Aaton Cam Xter Users Guide

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THE CAMERA BODY
The Xterà utilizes LED indicators in three locations to convey in-
formation: in the viewfinder and on both left and right outsides of  
the camera body.
2.11.1 Position and Meaning of  the Diodes
• Two yellow diodes, placed on both right and left sides of  the cam-
era body indicate that the camera is either on Test or on Run mode.
• Two red diodes, placed on both right and left side of  the camera 
body, and a third one, visible from the viewfinder, display a special 
warning.
•...

warnings for the operator.
Under normal operation, the lightmeter display will flash once for 
every foot or meter that is counted down. When the footage coun-
ter on the LCD control panel counts down to 10 feet remaining, the 
display will flash more rapidly, at a frequency of  about 2-3 times per 
second. Keep in mind, the pre-end-of-film warning will only operate 
if  the lightmeter display is turned on.
When the counter reaches zero, the left and right sides of  the dis-
play will alternately flash,...

The Aaton VHR color VHR tap is designed to add video assist 
capability to the Xterà without compromising the body’s size, flex-
ibility and ease-of-use. Because the VHR head is incorporated into 
the Xterà camera body, there are no centering or focus adjustments 
necessary (unless, of  course, when converting the body between 16 
and Super16 formats). 
2.12.1 The Internal Beamsplitter
The Aaton VHR assist system employs an internal, user-retractable 
beamsplitter that reroutes a portion of  the...

VHR target is maintained and the beamsplitter itself  is less suscep-
tive to residual shocks caused by a drop or sudden jolt.
Positioning the beamsplitter for video use - the adjusting screw 
should be rotated counter-clockwise to move the glass in place.
Retracting the beamsplitter for non-video use - the adjusting screw 
should be rotated clockwise to move the glass out of  viewing area.
2.12.3 The Beamsplitter Axis Adjustment
The beamsplitter axis adjustment is used to recenter the VHR assist 
image...

approximately 3 to 4 hours of  operation (without the Xterà run-
ning) on one 12V 3,2 ah on-board battery. Although battery life will 
vary greatly depending on the amount of  film run and the number 
of  accessories powered from one power source, you could estimate 
that one 12V on-board could run 10 magazines and the VHR for 
2-3 hours. 
2.12.6 The VHR Color Video Assist capabilities and Menu
For all operating information, please refer to the VHR user's manual 
which can be find at : www.aaton.com...

THE  MAGAZINE
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3 

3.1 CONCEPT
The Aaton DX Magazine incorporates many features which add to 
the camera system's ease-of-use, efficiency and reliability. The maga-
zine's coaxial design allows for separate feed and take-up chambers, 
which ensures that the bulk of  the loading process is performed in 
daylight.
The DX Magazine is driven magnetically from an intermediate drive 
connected to the camera motor; a magnetic wheel on the inner 
side of  the camera body couples with a similar wheel on the throat 
of  the...

and facilitates a long and twistless film path. (Severe twisting of  the 
more sensitive high speed stocks, as is the case with the LTR and 
some other manufacturers' magazines, has been known to cause 
grain fracturing and a resulting abnormal exposure of  the film in 
that area.)
3.3 PRESSURE PLATE SYSTEM
The DX magazine features two pressure plates which are located at 
the front of  the nose of  the magazine. When the loaded magazine 
is attached to the camera, these pressure plates provide the...

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3.3.2 The Claw Plate
The lower plate, called the claw plate, is positioned at the pulldown 
claw and functions to stabilize the film as the claw engages the film 
perf  between exposures. Proper tension and functioning of  the claw 
plate contribute to reliable transport and quiet operation. 
3.4 MAG IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
3.4.1 Mag ID
Each DX magazine bears its own identification (ID) determined 
by the combination of  magnets in receivers located above the drive 
wheel on the throat of  the mag. This...