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AAton Penelope User Manual

Aaton 35mm motion picture camera 2 & 3 perf
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penelope
by Aaton
Aaton 35mm motion picture camera 2 & 3 Perf
User's guide version V1.1
December 2008
Aaton

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Summary of Contents for AAton Penelope

  • Page 1 Aaton Aaton 35mm motion picture camera 2 & 3 Perf User’s guide version V1.1 December 2008 Aaton...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Adjusting the Aatonite (Glow)..................p.17 Display colors, camera status..................p.18 Warning messages.......................p.19 Gate position........................p.19 Magazine top locking lever...................p.19 Magazine footage adjustment..................p.19 Feet or meters setting....................p.20 Magazine footage counter lock..................p.20 Video gain (Direct access control panel)...............p.20 2 Camera body 2.1 Lenses........................p.23 Aaton Table of content...
  • Page 3 2.3 The variable shutter Concept........................p.28 Adjusting the shutter.....................p.28 2.4 Film gate and pulldown claw Adjusting the pitch......................p.30 The side pressure bar....................p.30 The film gate........................p.30 2.5 Camera power Installing the batteries on the camera................p.31 Charging the batteries....................p.32 Other power options....................p.32 Aaton Table of content...
  • Page 4 2.6 Motors Camera speeds......................p.33 Using external speed devices..................p.34 2.7 LCD control panel and «Jog» wheel, assistant side The Aaton «Jog» wheel....................p.34 Basics : «Sync», «Var», «Iso», «Mag»................p.35 Aatoncode (Timecode) reading..................p.35 ISO setting........................p.36 Camera preset (SYNC) speed..................p.36 Camera variable (VAR) speed..................p.37 Adjusting the battery warning levels................p.37...
  • Page 5 Gain, Output, Color temp, Saturation, Color Bars outputing, User color Temp....p.52 4.2 Frame Menu......................p.53 4.3 Logo........................p.54 4.4 Technical Menu....................p.55 TimeCode menu......................p.55 Font Menu........................p.55 Auto Power Off......................p.56 VITC Position.......................p.56 Time & Cam position....................p.56 5 Technical specifications Connectors........................p.58 Viewing screens list......................p.60 Aaton Table of content...

  • Page 6: General Overview

    General overview...

  • Page 7: Front View

    Start/Stop cable connector Arri rosette For accessories equipped with Arri rosette Video (VHR) iris ring To adjust the video iris aperture Video housing Protects the CCD unit Top rod holder To install a rod (15-15,8 or 19mm) Aaton General overview...

  • Page 8: Rear View

    Used to release the magazine from the camera body LEMO 5 connector Timecode communication Gate Removable gate, 2-Perf or 3-Perf On/Off button Used to start and stop the camera Magazine upper top lever Used to secure the magazine on the camera body Aaton General overview...

  • Page 9: Assistant Side

    Provides 12V, Start, Sync pulse and ground for accessories Ethernet cable locking lever To lock the Ethernet cable when connected Lower battery locking screw Fastens the lower on-board battery LEMO 6 connectors Provide 12V, Start and ground for accessories Aaton General overview...

  • Page 10: Assistant Side Details

    Ethernet cable locking lever To lock the Ethernet cable when connected LEMO-6 connectors Provide 12V, Start and ground for accessories Start/Stop button To start and stop the camera Upper battery locking screw Fastens the upper on-board battery Aaton General overview...
  • Page 11 To access synch speeds setting («set» + «sync») «var» key To access variable speeds setting («set» + «var») «iso» key To access ISO setting («set» + «iso») «mag» key To access magazine footage setting («set» + «mag») Aaton General overview...
  • Page 12 Lower display key To modify camera parameters Cameraman LCD display Displays camera speed and magazine remaining footage Middle display key To modify camera parameters Upper display key To modify camera parameters Start/Stop button To start or stop the camera Aaton General overview...

  • Page 13: Cameraman Side

    Hour/minute/seconde - (J) shows an external TC jam ISO selection Selected ISO exposure for Timecode Video tap white balance 5600°K, 3200°K and manual adjustment Video gain Current gain setting Lower battery level Lower battery voltage Upper battery level Upper battery voltage Aaton General overview...

  • Page 14: Top View

    Pitch control tool Magazine upper lock lever To secure the magazine on the camera body Collimation cap To access ground glass collimation adjustment Viewing friction screw To adjust the viewfinder friction Tape hook To attach a measurement tape Aaton General overview...

  • Page 15: Getting Started

    Getting started...

  • Page 16: Power The Camera On

    Camera. This allows you to power down the Video without powering down the camera. The «Set» key The «Set» key allows you to access the camera’s settings. While pressing the «Set» key, a window appears for a few seconds allowing you to access the desired parameters. Aaton Getting started...

  • Page 17: Adjusting The Aatonite (Glow)

    3 to 4 seconds. Adjusting the Aatonite (glow) Penelope features a viewing screen with illuminated markings referred to as Aatonite. The level of illumination is user adjustable using the «middle» (B) and «upper» (C) display keys located on the cameraman side. The configuration of illuminated markings will differ slightly from one screen to another.

  • Page 18: Display Colors, Camera Status

    -> camera is in RUN mode, but has not reached the selected speed. Green screen -> camera is in RUN mode and sync. Purple screen -> end of film Red screen -> problem detected (out of phase, film jam...) Aaton Getting started...

  • Page 19: Warning Messages

    Warning messages Penelope LCD screens display a warning when a crucial parameter has a problem. Gate position (Gate) The camera gate is removable for an easy 2 to 3 Perf format switching. The correct positionning of the gate is mandatory for proper camera functioning and focused pictures.

  • Page 20: Feet Or Meters Setting

    All of the video adjustments are accessible through the VIDEO page. The video gain can also be adjusted through the control panel. Press the “up” or “down” key to change the video gain. The adjustment range is -10dB to +12dB, in 1dB steps. Aaton Getting started...
  • Page 21 Aaton Getting started...

  • Page 22: Camera Body

    Camera body...

  • Page 23: Lenses

    2.1 Lenses The Arri PL lens port The Arri PL lens port is the standard mounting system delivered with Penelope and allows the use of all 35mm Arri PL mounted motion picture lenses. This Flange focal distance. lens port is ideal for rental facilities, where a mounting system compatible with Refers to the critical distance from the lens seat to the film plane.

  • Page 24: Viewing System Viewfinder Options

    This heating system uses a cable which supplies power through the Fisher 2 socket, located on the camera front body, near the lens mount. Note: the Penelope viewfinder is equipped with a mini Arri PL port which makes it compatible with a wide range of Arri viewfinder accessories.

  • Page 25: Viewfinder Tension Adjustment

    While looking through the viewfinder, turn the knob in order to adjust the image upright position. Note that the knob needs to be turned 180° when installing an eyepiece extension. Aaton Camera body...

  • Page 26: Adjusting The Diopter

    Viewing screen Penelope utilizes an interchangeable viewing screen (or “ground-glass”) sys- tem which allows the cinematographer to install the screen which best suits his particular application. Aaton offers several viewing screens for 2-Perf and 3-Perf formats (see section Viewing Screens in the Technical Specifications chapter).

  • Page 27: Changing The Viewing Screen

    Allen key. Double check the focus of the viewing screen using the focus ring of the lens. If the image is still not sharp, perform this operation again. Aaton Camera body...

  • Page 28: The Variable Shutter Concept

    Locate the tool guiding hole to the lower right of the inside lens holder. Gently rotate the shutter at its base with your finger until the brass driving gear is centered underneath the tool guiding hole. Aaton Camera body...
  • Page 29 172.8°, 150° and 144° markings meet the left edge of the mirror. When the adjustment is complete, remove the tool and store it back in the hollow of the carrying handle. Aaton Camera body...

  • Page 30: Film Gate And Pulldown Claw

    The film gate also features a side pressure bar which is recessed into the claw- side rail at the point of image exposure to insure maximum lateral stability. The film gate Penelope has 2-Perf and 3-Perf capabilities. Aaton Camera body...

  • Page 31: Camera Power

    2.5 Camera power Penelope only requires a 12 VDC power source. One standard Aaton onboard (12V, 3.5 Ah, rechargeable, NiMh) will power the camera, CCD and accessories which are connected to the body’s accessory inputs (such as zoom controls, speed controls, etc.) through a standard 4-pin XLR connec- tor.

  • Page 32: Charging The Batteries

    Other power options Since Penelope power inputs are the standard 4-pin XLR type, a great variety of 12 to 14 VDC sources can be used to power the camera. This includes AC power supplies, battery blocks, Lithium cells and car batteries.

  • Page 33: Motors

    Penelope is equipped with three independant motors: one runs the claw mechanism, one runs the magazine, one runs the shutter. These tri-phased motors consume less power and provide improved stability at high speed. Penelope is capable of speeds between 1 and 50 fps with a standard 12V battery. Camera speeds Penelope provides both preset crystal speeds (SYNC mode) and specific crys- tal speeds (VAR mode) in .001 increments, all accessible from the LCD control...

  • Page 34: Using External Speed Devices

    This top speed cap of 50 fps has been designated by Aaton because it is the limit at which the camera can run safely without any adverse effects to its mechanics.

  • Page 35: Aatoncode (Timecode) Reading

    Afterward, pressing the «set» or «exit» key will validate your selection. Aatoncode (timecode) reading As a standard feature, Penelope is equipped with the capability of recording AatonCode in-camera timecode. Timecode information is exposed onto the film by optical projection of seven micro-diodes into the gate.

  • Page 36: Iso Setting

    ISO setting When using AatonCode in Penelope, the ISO setting must be adjusted to the exposure index of the film stock being used. The 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.

  • Page 37: Camera Variable (Var) Speed

    «jog» wheel. Afterwards, pressing the «set» or «exit» key will vali- date your selection. Adjusting the battery warning levels Penelope displays a warning level when the battery voltage falls below a preset level. The thresholds set for Batt.1 and Batt.2 do not overide the cameras default minimum levels.

  • Page 38: Low Battery Alerts

    The camera continues to run properly and Low is displayed in front of the battery icon. Low batt 2 If both batteries are too low, the alert is displayed on both assistant and came- raman screens. Low power Low power (cameraman LCD) Aaton Camera body...

  • Page 39: Lcds Contrast Adjustment

    LCD and follow the same procedure. Press the «set» or «exit» keys to validate your selection. Lemo connectors modes Penelope has two start stop modes for accessories with Lemo connectors. IMPULSION for accessories using pulse signal. PERMANENT for Aaton wooden handgrip, Run switches and cables from existing Aaton cameras 35-III, Xtera, XTRProd etc..

  • Page 40: Accessible Settings On The Cameraman Side

    SPEED or MAG modes. When selected, press the «lower» (1) display key. The selected parameter starts to blink. Use the «middle» (2) or «upper» (3) display key to modify the value. Press the «lower» (1) display key to validate. Aaton Camera body...
  • Page 41 Aaton Camera body...
  • Page 42 Magazine...

  • Page 43: The Magazine

    3.1 Concept The Aaton magazine has been designed to be instantly installed or removed, and to be loaded quickly. The magazine loading has to be done in the dark. The magazine sprockets are driven by the camera motor through a magnetic clutch.

  • Page 44: Loading

    • Turn the mechanical footage counter (A) clockwise until it locks in place. • Unfasten the two blue mag locking levers (B), turning them counter- clockwise • Open the door. • Check the magazine loading system. • Then, put the magazine in a dark room or changing bag. Aaton Magazine...

  • Page 45: Loading In The Dark

    • Remove the film from its can and bag. Place the film on the feed spindle with its winds clockwise and press the center of the core lock mechanism to lock the core in place (A). • Push the film head into the center slot (B), until it engages the inner sprocket wheel. Aaton Magazine...
  • Page 46 • When the film comes out of the sprocket assembly, gently pull on it. • Pull approximately 20 cm (8 inches) of film and insert it in the bottom slot until it meets the lower sprocket teeth. Aaton Magazine...
  • Page 47 • Place a core on the take-up side spindle, press the center of the core holder to lock the core in place. Fit the film end into the plastic take-up core and wind on a few turns clockwise with the emulsion in. Close the door. Aaton Magazine...
  • Page 48 (while pressing on it) to shorten the loop size until the loop adjustment tool is held between the loop and the pressure plate. • Use the loop adjustment tool to determine the ideal loop size (corresponding to approximately 37 visible perfs). Aaton Magazine...

  • Page 49: Installing The Magazine

    To remove the magazine, situate yourself at the rear of the camera body on the operator side. Unlock the magazine upper lock lever and push the magazine release lever (A) toward the front of the camera with your fingers. The mag is now free to be pulled off the camera. Aaton Magazine...
  • Page 50 Video...

  • Page 51: Video Menu

    Gain level, Output (color or Black and White), Color temperature, Color satura- tion, Color Bar output and User color temperature (note that this mode is only accessible if USER mode has been chosen in the Color temperature mode). Aaton Video...
  • Page 52 USER. Use the “left” and “right” keys to select the three primary colors Red, Green and Blue, use the “up” and “down” keys to modify them. Note : the values shown are the RGB values previously set by the Auto White Balance function of the VHR. Aaton Video...

  • Page 53: Frame Menu

    With no restriction, the inserted frame can be set in size and position to match the viewing screen layout but it can also be used to outline an object in the picture during a product shot. Aaton Video...

  • Page 54: Logo

    “right” key to enter. Once the Logo has been generated, you can modify the transparency (Opacity) and its position on the screen. • To upload a new Logo, connect your computer to the “Lemo 5” - “Serial” port cable. Aaton Video...

  • Page 55: Technical Menu

    Time, Date and Camera equipment number ID. Use the “left” and “right” keys to proceed. Font Menu • Font allows you to choose the font of the displayed information. Two fonts are available, 0 and 1. Use the “left” and “right” keys to proceed. Aaton Video...

  • Page 56: Auto Power Off

    • Vitc Position allows you to choose the position of the VITC lines. Choice from 10 to 23 in PAL (Aaton recommends line 19), or from 13 and 19 in NTSC. • Parity allows you to select the parity of the VITC lines ODD and EVEN.

  • Page 57: Technical Specifications

    Technical specifications...
  • Page 58 2 + Batt 1 Ground 2 SMPTE In LEMO-5 TimeCode 3 Ascii In/out 4 Not used 5 Not used 1 Ground 2 Not used 3 Not used LEMO-6 Power 4 + batt 5 Not used 6 Start Aaton Technical specifications...
  • Page 59 2 Top Tour (one pulse per frame) 3 Ascii In/Out 4 + Batt LEMO-8 Speed Controllers 5 Tachy out 6 Start 7 Tachy in 8 Ground 1 Ground 2 Not used XLR-4 Power In 3 & 4 (linked) + Batt Aaton Technical specifications...
  • Page 60 2 Perf S35 centered Penelope Penelope Penelope Penelope AATON AATON AATON AATON 2 Perf 2 Perf 2 Perf 2 Perf Ref : 33-230-22 Ref : 33-230-23 Ref : 33-230-21 Ref : 33-230-20 1.78 1.85 2.35 2.35 + 1.78 HDTV 1.78 2.35 + 1.78 (HDTV)

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