Hitachi VM-E520A Instruction Manual

8mm video camcorder

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Service manual (138 pages)

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Page 1 3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Tel. 808-836-3621 Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up. Keep it handy for feature reference. QR14542 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1995...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR... 36 Using Synchro Edit... 37 Simple Programmable Edit (Edit remote control is optional accessory)... 37 Controlling Your TV with the Camcorder's Remote Control ... 40 Using Audio/Video Dubbing... 41 TABLE OF CONTENTS - 2 -...
Page 3: For Your Safety
The CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch turns the camcorder on and off, leaving the date/time feature unaffected. If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn the camcorder off and attach the lens cap. WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Page 4: Important Safeguards
• It cannot record and play back in the LP mode (7.2 mm/sec). • This camcorder uses a Hi-Fi stereo sound system. When a tape recorded by this camcorder is played by a conventional 8mm camcorder, monaural sound is output. When a tape recorded by a conventional 8mm camcorder is played by this machine, monaural sound is output.
Page 5 Important Safeguards 2 Retain Instructions -- The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3 Heed Warnings -- Comply with all warnings on the video product and in the operating instructions. 4 Polarized Plug -- This video product is equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).
Page 6 Important Safeguards - 6 - with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the video product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer. 11A An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care.
Page 7: Important Safety Instructions For Ac Adapter/Charger
Hitachi VM-E520A/E521A. • "Advanced Techniques" to help you with some of the exciting, sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM- E520A/E521A. We hope you will take the time to learn about these functions since they have been designed for you.
Page 8: Before You Begin
• A quick index for the information you use most often (this page). • A detailed table of contents directing you to specific information quickly (page 10). Get to know your video camcorder by using this manual, and get to know Hitachi. We appreciate your business. Quick Index Charging the Battery...12...
Page 9: Optional Rf Adapter
Before You Begin Optional RF Adapter If you wish to connect this camcorder to a television that does not have audio/video input jacks you will need to use the optional RF adapter model VM-RF86A (R). The RF adapter can be purchased by calling the telephone number below. For your convenience Visa, Master Card, and American Express credit cards are accepted.
Page 10: Getting Started
Set aside some time, relax, and familiarize yourself with this quality instrument. Enjoy getting to know all about your Hitachi 8mm camcorder. The more comfortable and familiar you are with the machine and its features, the more you can make it do for you. Let's get started! It is crucial that you read and understand all the safety instructions before you begin.
Page 11: Additional Information
Getting Started After charging set the mark switch to red so that you may quickly identify whether the battery is charged or uncharged. Note: The marker switch does not guarantee the batteries charge status. Additional Information To use a battery in optimum condition: •...
Page 12: Adjusting The Electronic Viewfinder
The electronic viewfinder adjusts simply by pivoting it to a position where it is comfortable and easy to see through. Place the viewfinder back in its original position before storing the camcorder in its case or carrying the camera recorder around to avoid damaging the viewfinder or camcorder.
Page 13: Clock Battery
1. Pull out the battery holder. 2. Insert the battery with the "+" terminal facing up. 3. Fully insert the battery holder into the camcorder. Remote Control Battery 1. Push the tab to the right of the remote control and hold it, then remove the battery holder.
Page 14 1. Lift the OPEN lever and pull it up. The power supply attachment cover will open. 2. With the battery compartment facing you, align arrow on the battery with the arrow on the camcorder. 3. Once the arrows are aligned, push down on the battery.
Page 15: Removing The Battery Pack
Using Alkaline Dry-Cell Batteries The camcorder can be powered by six alkaline dry-cell batteries inserted into the power supply attachment holder. The continuous operation time of the camcorder depends on the type of alkaline batteries used. Please ensure that CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply (i.e.
Page 16 Note: Be careful of the following to prevent the leakage of liquid or an explosion. • Check that the orientation (polarity) of the batteries is correct. • Remove the batteries when not using the camcorder. • Remove the used batteries from the camcorder.
Page 17: Using Alternative Power Sources
Using a Car Battery The camcorder can be powered with a car battery by using an optional car battery cord (Hitachi VM-CC80A) to plug the camcorder into the car's cigarette lighter socket. Please ensure that the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply (ie.
Page 18: Inserting And Removing Cassettes
1. Plug the car battery cord into the car's cigarette lighter socket. 2. Connect one end of the DC cord (provided) to the DC IN jack of the camcorder. Connect to other end of the DC cord to the DC OUTPUT of the car battery cord.
Page 19: Using The Linear Time Counter
Turn the camcorder on to display the linear time counter. The linear time counter keeps track from when you load a cassette into the camcorder and clears to 0:00:00 when the cassette is ejected.
Page 20: Getting Started, Identifying Controls
4. After setting the AM/PM, press the DATE/TITLE button. The display changes and the internal clock starts. Note: After the date and time are set, " AUTO" appears and the camcorder enters the automatic date recording mode. See "Date Recording" on page 33.
Page 21 12. Ring of Tape Transport - F.F Button Use this button to fast forward tapes or for visual search. During visual search the camcorder fast forwards at approximately 9 times normal playback speed. Also use this button to set date and time.
Page 22: Basic Techniques
Synchro Edit", p.46). 26. AV OUTPUT Jacks (Behind the jack cover) Use this jack to connect the camcorder to a VCR or television ("Playing Back Your Recording", p.27, 28, "Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR", p.45, "Recording Television Programs", p.54) 27.
Page 23: Making A Basic Recording
Let's get started! Making a Basic Recording The Hitachi VM-E520A/E521A uses PROGRAM AE auto exposure that automatically selects the optimum shutter speed (either 1/60, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, or 1/4000 of a second). The iris adjusts automatically in response to shutter speed.
Page 24: Connecting To A Television With Audio In And Video In Jacks
3. Insert a previously recorded cassette into the camcorder. 4. Turn on your VCR and place it in the camcorder input mode (consult your VCR manual for details). Operate the television as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR.
Page 25: Using Still
To view a still picture during playback press the Start/Stop. Press the Start/Stop button again to resume playback. If you leave the camcorder in play/pause mode for more than 5 minutes the camcorder automatically stops the cassette to prevent damage to the tape.
Page 26: Advanced Techniques
Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-E520/E521A offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your video. Adding fades to smooth transitions creates video with a professional look. As you learn and practice with these features think of situations that they might fit in and add a special touch.
Page 27 No Display - No Date Recording The camcorder does not record the date. Date and Time - Date and Time Recording The camcorder records the date and time with the picture all the time. 3. Press the start/stop button. Recording will start. - 27 -...
Page 28: Using The Power Zoom
Note: This digital zoom has certain limitation and may degradate at extreme magnification and amplify camcorder's movement. Press and hold the power zoom T control until you find the picture you want. You control the zoom with the power zoom T and W controls.
Page 29: Using Auto Focus
Using Auto Focus The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder automatically unless the manual focus is engaged. If FOCUS appears in the viewfinder, manual focus is engaged. Press the FOCUS control buttons simultaneously to return to auto focus.
Page 30: Using Manual Focus
Advanced Techniques Rapidly moving objects Dark objects Note: With the T zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects that are 3.3 feet away from the lens and further away to infinity. With the W zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects 3/8 inches (1cm) away from the lens and further away to infinity.
Page 31: Using Fade
Advanced Techniques 1. Press the EIS button. The EIS icon appears in the viewfinder. 2. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording. When EIS is engaged the viewfinder image shakes with a slight delay. Note: EIS may not function if you use a wide or tele converter lens. Note: When the EIS function is engaged in the vicinity of the zoom range with ZOOM displayed in the viewfinder, when moved from the wide-angle end, the image size will change, but this is normal.
Page 32: Using 16X9
Use this feature to view the last few seconds of the tape you shot. 1. Set the camcorder to record/pause mode and tap the REW button. The last few seconds of tape play back in reverse and then in normal playback mode.
Page 33: Using Macro
While the camera is in record/pause mode hold down the F.F, REW, or PLAY button and visually search the tape. Release the button and the camcorder stops the tape at the exact position you selected.
Page 34: Using Memory
• Pressing the DISPLAY button once displays the linear time counter with the memory feature. • When a recorded tape is in the camcorder during the VIDEO mode, "SEARCH" appears in the viewfinder. (Refer to "Date Search" on page 40).
Page 35: Creating And Recording A Title
Note: The remote control code of this camcorder is Hitachi code VCR2. If you have a VCR with the same code your Hitachi VCR may malfunction when you use the camcorder's wireless remote control.
Page 36: Dubbing From The Camcorder To A Vcr
1. Connect your camcorder to the VCR, following "Playing Back Your Recording" on page 27. 2. Turn on your VCR and place it in the camcorder input mode (consult your VCR manual for details). Operate the television as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR.
Page 37: Using Synchro Edit
Use synchro edit to record segments of a previously recorded tape when dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR. This requires an optional synchro edit cable. The Hitachi VM-E520A/E521A uses a flying erase head to eliminate glitches or rainbow noise that sometimes occurs between edits. Your VCR must have the EDIT IN jack to use the synchro edit.
Page 38 VCR. Refer to the VCR's instruction manual. If the channel still does not change after you have changed the VCR's remote control code, the edit remote control cannot operate your VCR. VCR Brands Press VCR SET and This Button Hitachi REVERSE Sony PROGRAM...
Page 39 Note: The remote control cannot be operated if there is an obstacle between the remote control and infrared receiver. Especially, be careful of this during dubbing. Note: When the edit remote control is connected to the camcorder, the buttons marked * in the figure above perform the same operations as those of the other remote control provided.
Page 40: Controlling Your Tv With The Camcorder's Remote Control
Once you have programmed the remote, you won't have to do it again until you change the batteries. This remote control can be used with your TV as well as the camcorder, as long as your TV comes with a remote control.
Page 41: Using Audio/Video Dubbing
Note: It may not be possible to control all TVs listed in the Table. Note: The AVX Button can't be used with Gold Star 2 and Sharp TVs. Using Audio/Video Dubbing Use audio/video dubbing to record audio and video from the camcorder's built-in microphone and camera onto a - 41 -...
Page 42: Recording Television Programs
7. Use the REW and PLAY buttons to find where you wish to start dubbing. Press the PAUSE (START/STOP) button. 8. Press and hold the A/V DUB button while pressing the PLAY button. This places the camcorder in A/V DUB pause mode.
Page 43: Attaching The Optional Dc Camera Light
• If the DC camera light is turned on and off during recording, there could be noise in the picture. Watch the battery charge indicator especially when using a battery as the power source. • When the DC camera light is used, the operation time of the camcorder when a fully-charged battery pack is attached is halved.
Page 44: Viewfinder Bright, Color And Tint Control
Advanced Techniques - 44 - Depress the light to release the tab from the hook and then move the light in the direction of the arrow as shown in the figure. Replacing the DC Camera Light Bulb 1. Turn the front of the case counter-clockwise and remove it. 2.
Page 45: General Maintenance
Periodic Maintenance A precision electromechanical device, the Hitachi VM-E520/E521A requires maintenance after a period of normal use. We expect that no other maintenance other than head cleaning will be required during the period of warranty unless the camcorder is used either heavily or seldom. Defective parts are covered by the warranty. Normal maintenance is the responsibility of the owner.
Page 46: Troubleshooting
General Maintenance Troubleshooting Quality is very important at Hitachi. We inspect and check every camcorder carefully at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. If problems develop please check the following possible solutions before inquiring about professional service.
Page 47 § Do not remove the clock battery after recording. § Do not eject the recorded cassette. Leave it in the camcorder. § The camcorder is set to the double speed playback mode. Pressing the playback button to restore the normal playback mode. The sound also returns to the normal speed.
Page 48: Specifications
§ Check that the polarities (+, -) of the batteries are correct. Insert six batteries. Check Point & Correction § Have you moved the camcorder or cassette from a cold place to a warm place so that its temperature changed abruptly? §...
Page 49: Accessories Add Excitement
Accessories Add Excitement We know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM-E520A/521A can add to your life you will want to use these accessories for even more excitement. Converter lenses, adapters for synchro editing, and car cords are just a few of the exciting accessories available to you from Hitachi.
Page 50: More Available Accessories
Please allow two to three weeks for delivery. If there is a current back order status on the model(s) you ordered, we will notify you. Thank you for allowing us (Hitachi and HiTRON) to be of service to you...our valued customer! Order form...

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