battery
2-second intervals to show that charging is no longer taking place. Operating Time The camcorder operating time depends on how often you turn power on/off and use start/stop and zoom. on the AC adapter/charger, and then slide VM-BPL27 130 min.
Page 20: Camcorder Batteries
Before uyou install the battery for the first time it must be fully charged. Seee "Charging the Battery" on page 15 for details. 1. Align the bottom of the battery with mark on the camcorder so that the battery fits into the grooves.
Page 21: Removing The Battery Pack
This flashing symbol indicates a battery nearly out of power. Use an alternative power source or charger the battery before continuing to use the camcorder. Note: The battery charge indicator does not appear when the camcorder is powered by the AC adapter/charger.
Page 22: Using A Car Battery
Connect the other end of the DC cord to the DC OUTPUT of the AC adapter/charger. Note: The AC adapter/charger can be used around the world. An AC plug adapter is required in some foreign countries. If you need one purchase it at your Hitachi distributor. Using a Car Battery The camcorder can be powered with a car battery by using an optional car battery cord (Hitachi VM-CC80A) to plug the camcorder into the car's cigarette lighter socket.
Page 23: Removing A Cassette
2. Slide the EJECT switch. " cassette door will open automatically. Caution: Be careful not to catch your fingers between the cassette door and the camcorder as it could cut you. Note: Cassette cannot be inserted or ejected unless the LCD monitor is open.
Page 24: Lcd Monitor
Note: Even when the picture on the LCD monitor is adjusted, the recorded video will not change. 1. Load the battery ("Loading Batteries: Camcorder Batteries", p16). Press the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch as you slide it to CAM or VIDEO.
Page 25: Adjusting The Electronic Viewfinder
If the LCD screen becomes dirty, use a soft cloth to wipe off the dirt. • If the camcorder is used in a cold place and becomes too cold, the LCD screen will be dim for a while after the power is turned on. When the temperature inside the camcorder rises, the brightness of the picture will become normal.
Page 26: Eyepiece Adjustment
Note: Hold the knobs on both sides of the eye cup stem to pull out the eye cup. Note: The eye cup stem can be retracted when the camcorder is being carried. Adjustment the Hand Strap Adjust the hand strap to best fit your hand.
Page 27: Lens Door Opener
Turn the camcorder on to display the linear time counter. The linear time counter keeps track from when you load a cassette into the camcorder and clears to 0:00:00 when the cassette is ejected.
Page 28: Remaining Tape
This feature is handy when recording since it lets you know how long you can record on the loaded tape. Insert a cassette into the camcorder and start recording or playback; 10 seconds later, the remaining tape will be displayed. When the cassette is ejected, the display will disappear.
Page 29: Correcting The Date And Time
4. After setting the AM/PM, press the DATE/DISP. button. The display changes and the internal clock starts. Note: After the date and time are set, " AUTO" appears and the camcorder enters the automatic date recording mode. See "Date Recording" on page 35.
Page 30: Basic Techniques
The batteries are in place and charged, the date and time are set, and you are familiar with the controls its time to make a recording. Basic recording is easy and simple. Hooking up the camcorder to your TV is not complicated but give yourself plenty of time to ensure connections are correct.
Page 31: Using Instant Review
Note: "TAPE END" flashes in the viewfinder or LCD monitor when about 3 minutes or less remain of the tape cassette. Note: If the camcorder is left in record/pause mode for more than 5 minutes, the camcorder turns off automatically. To restart it press the Start/Stop button and the camera returns to record/pause mode.
Page 32 Basic Techniques The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder or LCD monitor automatically unless the manual focus is engaged. If "FOCUS" appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor, manual focus is engaged. Press the FOCUS control buttons simultaneously to return to auto focus.
Page 33: Using Manual Focus
Basic Techniques Using Manual Focus 1. Press the FOCUS control buttons simultaneously. "FOCUS" displays in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. You can adjust the focus manually. 2. Use the power zoom T control to zoom up completely to your subject. If you don't use the T control to zoom to the picture you want, the picture may fall out of focus when actual recording starts.
Page 34: Using The Inst. Zoom (Instant Zoom) Button
ZOOM" disappears from the viewfinder or LCD monitor. Note: This instant zoom has certain limitations and may degradate at extreme magnification and amplify camcorder's movement. Using Macro This function allows you to shoot subjects as close as 3/8 inches (1cm). Press and hold the power zoom control W.
Page 35: Active Screen
Note: Decrease the sound volume of the camcorder when you play back a recording by connecting the camcorder to your TV. If the volume of the camcorder is set to your TV. If the volume of the camcorder is set to maximum, the played back picture may be distorted.
Page 36: Simple Playback (Using The Electronic Viewfinder Or Lcd Monitor)
To view a still picture during playback press the Start/Stop. Press the Start/Stop button again to resume playback. If you leave the camcorder in play/pause mode for more than 5 minutes the camcorder automatically stops the cassette to prevent damage to the tape.
Page 37: Playing Back Your Recording On Your Tv
Note: Several noise bars will appear on the TV screen during forward or reverse search. Playing Back Your Recording on Your TV Depending on the setup of your video equipment, you connect the camcorder in one of the 3 methods explained below.
Page 38: Connecting To A Television With Audio In And Video In Jacks
3. Insert a previously recorded cassette into the camcorder. 4. Turn on your VCR and place it in the camcorder input mode (consult your VCR manual for details). Operate the television as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR.
Page 39: Connecting To A Television Without Audio In And Video In Jacks
Basic Techniques 6. Press the PLAY button to begin playback. 7. Press the STOP button when finished. Connecting to a Television without Audio In and Video In Jacks Connection Diagram 1. Disconnect the VHF antenna leads from the back of the television. Leave the UHF antenna leads connected.
Page 40: Advanced Techniques
Advanced Techniques Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-E535LA/VM-E635LA offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your video. Adding fades to smooth transitions creates video with a professional look. As you learn and practice with these features think of situations that they might fit in and add a special touch.
Page 41: Date Recording
Advanced Techniques Date Recording When the date has been set, the camcorder will enter the automatic date recording mode automatically. 1. Press the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch as you slide it to CAM. 2. Press the DATE/DISP. button to specify the date display you want to record.
Page 42 The camcorder does not record the date. Date and Time - Date and Time Recording The camcorder records the date and time with the picture all the time. 3. Press the start/stop button. Recording will start. Note: When " AUTO" and date display is selected, the date disappears about 10 seconds after recording is started.
Page 43: Digital Effects Recording
Advanced Techniques Digital Effects Recording The digital processor in this camcorder allows you to record the picture and add special effects; 16x9 recording mode, a negative image (negative/positive recording), 130 times digital zoom feature, a symmetric image, obtained by placing a mirror at the center of the screen (half-mirror recording), and an image in mosaic (mosaic recording).
Page 44: 16X9 Mode Recording
Advanced Techniques X130 Digital Zoom Mode MIRROR Half-Mirror Mode MOSAIC Mosaic Mode Normal Mode (Returns to 16x9 Mode) 16x9 Mode Recording The picture format can be switched from the 4:3 (the picture format of an ordinary TV...
Page 45: Negative/Positive Recording
Advanced Techniques set) to 16x9. 1. Place the camcorder in record pause. 2. Press the D.EFFECT button until "16x9" appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. The top and bottom of the picture in the viewfinder or LCD monitor become black bars.
Page 46: Mosaic Recording
Note: This function cannot be used with digital zoom, instant zoom, image stabilizer or zoom fade function. Mosaic Recording 1. Place the camcorder in record pause. 2. Repeatedly press the D.EFFECT button until "MOSAIC" appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor.
Page 47: Fading In
2. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording; fade begins automatically. Fading Out 1. While recording with the camcorder use the FADE button to select a fade option. 2. Press the Start/Stop button to stop recording; the fade begins automatically and "REC"...
Page 48: Using Quick Edit
While the camera is in record/pause mode hold down the F.FWD, REW/REVIEW, or PLAY button and visually search the tape. Release the button and the camcorder stops the tape at the exact position you selected.
Page 49: Date Search
Advanced Techniques • When a recorded tape is in the camcorder during the VIDEO mode, "SEARCH" appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. (Refer to "Date Search" on page 41). Note: The linear time counter with the memory feature and "SEARCH" in the viewfinder or LCD monitor can also be displayed on the connected television.
Page 50: Using Memory
This feature works in F.FWD as well. Using the Wireless Remote Control Use the wireless remote control to operate the camcorder from a distance. The PLAY, F.FWD, REW, STOP, PAUSE (START/STOP) and ZOOM buttons on the wireless remote control operate the functions of the corresponding buttons on the camcorder.
Page 51: Attaching The Optional Wide Or Tele Converter Lens
Note: The remote control code of this camcorder is Hitachi code VCR2. If you have a VCR with the same code your Hitachi VCR may malfunction when you use the camcorder's wireless remote control.
Page 52: Creating A Title
Advanced Techniques Creating a Title 1. Connect the camcorder to a power source. 2. Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch and slide it to either CAM or VIDEO. 3. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control and a flashing cursor appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor.
Page 53: Recording Title On A Tape In The Camcorder
Note: Recording the title during tape transfer will erase a portion of your recorded material. Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR Connect the camcorder to a VCR to copy your or a friend's home 8mm recordings to VHS.
Page 54: Simple Programmable Edit (Edit Remote Control Is Optional Accessory)
3. Hold down the red button of the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch while you slide the switch to VIDEO. 4. Insert the recorded tape in the camcorder and a blank tape into the VCR. Set the VCR to record. 5. Play the tape from the camcorder while recording on the VCR.
Page 55 Note: Point the remote control straight at the VCR's infrared receiver for operation. Note: Use the remote control indoors. When the infrared receivers of the VCR and camcorder are exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light, the remote control may not operate correctly.
Page 56: Operation
Advanced Techniques Note: When the edit remote control is connected to the camcorder, the buttons marked * in the figure above perform the same operations as those of the other remote control provided. Operation You can select up to four different scenes or segments to be copied at one time.
Page 57 11. Point the remote control at the receiver on the VCR and press the COPY START button to start simple programmable edit. • The camcorder automatically searches for the beginning of the first segment and starts playback. The recording VCR automatically starts recording •...
Page 58: To End Programmable Simple Edit
LCD monitor. Then press the stop button on the recording VCR to set it to the stop mode. Note: If the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch of the camcorder is set to OFF or CAM when the recording VCR is in the record pause mode, the VCR enters the record mode.
Page 59 "0:00:00M" the camcorder stops automatically, recording only the portion of the tape that you selected. Note: If the camcorder is in AV DUB pause or STILL mode for more than 5 minutes, the camcorder stops automatically to protect the tape.
Page 60: General Maintenance
General Maintenance General Maintenance Cleaning the Camcorder Heads Dirt can accumulate on the video heads on the camera causing the playback picture to become blurred or appear as if video information is lost. This often means that the video heads are dirty. Use a video head cleaner such as a dry type head cleaning tape to clean the heads.
Page 61: Periodic Maintenance
Troubleshooting Quality is very important at Hitachi. We inspect and check every camcorder carefully at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. If problems develop please check the following possible solutions before inquiring about professional service.
Page 62 Check Point & Correction Set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to VIDEO> Set the television to the camcorder channel (3 or 47) depending upon the selected channel in the RF channel select switch of the RF output adapter. When you see the playback picture on your TV, adjust fine tuning knob on television set to obtain best picture.
Page 63 After about one minute, the display in the viewfinder or LCD moniter will be reset. Then set the information again. Check Point & Correction Have you moved the camcorder or cassette from a cold place to a warm place so that its...
Page 64: Specifications
1-800-448-2244 Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Hitachi has made every effort to assure you hours of trouble free operation from your unit. However, should you require service, a network of Hitachi Authorized Service Facilities has been established in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Each facility will provide you with convenient and expedient assistance.
Page 65: Available Accessories
Please allow two to three weeks for delivery. If there is a current back order status on the model(s) you ordered, we will notify you. Thank you for allowing us (Hitachi and HiTRON) to be of service to you...our valued customer!
Page 66 General Maintenance Please consult the following telephone number: Montreal (514) 956-9882 Toronto (905) 821-4545 Vancouver (604) 214-0777...

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