Text preview for : ECLAIR NPR Manual.pdf part of Eclair NPR 16mm Movie Camera Manual
Back to : ECLAIR NPR Manual.pdf | Home
Operating manual "Eclair 16"
No 7008(2)A
DISCLAIMER
Every effort has been made to assure that the information in this manual is correct, but the author/transcriber assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with any errors or omissions. It is strongly recommended that users conduct tests before making any assumptions about the workability of any devices, procedures, or processes described herein. If there is any doubt about the information contained within this manual, the user is encouraged to seek a professional who is familiar with the equipment.
COPYRIGHT
While this version of the Éclair 16 manual contains the original instructions for the camera, comments have been added that were not included in the original manual. Therefore, the transcriber/author claims copyright to this version of the manual. It is intended that this manual be provided free of charge to those who need it and it may not be sold without the express, written permission of the transcriber/author. © 1999 by "Heli Boy"
SECTION I
Introduction
As the conception of the Eclair 16 is different from that of other cameras, it is imperative that the instructions and recommendations for its use be followed closely. We suggest that the various operations involved be practiced before filming is commenced. The following points should be noted: 1. Use only 12-volt batteries conforming to the wiring diagrams shown in this manual. 2. Use only "Cannon" plugs, properly connected as inversion of current could cause serious damage. 3. Never use transformed direct current unless it has been rectified with transformers supplied by Eclair.
4.
From camera Eclair 16 No. 1,676 onwards, the reflex mirror can be cleaned with cotton wool or a soft cotton material. For cameras up to No. 1675, the reflecting surface must never be touched. Cleaning should be carried out with an air syringe.
5. Before cleaning the aperture, ensure that the mirror has been cleared from the area of the aperture. 6. When cleaning the aperture plate be careful not to strain the spring of the movable guide (Photograph C). 7. Make sure that the magazine lid on the take-up side is closed before forming the loop (Photograph I). 8. Always check the size of the loop on the magazine before snapping it onto the camera. 9. If a high noise level is located in the magazine, remove the magazine and check the loop. Familiarize yourself with the noise made by two alarm systems built into the magazine.
SECTION II
Reflex Viewfinder System
The Eclair 16 includes a reflex viewfinder composed of a revolving shutter to which is attached the mirror opened at 180° (D 29) which reflects the image formed by the lens onto a frosted glass (D 31) while the aperture is closed. This image is transmitted to the viewfinder through an intermediate lens and a prism. The viewfinder can be rotated through 360° parallel to the camera and the eyepiece can be rotated by 360° at right angles to the camera. It is therefore possible to view the subject from all possible angles without moving the head. Ground glass (D 31) The dimensions (8.4 x 17-mm) are considerably larger than the filmed image, which is defined by an engraved rectangular frame. The area outside of the frame, which is almost equal to that of the image, provides an important extra field all around the image and prevents accidental framing when filming. The ground glass has 3 engravings: 1. a frame for the cinema format (7.42 x 10.20 mm) 2. a frame with rounded corners for the TV format (6.30 x 8.41 mm) 3. a cross indicating the center of the two above formats. A slot under the frosted glass allows the insertion of special viewing masks. The insertion must be made taking particular care not to touch either the frosted glass or the reflex mirror. Caution: In order to avoid any reflection onto the recorded image, never use a gelatin mask or a mask which has a glossy surface. Mounting the viewfinder to the camera 1. Unscrew the lens cover and the lens holder cover. 2. Fit the lens into its holder, locating the slot at the top. 3. Secure the locking ring (E 47).
SECTION II
Reflex Viewfinder System
Viewfinder characteristics 1. Since it can rotate by 360° parallel to the camera, it may be locked at any angle, using the locking screw (E 46). When the standard viewfinder is rotated, the framed image also rotates proportionally. You will quickly become accustomed to this peculiarity. The Eclair 16 can, however, be supplied on request with a special viewfinder, the optics of which automatically remove this rotation. The eyepiece can revolve by 360° transversely relative to the camera. This allows viewing with either the right or the left eye and an accurate positioning relative to the eye. A screw (E 45) permits an adjustment of the friction of the eyepiece. The rubber eyelet (E 42) rotates through 360° to accommodate the eye used. A shutter opens automatically as soon as a light pressure is effected with the eye, and closes as soon as this pressure is removed. A firmer pressure keeps the shutter open. To shut the shutter, the eyelet (E 42) is lightly pulled back. Two screws (F 55 - F 56) allow adjustment to the optical axis of the eyepiece if this should be necessary. Viewing is then effected relative to an external marking and as follows: a) release screw (F56). b) view through the viewfinder, turn screw (F 56) to obtain the required setting. c) tighten screw (F 56). An adjustment of ±9 diopters is provided for on the viewfinder by the knob (E 44). Setting to the desired diopter is effected as follows: a) remove the lens and move the reflex-mirror to the viewing position (alternately, position the turret as shown in photograph D -- see Section III). b) release the button (E 44). c) View through the lens and turn the diopter adjusting ring until the cross engraved in the ground glass is perfectly in focus. d) Lock button (E 44). Check this adjustment from time to time as it is possible that eyestrain may be caused under certain working conditions if the camera is not correctly set.
2.
3.
4.
5.
SECTION III
(omitted)
(omitted)
SECTION IV
Lenses
12/120 mm Zoom This lens has been chosen as standard zoom for the Eclair because of its quality and focal range. The rigid construction of the "CA" mount ensures perfect seating of the lens and eliminates any risk of vibration, which would be harmful to definition. The zoom should be inserted in the place provided in the camera case CICOF. Do not forget to replace all the protective caps. The zooms are generally supplied with a focusing handle, which is engaged by pulling out the boss, and released by pushing it in. On request, the zooms may be supplied with a focusing lever instead of the handle. The geometric openings (f-stops) are engraved in white, and the photometric openings (T-stops) are in red. Other lenses Many well-known lens manufacturers offer their products with a "CA" standard mount and all over the world excellent lenses are available with the "C" universal mount.
SECTION V
Shutter
The Eclair 16 shutter is characterized by its large diameter and the fact that it rotates only once per image. It has therefore only one blade, which, by passing very close to the aperture, ensures maximum definition. As it cuts the aperture horizontally, it reduces to the minimum the stroboscopic effect of other systems. The shutter opening is adjustable (with the camera stopped) between 5° and 180°. The adjustment is in steps of 10° between 10° and 180°. The adjustment is carried out as follows: (Before adjusting the shutter, the battery must be disconnected from the motor.) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Unlock the turret (E 50) as shown in Section III. Turn the turret through 90° (photograph D), push it in slightly to retain the position. Push the lever (E 37) through 90° on to "Reflex". Using the knurled wheel (E 36) turn the shutter until the blade covers about half of the aperture. Move the lever (E 37) to "réglage obturateur" and keep it in this position. Push and then rotate the button (C 23) in the direction required to adjust the shutter. The desired opening is obtained when the corresponding figure is at the edge of the reflex-mirror. The lever (E 37) automatically comes back to the position "moteur". For reflex viewing, the motor always stops on viewing position. With some older (noncrystal) motors it may be necessary to rotate the shutter to bring the reflex-mirror to the viewing position. This is carried out as follows: a) Move the lever (E 37) through 90° to "Reflex". It remains in this position. b) Turn the knurled wheel (E 36) until the image appears in the viewfinder. c) Push the lever (E 37) back to its initial position (motor). If operation3 has not been carried out, the camera will run noisily and may not run at the correct speed. However, no damage can result in this condition.
7.
SECTION VI
Driving motors
(Note: With the many crystal-synchronized motors available now available for the Éclair 16, the following information concerning the original motor options may be obsolete for your camera.) The Éclair 16 is usually equipped with a multi-duty motor (code BEALA): See booklets 7006 and 7007. Power: Speed: 12-volt direct current. a) 24 and 25 frames per second. Pilot frequency: 50,60 or 100 cycles set by switches. b) variable from 4 to 50 frames per second, servo-controlled with a regulation of 2%. Three-position switch: Automatic clapper, no clapper, manual clapper.
Clapper:
On specification the following regulated motors can still be supplied: Power supply: 12-volt direct current. Code: BLOTU Code: CLAMO Code: BLOBO Code: BLOMU Code: CLIPE
25fps 50 cycles with synchro generator and automatic clapper (Bloop) 25 fps 100 cycles with synchro generator and automatic clapper 24 fps 50 cycles with synchro generator and automatic clapper (Bloop) 24fps 60 cycles with synchro generator and automatic clapper (Bloop) 24fps 100 cycles with synchro generator and automatic clapper
The above regulated motors include a pilot lamp (E 41) that goes off as soon as the motor does not run at synchro speed. Electrical connection of regulated motors The four-pin "Canon" socket on the motor connects the supply cable. The start switch is next to the "Canon" socket. A 50, 60 or 100-cycle generator, depending on the motor, supplies the synchronization frequency to the BAKEL or CIBIN battery by means of cable CICAB. A four-core CICAB cable feeds the motor on two cores and transmits the synchronization frequency through the other two cores to the magnetic recorder. Speed regulation
A built-in regulator controls the speed to a tolerance of ±0.5%; there is no need therefore for a tachometer. As soon as the control light (E 41) lights up, even weakly, the filming speed is guaranteed. If the light does not go on, synchronization is not guaranteed. Since the lighting power of the bulb depends on the amperage of the battery the brilliance indicates the state of charge of the battery. Automatic clapper Every time the camera starts, the light (E 48) goes on for 0.3 seconds, which will fog six or seven frames. The light then goes out and a pilot frequency is sent to the magnetic recorder. When editing, the synchronization of the film-image with the sound tape is obtained by aligning the last image completely fogged with the beginning of the pilot frequency. In the case of "BLOOP" motors, the blackening of the frames is similar, but during that time the camera sends an 8-volt direct current supply to the recorder oscillator (e.g., Nagra). This oscillator transmits a 1,000 cycle audible frequency, which is superimposed on the modulation of the magnetic tape. On the editing table, synchronization is obtained by making the last frame completely fogged coincide with the 1,000-cycle frequency. Caution: Due to the fact that a reversal of polarity would result in the destruction of electronic components, the following points should be observed: 1. Never use supply cables whose wiring and polarity are unknown. In doubtful cases, check that the connections have been properly made as indicated: Pin 1: 12 volts (minus) Pin 2: 12 volts (plus) Pin 3: pilot frequency Pin 4: pilot frequency As per diagram CIR 897 of booklet No. 7007. 2. Do not use transformed current because the actual power is difficult to determine and varies considerably according to the charge. A transformer that indicates 16 volts when it is not functioning may, for example, fall to 8 volts when the camera starts. Only the transformer supplied by Éclair will assure efficient operation.
SECTION VII
(omitted)
(omitted)
SECTION VIII
General
Snap-on magazine
This coaxial magazine has two compartments: film-feed and take-up, toothed-sprocket and guide-rollers. Each side has a removable locking lid. Loading of the film feed-side is carried out in a darkroom or in a changing-bag in the case of normal reels of nonexposed film. It can be carried out in daylight with daylight loading spools. The loading of the take-up side is carried out in daylight in both cases. To fit a magazine to the camera, or to change magazines, is the work of seconds. Daylight loading spools. These are generally available for 100- and 200-foot reels. Éclair will supply spools with removable flanges that can hold 400 feet of film, which provide the possibility of daylight loading the film-feed side of the magazines. Reels. The non-exposed film supplied on reels has a plastic core of 50mm. Counter. On the upper part of the magazine is a counter (F 52) that indicates the number of feet or meters of film that remain. This counter automatically returns to zero. Two separate counters are provided; one for spools and one for reels. Side doors On each door, film-feed side and take-up side, are two white plastic discs on which the cameraman may record information as to the emulsion used, the footage, etc.; or any instructions for the processing laboratory. Safety system A torque limiter prevents mechanical damage in the event of a film jam. If, for any reason, the loop disappears, a sound indicator (H 74) placed under the lower guide shoe (H 3) of the drive sprocket switches on and warns the cameraman. It is important that the loop coming out of the magazine be 12 perforations long and have the same length at both ends of the gate (photograph I). A correctly formed loop also adds to steadiness and to the silence of the camera.
SECTION IX
Placing the film in the magazine 1. 2. 3. 4.
Loading the magazine
Lay the magazine on its side, film-feed side upward (photograph G). Pull lid lock (F 90) to the left, slide lock button downward and remove lid by pulling and lifting at the back on the small flange provided. Raise the arm of the counter (G 52) to the locked-up position. Daylight loading spools. (See instructions following step 14 for reels). Slide and lift the spindle lock (G 61) and lift off the flange (G 60). Place the spool on the spindle and lock in place by fastening the spindle lock (G 61). Ensure that this catch is correctly seated, otherwise it could rub against the lid and create noise. The non-exposed film may be wound with the emulsion externally or internally, but the emulsion must always be toward the top of the magazine. Free the feed sprocket guide by lifting the axle (G63) and moving the guide away from the sprocket. Replace the lid by inserting the front edge into the magazine and sliding the lid forward, ensuring that the lid is firmly located. Slide the safety lock into place.
5. 6.
The loading can then continue in daylight. 8. Turn over the magazine so that the take-up side is upwards. Remove the lid as indicated above. Turn the take-up spindle as marked by the arrow (anticlockwise) until about four inches of film emerge into the magazine. Open the upper and lower pressure guide-rollers (H 70 and H 73). Place the film on the sprocket drum maintaining a loop as indicated by the engraving on the plate. Close the upper pressure-guide (H 70). Turn the take-up spindle anticlockwise, whilst pressing the pressure plate (I 77) inwards, until about 30 inches of film have emerged above the pressure plate. Pull gently on the film until the sprocket wheel turns to ensure that no slack film remains inside the magazine between the sprocket wheel and pressure plate (I 77). Press in the pressure plate (I 77) and slide the end of the film through the lower opening of the pressure plate and the film guide. Pull the film through between the lower part of the sprocket (H 76) and the pressure guide-rollers (H 73) leaving a loop of exactly 12 frames (about the width of two fingers). Shut the lower pressure guide-rollers making sure that the perforations are located on the sprocket wheel. Pass the film over the roller (H 72) and wind the film onto the take-up core (or
9.
10.
11. 12.
13.
spool), ensuring that the film takes up in an anti-clockwise direction, emulsion outwards. 14. Replace the take-up side lid.
Reel: The loading is carried out in the same way as for the daylight loading spool except that it is not necessary to remove the flange (G 60) and the operations 1 through 7, inclusive, must be carried out in a darkroom. Form of the outside loop Although this operation has already been carried out when loading the magazine, it is important always to ensure that the loop is of the correct length before snapping the magazine onto the camera. Press centre of film onto the pressure plate and push both ends back into the magazine.
SECTION X
1. 2. 3.
Fitting the magazine to the camera
Remove the aperture plate cover by pressing button (C 25) and ensure that the plate is clean Always check that the magazine loop is of the correct length (12 frames) and evenly distributed in the magazine. Attach the magazine to the camera by inserting the two lower guides (G 65) into the slots (C28 of the camera (under the aperture plate). Pivot the magazine on the location slots and ensure that the tongue of the lock engages correctly in the magazine. Always push over the safety catch (C 27) so that it engages in the top of the magazine.
4.
Removing the magazine 1. 2. Push safety catch (C 27) to the right. Hold the magazine in one hand and at the same time press button (C 24) with one finger of the other hand.
Note: When shooting is terminated, replace the aperture plate cover and the magazine nose protector.
SECTION XI
Connection
Shooting
With the lever (E 37) on "Moteur", connect the battery to the camera using the supply cable with the four-pin Canon socket (E 39) In the case of a multiprogram BEALA motor, the socket is on the right side of the motor. After setting the focus and aperture, set the camera running by pressing the button (E 38). For the BEALA motor, press button (10) (see booklet 7007). Warning systems Two warning systems are provided: Loop warning and Torque limiter. Loop warning The magazine gives a distinctive warning if the loop is lost. In such a case, proceed as follows: 1. 2. Stop the camera and remove the magazine. Check the loop (Section IX). If the film is coming entirely from the top, re-divide it as already indicated; i.e., six frames at the top and six frames at the bottom. Reattach the magazine to the camera and start running. If the fault persists, check the loading of the magazine in a changing bag. There is probably a film jam or damaged perforations. Check the three following points: a) b) c) cleanliness of the aperture plate correct operation of spring-loaded side pressure guide (C24) correct operation of the magazine pressure plate
3.
Checking the loop warning device To make sure that this safety system is working well, we suggest that from time to time you carry out the following test: 1. 2. Load a magazine normally but with no loop outside. (Any fogged film can be used. Fit the magazine on the camera.
3.
Start the camera.
The loud clattering noise should be evident. We recommend that this test be made before the first film is shot so that you are familiar with the noise of this warning device. Torque limiter The magazine is also provided with a noise-making clutch that operates when a film jam occurs. This clutch releases the driving shaft of the magazine, thus protecting the film and the camera mechanism. As soon as the warning sound is heard, stop the camera and check the magazine loading in a changing bag. For the same reason as for the loop warning, check the torque limiter as follows: 1. 2. Fit a magazine to the camera, but with no lid on the take-up side. Start camera running and press on the take-up sprocket drum with the thumb.
A similar but louder noise to the loop warning should be apparent. Note: Do not carry out noise-making tests with magazines of series A, B, C, D, E and F.
SECTION XII
Cleaning the aperture plate and the magazine pressure plate
Maintenance
With the shutter open and using a clean chamois leather, occasionally moistened with a small amount of alcohol, clean the plate by rubbing up and down. Care should be taken not to catch the claw (C 18) or the counter-claw (C 22) with the chamois. If there are deposits in the channel, particularly along the side pressure plates, remove them carefully with a toothpick or, preferably, a manicure orangewood stick, Never use any metal object. It is important that the spring-loaded pressure guide (C 24) on the right side of the channel, and the pressure plate of the magazine (I 77) operate smoothly and freely. The spring pressure of the pressure guide is 60 grams. If this guide does not work satisfactorily, the equipment should be returned to the supplier for adjustment. Avoid the use of brushes since they are generally dirty and have loose bristles. If a hair or bristle is caught in the claw slot it may damage the movement. If it is caught in the window it will very likely appear on the projection of the film. Cleaning the magazine The sprocket drums and the pressure plate roller-guides may be cleaned with a fluffle cloth slightly moistened with alcohol. For the interior it is preferable to use an air syringe. Note: Never lubricate any moving part of the camera. All moving parts are permanently self-lubricated. Use an air syringe for the optical parts. Any other cleaning, even with optical or above all tissue paper, could slightly scratch the surfaces. As for all cinematographic equipment for professional users, a general overhaul carried out from time to time by the maintenance service of you supplier will avoid troubles and waste of time and money.
SECTION XIII
Operating noise level
It is generally very difficult, without using a sound meter, to determine the noise level of a camera. In fact, the noise is sometimes subjective and depends on various factors, such as: 1. 2. 3. 4. Ambient noise Reflecting surfaces (walls, ceiling, etc.) of a room or of the scenery The position of the listener relative to the camera Age of the film used Etc.
We recommend that you always use new film and, most importantly, leave no unexposed film in the magazine for any length of time.
SECTION XIV
"Éclair 16" parts list
For references 1 to 16 please refer to our Multiduty motor brochure No. 7006.
Nomenclature
Photo C 17. Aperture gate 18. Claw 19. Motor locking catches 20. Rubber drive coupling 21. Magazine drive shaft 22. Registration pin 23. Shutter aperture setting control 24. Spring loaded side pressure 25. Magazine release knob 26. Magazine catch 27. Magazine safety catch 28. Magazine location slots Photo D 29. Reflex 30. Variable shutter 31. Ground glass Photo E 32. Lens support socket 33. Lens support 34. Support rod 35. Support rod locking screw 36. Shutter inching knob 37. Shutter control lever 38. On/Off switch 39. Power supply socket 40. Magazine lid catch 41. Motor running light 42. Rubber eye cup 43. Eyepiece shutter 44. Diopter lock 45. Friction adjustment screw 46. Viewfinder position lock 47. Viewfinder attachment ring 48. Clapper lamp holder 49. Lens in "C"-mount
50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59.
Lens turret Lens in "CA"-mount Footage counter Carrying handle Turret lock Adjusting screw for optical axis Optical axis locking screw matte box CIPAR film note disc magazine lid catch, feed side
Photo G 60. Flange 61. Spool lock 62. Counter arm 63. Guide shoe release 64. Guide shoe 65. Magazine location tongues 66. Drive shaft 67. Feed sprocket Photo H 68. Film guide opening pin 69. Upper guide shoe release 70. Upper guide shoe 71. Film loop 72. Guide roller 73. Lower guide shoe 74. Loop guard 75. Lower guide shoe release 76. Sprocket wheel Photo I 77. pressure pad 78. external film loop Photo J 79 magazine locking stud