Aaton Cam 35III Users Guide

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							THE AATON SYSTEM
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							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 Aaton, Arri, Chrosziel, Petroff and other manufactu-
rersÕ mattebox and follow focus system.
Utilizing the front rod system allows for quick conversion from tri-
pod to shoulder operating modes without the need for reconfigura-
tion.
Aaton manufactures 50mm and 120mm length rods that screw
directly into the front housing of the AATON 35-III under the lens
port.
The 15mm front rod system is recommended when standard size
lenses and accessories are to be used or when quick conversion bet-
ween tripod and handheld modes is necessary.
4.1.2 Sliding Bridgeplate
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							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 manufacturerÕs mattebox, follow focus and support
equipment that is designed for bridgeplate use.
Standard bridgeplates from Aaton, Arri and other manufacturers can
be attached to the AATON 35-III by means of the 3/8-16 tripod
recepticle on the underside of the camera.
The sliding bridgeplate system is recommended when large 35mm
lenses and accessories are to be used and when the use of a geared
head is necessary.
4.2 HANDGRIP
The AATON 35-III body includes a wooden handgrip, short 15mm
rods, rod coupler and Lemo2 cable as standard. The handgrip which is
designed to be used for comfortable handheld operation, can also be used
to provide on/off control on the motor side of the camera while on the
tripod.
4.2.1 Mounting the Handgrip
Screw in one 15mm short rod in each of the two recepticles on the
front housing of the camera below the lens port. Slide the coupler
over the two rods to the desired location and fasten the center wing
nut to secure the coupler in position. Attach the handgrip to the
coupler by mating the starplate on the coupler to that on the hand-
grip, adjusting to the desired position and fastening the T screw of
the handgrip. Connect the Lemo2 cable between the handgrip and
camera body to add on/off capability to the handgrip. The Lemo2
connector is located on the motor side of the camera, (between the
two motors), under the Lemo8 and Lemo6 connectors.
4.2.2 Hangrip On/Off Functions
Both camera run and test functions are available from the handgrip.
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							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 mechanism 1/2 frame. Pressing and
immediately releasing this switch advances the mechanism one full
frame at a 1/4 sec exposure time. This function allows the use of the
handrip as a simple intervalometer.
4.2.3 Handgrip Adjustment
The handgrip rotation should be adjusted for maximum handheld
operating comfort. Loosen the T screw and rotate the handgrip at
the star plate until a more comfortable position is found. If a more
extreme repositioning is required, whether it be for reasons of com-
fort or clearance in certain studio rig configurations, this can be
achieved with coupler extenders, spacers and intermediate arms whi-
ch utilize the star plate system for adjustment. Ask your agent for a
configuration that meets your needs
4.3 TRIPOD USE
In order to use the AATON 35-III on a standard tripod, the tripodÕs
quick release plate must be fastened to the underside of the camera
body with its standard 3/8-16 screw. Make sure to use only a quick
release plate screw provided by the manufacturer; non standard
screws longer than 8mm (1/3ÕÕ) can fracture the base casting and
damage the cameraÕs electronics.
4.4 SHOULDER OPERATION
One of the most attractive features of the Aaton system has always
been its comfort and ease of use in handheld situations.
The AATON 35-III does not require the use of shoulder braces or
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							additional padding for handheld operation. The wooden handgrip is
attached to the front rod coupler at a slight angle to bring the opera-
torÕs 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 changing from
shoulder to tripod operating modes.
4.5 CARRYING HANDLE
The carrying handle of the AATON 35-III is reinforced to safely acco-
modate any carrying, operating or mounting operation.
4.5.1 3/8 Accessory Screw
The handle features a 3/8-16 insert to receive accessories such as
french flags and lightweight monitors. Be sure not to use a 3/8 screw
longer than 11mm (7/16ÕÕ); longer screws can fracture the insert and
damage the viewfinderÕs optics.
5.2 Mounting from the Carrying Handle
The 3/8 insert can also be used to build a plate to undersling the
camera or to configure the rig for Steadicam low mode use. For this
reason, the handle features a long flat top surface that is parallel to
the bottom of the camera.
4.5.3 Tape Measure Hook
The handle is also equipped with a hideaway tape measure hook,
which is positioned between the rods directly behind the 3/8 insert.
To use this hook, pull it up and fasten the ring of a standard assis-
tantÕs tape measure around it; the hook holds the tape measure zero
point precisely at the film plane.
4.6 TRANSPORT
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							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, it is always good
practice to break down the package to its basic components whene-
ver possible. Ship the body, mags and batteries unattached and indi-
vidually padded. Never, under any circumstances, ship the camera
with a lens attached (especially a zoom lens). Shocks transferred
from the outside of a case could have disastrous effects to the ultra-
critical back focus of a lens and flange focal distance of a camera if
transported as one.
Make certain there is ample padding between individual compo-
nents in a case and from the caseÕs outer edges. Shipping case manu-
facturers suggest a minimum of 1 1/2ÕÕ padding between high preci-
sion components such as the camera and lenses. 1ÕÕ of padding is
acceptable, however, between some of the more rugged components,
such as magazines and batteries. Manufacturers also suggest to allow
2ÕÕ of padding between the components and the outside of the case.
Choose a case design that, not only meets your shipping and travel
requirements, but allows you maximum flexibility and comfort out
in the field. Check with your Aaton agent to determine the case
configuration that best suits your needs.
4.7 EXTREME CONDITIONS
Certain precautions should be taken in order to achieve maximum
performances when operating the AATON 35-III in extreme or
adverse conditions.
4.7.1 Cold Weather
The AATON 35-III features a built-in electronic heating element
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							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 more than usual. Favor many small
batteries, such as on-board and lithium cells (which are easier to
keep warm), over large block batteries. Use a powercable so that the
on-board battery could be kept in a pocket close to the warmth of
your body.
When filming outdoors, use a standard or heated barney to protect
the camera body from direct contact with the wind and cold. To
avoid condensation inside the mechanism, electronics and lens ele-
ments, do not take the equipment indoors or expose it to sudden
temperature changes. If and when the equipment must be moved
inside, do so by first placing it in a sealed container and let it thaw
for a few hours before opening.
Always keep your raw stock and loaded magazines above freezing
temperatures at all times during a cold weather shoot.
4.7.2 Warm Weather
The keep the temperature of the camera body down, avoid having
the camera exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time by
using a barney, all-weather cover, or some form of shading, like an
umbrella.
Most importantly, keep raw stock and magazine in a dry cooler, or
in the coolest location available.
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