Aaton Cam Xter Users Guide

3.5 LOADING 
The straightforward design of  the DX magazine allows for quick, 
easy loading and an absolute minimum amount of  threading in the 
dark. The film does not need to be cut in preparation for loading.
3.5.1 Feed Side - In the Changing Bag
• Place the film can and the magazine, feed side up, in the changing 
bag and zip closed.
• Disable the mechanical footage counter, located on the feed door, 
by rotating counter clockwise until it locks in its recessed position.
• Unfasten the feed door lock...

through large coaxial roller emulsion out. Make sure that the length 
of  film feeds completely through to the take-up side.
• Close and lock the feed door and engage the footage counter by 
rotating clockwise.
• Remove the magazine from the changing bag.
3.5.2 Take-up Side - In Daylight
• Unfasten the take-up door lock by rotating downward and open 
the door.
• 
Release the doors of  the upper and lower pinch rollers by pressing 
the white buttons and gently pulling open.
• Pull the length of  film from...

• Thread the film around the lower sprocket, making sure the film's 
perforations engage the sprocket teeth. Close the lower pinch roller 
until it locks firmly in position and a noticeable click is heard.
• Hold the lower sprocket with your right thumb and rotate the 
take-up core counter-clockwise to remove any slack.
• Thread the film around the upper sprocket and adjust the loop un-
til its taut length is 14 to 15 frames long outside of  the nose. When 
the proper length is achieved, close the upper...

3.6  800 ft magazine 
Though the 800 ft design and loading is very close to the 400 ft 
magazine, the following points need to be respected.
3.6.1Feed side, loading.
The loading is very similar to the 400 ft. Do not forget to install 
the upper platter when the film stock is loaded. This platter allows 
the proper driving of  the film, reduces the noise level and avoids 
scratch problems.This platter and the take-up side platter must al-
ways be clean.
3.6.2 Take-up side, loading.
The film path is the same...

• Mag identification system
Determined by the combination of  magnets in receivers located 
above the drive wheel on the mag throat 
( same combinations than the 400 ft magazine ).
• Footage
A sensor coupled to an external display, allows to verify the remain 
footage in the magazine. 
   55
THE MAGAZINE
Warning : when you install the 
platter, be sure that the edge 
of  the platter is placed on top 
of  the driving roller. An incor-
rect positioning could create 
some take-up problems.
Note :  with XTR...

THE AATON SYSTEM
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4 

4.1 CAMERA CONFIGURATIONS
4.1.1 15mm Front Rods
The most versatile and popular configuration for accessorizing the 
XTRplus camera, the universal 15mm screw-in front rod system can 
instantly accept Aaton, Arri, Chrosziel, Petroff  and other manufac-
turers' mattebox and follow focus systems. Utilizing the front rod 
system allows for quick conversion from tripod to shoulder operat-
ing modes without the need for recon-figuration.
Aaton manufactures 60mm and 120mm length rods that screw di-
rectly...

4.2.1 Mounting the Handgrip
Screw in one 15mm short rod into each of  the two recepticles on 
the front housing of  the camera below the lens port. Slide the cou-
pler over the two rods to the desired location and fasten its center 
wing nut to secure the rods in position. Attach the handgrip to the 
coupler by mating the star plate 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...

4.3 TRIPOD USE
In order to use the Xterà on a standard tripod, the tripod's 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 lon-
ger than 8mm (1/3") can fracture the base casting and damage the 
camera's electronics.
4.4 SHOULDER OPERATION
One of  the most attractive features of  the Aaton system has always 
been its comfort and ease...