Need help?Do you have a question about the Canon Super 8 Auto Zoom 518 and is the answer not in the manual?
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 is a Super 8 movie camera designed for ease of use and high-quality film production. It utilizes Super 8 film cartridges, which offer a 50% larger picture area compared to standard 8mm film, enhancing the visual quality of your recordings. The camera features a straightforward cartridge loading system, where the film speed is automatically set upon insertion, simplifying the setup process.
At the heart of the camera is a sharp and fast F1.8 5-times zoom lens, offering a versatile zooming range of 9.5-47.5mm. This range can be further extended to 15.6-78mm with an optional Tele-Converter, allowing for greater flexibility in capturing distant subjects. The lens features both power zooming, controlled by dedicated "T" (telephoto) and "W" (wide-angle) buttons for smooth and regulated zoom effects, and manual zooming via a knob for faster or slower adjustments. This dual control allows for creative zooming effects during filming.
The camera incorporates an automatic through-the-lens exposure control system, utilizing a CdS meter to measure light passing through the taking lens. This system ensures correct exposure by automatically adjusting the aperture based on film speed and filming speed. The exposure meter needle, visible in the viewfinder, guides the user to ensure the light level is within the proper range, warning of under or over-exposure. For situations requiring manual control, the aperture control ring can be switched to "MANUAL," allowing the user to set any desired f/stop. This is particularly useful for shooting against bright light or achieving specific high-key or low-key effects.
Focusing is made precise with a single-lens reflex viewing system combined with a built-in microprism screen rangefinder. To achieve accurate focus, the user adjusts the focusing ring until the subject appears clearest through the microprism screen, ideally at maximum telephoto before zooming out to the desired magnification.
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 offers two filming speeds: 18 frames per second (fps) for normal shooting and "SLOW MOTION" (approximately 40 fps) for analyzing movements or preventing blurring during panning shots. The filming speed selector should be adjusted when the trigger is not pulled.
Power for the film drive and power zooming is supplied by four 1.5v penlight (size AA) batteries, sufficient for approximately 10 film cartridges under normal temperatures. The electric eye mechanism, responsible for automatic exposure, is powered by two 1.3v mercury batteries. A built-in battery tester allows users to check the power levels of both sets of batteries, ensuring they have sufficient power before shooting.
The camera's design emphasizes ease of handling with a built-in trigger grip. The trigger release is controlled by a shutter lock dial, which can be set to "R" for immediate filming or "." for continuous running without holding the trigger. A "L" setting locks the shutter release and disconnects the power circuit, conserving battery life. For remote operation, a cable release socket and a remote control switch socket are provided, allowing the camera to be operated from a distance, which is useful for continuous running, close-up work, titling, or when using a tripod.
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 includes a built-in Color Conversion A (CCA) filter, enabling the use of tungsten type color film in daylight conditions. When shooting under artificial light, the CCA filter switch can be pushed upwards to release the filter from the optical system, making it possible to use ordinary bulbs. The filter is automatically cancelled when black and white or daylight type color films are inserted.
Fadings, such as fade-ins and fade-outs, can be achieved using the aperture control ring in conjunction with an ND (neutral density) filter. This technique is effective for showing the elapse of time or a scene change, and a tripod is recommended for smooth results.
For proper care, the aperture section, where the film passes, should be kept clean by blowing away dust with a blower. The camera should be stored in its case with the shutter lock dial set to "L." It's important to keep the camera away from moisture, heat, and dust, and to avoid storing it near naphthalene or camphor. For prolonged storage, both mercury and penlight batteries should be removed and kept in a dry place to prevent corrosion and damage.
Unloading the film cartridge is simple: once the footage counter reaches "F," the cartridge can be removed and sent to an authorized processor for development. The film will be returned wound on a reel, ready for immediate projection.
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 is a robust and user-friendly camera that provides both automatic convenience and manual control options, making it suitable for a range of amateur and semi-professional filmmaking endeavors.
General| Focusing | Manual |
|---|---|
| Frame Rates | 18 fps |
| Exposure | Automatic |
| Type | Super 8 |
| Lens | Canon Zoom Lens |
| Zooming | Manual |
| ASA | 25 |
| Viewfinder | Optical |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Shutter Speed | 1/40 second |
To Next Page
