Hitachi VM-SP1A Instruction Manual

8mm video camera/recorder

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HITACHI

Instruction

Manual

8mm Video Camera/Recorder

VM-SPIA

Hitachi Home Electronics

(America),

Inc.

Western

Regional

Office

For information

concerning

repairs, operation

401 West Artesia Boulevard,

Compton,

technical

assistance,

please contact the Service

California

90220

Department

of your nearest

Regional

Office.

Tel. 310-537-8383

Eastern

Regional

Office

1290 Wall Street West

Lyndhurst,

New Jersey

07071

Hawaii

96819

Tel. 201-935-8980

HITACHI

SALES CORPORATION

HAWAII,

INC

3219 Koapaka

Street, Honolulu,

Tel. 808-836-3621

Mid-Western

Regional

Office

1400 Morse Ave.

Claire,

Elk Grove Village,

III. 60007

Tel. 708-593-1550

HITACHI

(HSC) CANADA

INC.

3300 Trans Canada

Highway,

Pointe

Quebec,

H9R 1B1, CANADA

Tel. 514-697-9150

Southern

Regional

Office

3890 Steve Reynolds

Blvd.

Norcross,

GA 30093

Tel. 404-279-5600

E131110/E72118

P4705457

Ltd. 1992

Printed in Japan KF-S(N)

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Summary of Contents for Hitachi VM-SP1A

Page 1 HITACHI Instruction Manual 8mm Video Camera/Recorder VM-SPIA Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Western Regional Office For information concerning repairs, operation 401 West Artesia Boulevard, Compton, technical assistance, please contact the Service California 90220 Department of your nearest Regional Office. Tel. 310-537-8383...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ........................FEATURES ..............................ACCESSORIES ............................IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ........................IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ........WATER-RESISTANT ..........................ADJUSTING THE HAND STRAP ......................ATTACHING THE LENS CAP AND MICROPHONE CAP ..............HOW TO INSTALL THE SHOULDER STRAP ..................
Page 3 HOTLINE ..............................ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT ..................TO ORDER ............................
Page 4 CAUTION: WHEN OUTDOORS. DO NOT USE AC ADAPTOR/CHARGER. USE ONLY BATTERY PACK TYPE: VM-BP82. DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL..This symbol warms the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock.
Page 5: Important Safeguards
ilMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS PRECAUTIONS...
Page 6 Any problems that occur as a result of any of the following conditions will not be covered by our warranty. Be careful that no water, dust or sand enters the camera/recorder. When you are not using the camera/recorder, switch off the power. When you shoot at a scene which contains an extremely bright object such as the sun...
Page 7: Features
• Water-resistant • Auto Focus Power Zoom Lens with macro feature • 53 Color Graphic Title Library • Flying Erase Head • Audio/Video • Digital Zoom up to X16 • Time and date • Solid-state camera pickup • Wireless Remote Control •...
Page 8 Check that you have the following components and accessories (besides the camera/recorder unit itself) before disposing of the packing material. 1. AV Output Cord 2. Battery Pack 3. AC Adapter/Charger 4. RF Output Adaptor 5.75-ohm Coaxial Cable with Antenna Adapter 6.
Page 9 In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture your video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. But, safety is your responsibility too. This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a Video Camera/Recorder and accessory...
Page 10: Accessories
7 Power-Cord Protection -- Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
Page 11 12 Outdoor Antenna Grounding -- If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the video product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.
Page 12 b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the video product. c. If the video product has been exposed to rain or water. d. If the video product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions.
Page 13 1. Save these instructions -- This page contains important safety and operating instructions for AC Adapter/Charger Model VM-AC80A. 2. Before using AC Adapter/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC Adapter/Charger, (2) battery and (3) product using battery. 3.
Page 14: Water-Resistant
• The water-resistant seal should be replaced at least once a year. Use Hitachi part # VM-KIT270. The VM-SPIA cannot be used in the following places • Under water •...
Page 15 [Note: Be careful that no water or Sand enters the camera/rec0rder: 1. Push the lever on the buckle and hold it, then release the buckle in the direction the arrow. Note:After using the VM_SPIAi wipe off the sand orwater carefully from the case before opening it.
Page 16 Note: Open or Close the case so that no water, snow, rain; Sandl etc. can enter into the inner housing: To close the case Hold the left and right half of the case tightly and close the buckle until a click is heard. [Note:Lock the case securely using the buckle.
Page 17 Adjust the hand strap, as illustrated. Adjust the length of the hand strap so you can press the "START/STOP" button and power zoom switch easily with your fingers.
Page 18 Attach the lens cap as shown in the figure during shooting to prevent the cord from dangling. Also attach the microphone cap to prevent it from being lost.
Page 19 Attach the shoulder strap (provided). as illustrated.
Page 20 To use the electronic viewfinder without eyeglasses on, adjust the diopter control for optimum focus adjustment. You may want to install the date/time and remote control batteries (provided) immediately to prevent misplacing them. For date/time 1. Open the case. Refer to "WATER-RESISTANT" on page 8. 3.
Page 21 For remote control 1. Pull the battery holder from the remote control (provided). 2. Place the battery as illustrated and then attach the holder to the remote control. NOTES: • When replacing the batteries, use 3V micro lithium cell such as Maxell CR2025 or equivalent.
Page 22: Charging The Battery
WHEN USING WITH THE BATTERY (provided) I_!OTE: The battery must be charged before it can be used for the first time. Refer to i CHARGING THE BATTERY, on page 14: 1. Open the case. Refer to "WATER-RESISTANT" on page 8. 2.
Page 23: Power Sources
Ac adapter/charger to power the camera/recorder: WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM-CCa0A) 1. Connect the car battery cord to the car's cigarette lighter socket. 2. Open the case.
Page 24 When the "i_" indication appears in the viewfinder and flashes while the camera/recorder is being operated with a battery (provided), it indicates that the battery charge is low. Charge it or replace it with a charged battery. Y" I NOTE: whenever the linear time counter"...
Page 25 1. Plug the AC adapter/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet. 2. Attach the battery to the AC adapter/charger. Align the reference arrow on the battery with that of AC adapter/charger and push the battery flush with the AC adapter/charger and slide it in the direction of arrow.
Page 26 :: CHARGING THE BATTERY 9. Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no user serviceable parts inside. 10. Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing the battery to excessive heat - over 149°F (65°C) could be hazardous. 11.
Page 27 Before inserting or removing a cassette, be sure to connect the power source. When a power source is connected, the cassette can be ejected and removed whether the power is on or off. Insertion 1. Open the case. Refer to "WATER-RESISTANT" on page 8.
Page 28: Insertion And Removal Of Cassetes
i INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF CASSETES Removal Slide the "EJECT" switch and remove the cassette.
Page 29 8mm Video Cassette An 8mm Video Cassette has a record-protect tab on the side of the cassette that can be slid to prevent accidental erasure of recorded material. To prevent accidental erasure, slide the record-protect tab in the direction of the arrow until the red tab is completely visible.
Page 30 1. Open the case. Refer to "WATER-RESISTANT" on page 8. 2. Connect either one of the POWER SOURCES on pages 12 and 13. 3. Slide "EJECT" switch and insert tha cassette so the transparent window is toward you and the arrow toward the cassette holder.
Page 31 [NOTE: D0 not lock the buckle when sUpply p0wer With the DC c0rdl ttttt ....t 6. Turn the operate control to select "ZOOMxl 6", "ZOOMx64", "EXPAND" or "SLIM". The camera/recorder will enter the record pause mode automatically. • "ZOOMx16": Enlarges the image from Xl to X16.
Page 32: Makinga Sample Camera Recording
::MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING NOTES: • The "TAPE END" indication in the viewfinder starts flashing when there is less than three minutes recording time left on the cassette. ° If the record/pause mode continues for more than 5 minutes, the camera/recorder's power is automatically turned off.
Page 33 NOTE: If you have a cassette tape that has already been partially recorded on and you " IT" n want to record the remaining blank section, see QU CK ED o page 26. NOTES: • When the camera/recorder is used for a long time, it becomes warm, but this does not indicate a fault.
Page 34 Left side/Front Illustration 1. Lens F2.0 (6 ~ 48mm) 8:1 power zoom lens features auto focus and auto iris functions. 2. Infrared ray receiving section Receives infrared rays from the remote control unit. 3. "FOCUS" Select Button Press this button to switch between automatic and manual focusing. If this button is pressed and "FOCUS M."...
Page 35: Date/Time Setting
iBEBYiFiBAYiBN ANBOPERAYi6B OFBSBYR6[B 13. Diopter Control To use the electronic vie_inder without eyeglasses on, turn this for your optimum focus adjustment. 14. "BACK LIGHT" Button When the subject is lit from behind, press and hold this button to compensate for the back-lighting.
Page 36 iBEBTiFiBA?iBB AND8FERATibB O FBOBTR6EB These buttons are used to set the clock (time and date) in your camera/recorder so that it can be recorded on your tapes for future reference. May also be used to select the camera/recorder function. 26. "START/STOP" Button This button is used to control the camera/recorder.
Page 37 34. "PLAY" Button Used for playback of tape. NOTE: When the camera!recorder is in record!paUse(stand'by)model pressing and holding this button will play the tape at normal spee& 35. "F.FWD" Button Press this button during stop or rewind mode, and fast-forwarding starts.
Page 38 • Always return the remote control into the camera/recorder when not using it so that you do not lose it,...
Page 39 The date and time can be recorded on your tapes to act as a handy reference when viewing them at a later time. Use the following procedure to set up this display for the current date and time. 1. Load the camera/recorder's date/time battery as described on page 11.
Page 40 9. After setting AM or PM, press "SHIFT" button again. The "MENU", as illustrated, appears in the viewfinder. 10. Press the "MENU" button. The menu disappears and the date/time graphics will appear. 11. Press "DATE" button. The date/time appear or disappear each time the button is pressed. The date/time graphics will be recorded whenever they appear in the viewfinder.
Page 41 • You can always focus the subject automatically if "FOCUS M." is not displayed in the viewfinder. You cannot focus automatically with the following objects. Focus manually. 1. Objects not in the center of the viewfinder. 2. Objects at far and near positions at the same time _,2",_ j 3.
Page 42 MANUAL FOCUS 1. Press "FOCUS" select button to display "FOCUS M." in the viewfinder. • When "FOCUS M." is displayed in the viewfinder, you can adjust the focus manually. • When "FOCUS" select button is pressed again, "FOCUS M." disappears and camera returns to the auto focus mode.
Page 43 This camera/recorder is provided with an auto iris mechanism which automatically adjusts the lens aperature in accordance with the available light. When the object is dark, the iris opens automatically, and it closes when the object is bright. When the power is switched off, the iris is automatically set to the fully closed position.
Page 44 • Press power zoom switch on the "W" side, and the picture gradually widens. • Press power zoom switch on the "T" side, and the picture gradually becomes telescopic. Super zoom (Telemacro) feature Auto focus operates even when you bring the camera/recorder up to 2.3 feet from the subject, therefor e , you can zoom up so the subject fills the screen and record it.
Page 45 This feature allows you to increase the magnification of the image at the center of the screen up to 2 or 8 times greater than the extreme telephoto position. 1. Turn the operate control to select "ZOOMx16", "ZOOMx64", "EXPAND" or "SLIM". The display in the viewfinder will depend...
Page 46 , press the"ZOOM MODE" button to select either display above. If display selected, the picture image in the viewfinder is different from the subject being shot.
Page 47 It permits you to shoot objects as close as 3/8-inch from the lens tip. P!ess and h01d"w" side of power zoom switch. An object is auto focused. NOTES: 'Determine the size of the object by moving the camerabackward and forward: ' Be careful as the lighting tends to be insufficient when shooting in the above conditions,...
Page 48 The Quick Edit feature allows you to search for the end of previously recorded material, or find a particular spot on your tape, to begin your editing, or recording new material. Quick Edit is used while the camera/recorder is in the record/pause (stand-by) mode.
Page 49 This feature lets you add a professional touch to your home recordings. When you fade into a scene, the recording will start with a blank scene and the picture will gradually appear. The picture gradually disappears when fading out. FADE-IN 1.
Page 50 1. In record/pause (stand-by) mode, press "REVIEW" button on the remoto control, and the last few seconds of the recorded scene is played back in the reverse direction then played back in the forward direction. 2. When the tape reaches the end of the scene you have just recorded, camera/recorder returns to the record/pause (stand-by)
Page 51 You can operate the camera/recorder with the wireless remote control (provided) from a distance. Aim the remote control at the receiver of the camera/recorder. To remove the remote control • Press the button and hold it, then remove the remote control. •...
Page 52 The self timer allows you to automatically start recording after about 10 seconds. the remote control provided to operate the self timer. 1. Make sure that the remote control battery is loaded in the remote control. (See page 11.) 2. Point the remote control at the receiver on the camera/recorder. 3.Press "SELF TIMER"...
Page 53 When the "DISPLAY" button is pressed, the display in the viewfinder will change as follows,...
Page 54 This camera/recorder stores 49 color graphic titles (47 different) in memory by dividing them into 3 groups. You can record a required title, superimposing it on the picture being shot. GRAPHIC TITLE LIBRARY Click to see Group 1 -- VARIETY (Total 21 Titles) •...
Page 55 1. Press "TITLE" button to display the title in the viewfinder during record/pause (stand- by) mode. 2. Press the "GROUP" button repeatedly to select the desired group. 3. Press "SHIFT" button (_ or :) to select the desired title. 4. Press "START/STOP" button to start recording.
Page 56: Title Recording Menu
TITLE RECORDING thetitle selected _lasWillappear.-_ 'YoU can display a title even during playbaCk by pressing "TITLE', bUtt0nl use this function when dubbing a tape on another machine using this camerairecorder as the playback VCR./ L¥ou can dub the tape insert ng at tel...
Page 57: Menu
You can select the functions of the camera/recorder as follows. 1. Turn on camera/recorder. The camera recorder may be in either the camera or VCR mode. 2. Press "MENU" button. The menu, as illustrated, appears in the viewfinder. 3. Press "SHIFT" button to move ..
Page 58 OSD [ON or OFF] This is useful when using this camera/recorder as a playback VCR to dub tapes. [ON]: Select [ON] in modes other than dubbing. [OFF]: Select [OFF] so the mode display of the camera/recorder is not recorded when dubbing.
Page 59 Since the camera/recorder has a dual time feature, if you go abroad to a country with a different time, you can record the local time superimposed on the scene being shot. 1. Select [DU DATE/TIME] or [DU DATE] in the [DATE] parameter from the menu shown on page 33.
Page 60 7. Press "MENU" button. The menu disappears from the viewfinder. When "DATE" button is pressed, the date/time of the second clock or the date of the second clock will appear in the viewfinder. NOTES: • If you want to correct the second clock during programming or after starting, perform the same procedure as in correcting the first clock on page 23.
Page 61: Time Remaining
When the linear time counter with memory is present in the viewfinder, pressing "DISPLAY" button again will change the display to a read-out showing the amount of recording or playback time left on the tape. I /V NOTE: when using the E6'!5 minuteS tape or P6.i5 minutes tape YoU must press...
Page 62 Shows length of tape run in hours, minutes and seconds. Press "DISPLAY" button to select the linear time counter display. Load a cassette into the camera/recorder and perform recording or playback; counter indicates the elapsed time. _/_y _" _ NOTES: ' The linear time €ounter does not operate when nothing is recorded on the tape.
Page 63 When the linear time counter with memory indication appears in the viewfinder, a tape that is being rewound automatically stops when the counter reads approximately "0:00:00 M". This is useful if there is a section of tape you want to review immediately after recording or if you want to return to the same point several times in a row.
Page 64 Audio/video dubbing lets you record new audio and video from another VCR on a previously recorded tape in the camera/recorder. Audio/video dubbing hookup Illustration NOTES: ' If no vide0 and audio plugs are connected, new audio and video from the camera/recorder's built-in microphone and camera...
Page 65: Audio/Video Dubbing
i AUDIO/VIDEO DUBBING...
Page 66: Recording Tv Programs
If your TV or VCR has video/audio out jacks, you can record the TV program with camera/recorder. Recording TV programs Illustration 1. Connect the AV input cord to "AUDIO OUT" and "VIDEO OUT" of your TV or VCR. 2. Connect the other end to "AV IN/OUT"...
Page 67 To play back a tape recorded on your camera/recorder and view it on your TV receiver, you must connect the camera/recorder to the TV receiver using either AV output cord (Provided) or RF output adapter (Provided). Example 1: If your TV is already connected to the VCR, 1.
Page 68: Viewing The Picture Played Back On Your Tv
[ VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOURTV 1. Connect the AV stereo output cord (Provided) to "AUDIO IN" and "VIDEO IN" of your 2. Connect the other end of the AV stereo output cord to "AV IN/OUT" of your camera/recorder.
Page 69: Still
When "PAUSE" button on the remote control is pressed during playback, a still picture can be seen, To start again press "PAUSE" button and playback will be resumed. ' There will be some noise (interference) in the still picture. ' !f the plaY'pause mode continues for more than 5 minutes, the camera/recorder will...
Page 70 When you press "F.FWD" or "REW" button during playback, the tape will be played back at a speed about 9 times (forward search) or 7 times (reverse search) faster than the normal playback speed, and you can easily locate a certain spot on the tape. Press "PLAY"...
Page 71 1. To remove the lens hood. turn it counterclockwise. 2. Remove both caps of the tele or wide converter. 3. Screw the lens into the threads on the front of video camera/recorder lens assembly.
Page 72 If you wish to exchange or copy some of your friend's favorite home recordings, the following instructions can be used to connect camera/recorder to VCR for this purpose. Camera to VCR dubbing hookup Illustration 1. Connect the AV stereo output cord to "AV IN/OUT" of your camera/recorder. 2.
Page 73 A rotating erase head which elminates glitches and rainbow noise that occurs at the joints between recorded segments.
Page 74 The camera automatically determines the shutter speed and aperture according to the brightness of the subject. The selected shutter speed (1/60, 1/100 or 1/250) will be dispayed in the viewfinder. If the 1/250 shutter speed is selected, for example, "AE:250" is dispayed.
Page 75: Synchro Edit
Synchro edit allows your camera/recorder to control a compatible VCR (one that has a camera pause jack) while tapes are being copied from the camera/recorder to the VCR. This is convenient when you want to record only selected segments from a previously recorded tape.
Page 76 How to maintain 1. Put the microphone cap on the microphone with the ''_" mark on the cap facing up and turn the cap in the direction of the arrow to attach it. 2. Close the buckle securely and clean the case with a cloth moistened with water or wash it with tap water which is flowing gently, to remove foreign matter or salt.
Page 77 3. Remove the water-resistant seal carefully. 4. Wipe off foreign matter (sand, dust, etc.) from the grooves in the case. 5. Thinly coat the entire water-resistant seal with grease (provided). 6. Fit the water-resistant seal into the grooves in the case with its sharp edge forward. NOTE:Do not push the seal in with tweezers or a Sharp object.
Page 78: Maintenance And Storage After Use
:: MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE AFTER USE CAUTION 11 Keep this silicone grease 0Ut of reach of Children: 2, Do not put this grease in your eyes, ears, mouth or nose. 3. Do not transfer the contents to other c0ntainers. When coating the water-resistant seal with grease Coat with a thin layer of grease.
Page 79 Your camera/recorder is a highly sophisticated instrument. It has been carefully checked and adjusted at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. However, should problems develop, check the following points and take necessary corrective measures. INSERTING OR REMOVING THE CASSETTE Check Point &...
Page 80 I connect to the camera/recorder. PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE Symptom Check Point & Correction "PLAY" button cannot be engaged. Set the power switch to "VIDEO" position. Set the television to the No picture appears on television screen when "PLAY" button is pressed. camera/recorder channel (3 or 4) depending...
Page 81: Head Cleaning
• Dirt can accumulate on the video heads after a period of time and may cause the playback picture to become blurred or look like part of the video information is lost. This does not mean that the recorded program has been erased but that head cleaning is required.
Page 82: Periodic Maintenance
The video camera/recorder is a precision electromechanical device which will require periodic maintenance after a period of normal use. We expect that no other maintenance other than head cleaning will be required during the period by most users, unless the video camera/recorder is heavily or seldom used. Normal maintenance is the responsibility of the user, although defective parts are covered during the warranty period.
Page 83 General 6V DC Power requirements Power consumption 6.7W (When "FOCUS M" is displayed in the viewfinder.) Dimensions 5-1/16" (W) x 5-1/16" (H) x 8-15/16" (D) 129 (W) x 129 (H) x 227 (D) mm Weight 2.6 Ibs (1.2 kgr) (without battery pack and cassette) 32OF~ 104OF Operating temperature _4OF ~ 140OF...
Page 84 1-800-448-2244 Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Hitachi has made every effort to assure you hours of trouble free operation from your unit. However, should you require service, a network of Hitachi Authorized Service Facilities has been established in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Each facility will provide you with convenient and expedient assistance.
Page 85 You're ready to add more excitement to your home videos, and Hitachi's right there with you. With our new line of video accessories, you can go anywhere your imagination takes you. Now that you know how much fun video recording can be, you'll want to add new dimensions to your home videos.
Page 86 U.S.A. only BY PHONE To place an order by phone, have your VISA, MASTERCARD, or AMERICAN EXPRESS card ready and call Hitachi's toll-free number anytime: 24 Hrs/day, 7 days a week. 1-800-HITACHI BY MAIL To place your order by mail, detach and mail the completed...

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