Canon Auto Zoom 318 M Instructions Manual

To turn on the camcorder, set the ON-OFF switch at ON. When the switch is set to ON, the ON-OFF switch mark indicates Red.

To load film, first open the back cover. Then, insert the film cartridge into the camera. The film speed will be automatically set upon insertion. Ensure the cartridge is inserted in the correct direction, as the back cover will not close otherwise.

The camcorder has an exposure meter that uses a TTL metering system with a CdS photocell to obtain accurate exposures. A red warning mark will appear in the viewfinder if the camera is aimed at a subject under dark conditions where it is impossible to obtain proper exposure, indicating under exposure. Shooting can be performed as long as this red mark does not appear. There is no indicator for over exposure, so selecting the proper film according to lighting conditions is recommended.

The Canon Auto Zoom 318 M camcorder uses Super 8 film cartridges. The film speed is automatically set when the cartridge is inserted. For tungsten light, compatible ASA speeds are 40 and 160 (without CCA filter). For daylight, compatible ASA speeds are 25 and 100 (with CCA filter).

The camcorder uses three 1.5V penlight (size AA) batteries. These batteries power the film drive, power drive zooming, and CdS photocell.

Focusing is done by eye-measurement. After measuring the camera-to-subject distance with your eye, turn the focusing knob and set the distance index mark against the distance scale. You can also use the snapshot marks for shooting outdoors in daylight, which eliminates the need to focus each time. There are two snapshot marks: one for a close distance of 3.5 meters and another for a long distance of 14 meters.

Under normal temperature conditions, you can shoot approximately 7 cartridges using manganese batteries and approximately 14 cartridges using alkaline batteries. This refers to 18 frames per second filming. For single-frame shooting, manganese batteries last for 1 cartridge and alkaline batteries for 2 cartridges.

For shooting, it is recommended to hold the grip with your right hand and place your forefinger on the trigger. Your left hand should be on the top side of the camera to operate zooming. To keep the camera steady, press your right elbow against your body and gently pull the trigger. When shooting under dark conditions, ensure the red warning mark does not appear in the viewfinder. For outdoor pictures under strong light (EV 15 or over) with ASA 160 (Ektachrome) film, use an ND filter. If the camera is set at the "M" index mark for macro filming, the entire field-of-view of the viewfinder turns yellow. For close-up filming, it is advisable to mount the camera on a tripod and accurately measure the distance from the film plane indicator to the subject.

The automatic zoom feature, known as Power Drive Zooming, works by pressing the zooming switch (situated on the top side of the camera) at 'T' for telephoto (image becomes larger) or 'W' for wide-angle (image becomes smaller). This function operates only while the shutter release lever is being pulled, and the zooming speed is approximately 5.5 seconds.

The Canon Auto Zoom 318 M camcorder produces 8mm movie film footage with a picture size of 5.8 x 4.2mm and a projected picture size of 54 x 40mm.

The Canon Auto Zoom 318 M camcorder has a single-lens reflex type viewfinder that uses a total reflection mirror. This design allows subjects to be seen clearly, even in dark conditions, and ensures there is no parallax. An under-exposure warning mark and a macro filming indicator are also built into the viewfinder.