Canon 310 XL

Canon 310XL

• Lens: f1.0/8.5-25.5mm / macro / 43mm filter thread

• Zoom: auto/manual

• Frame rates: 18 + single frame

• Exposure: auto / backlight adjustment (2 stops)

• Film EI setting: (Artificial light) 40, 160, 250 ASA, (Daylight) 25, 100, 160 ASA

• Shutter degree: 220

• Viewfinder: diopter correction / Aerial image focussing / Indicators: underexposure, battery check, transport, macro

• Sound: no

• Batteries: 2x 1.5V AA

• Extras: remote socket (mechanical cable release)

• Year of Production: 1975-1983

• Weight: 580g with batteries

• Used value: 30-75 USD

• Instruction manual: Canon 310XL manual at mondofoto

• eBay Prices:
  • USD 22.50 (+ USD 0.00 shipping) in 07/2007

Using Ektachrome 64

The Canon 310XL instruction manual states that the meter understands 3 film speeds: 40T, 160T, and 250T. It appears that a 64T notch will be read as 160T due to Canon's placement of the notch reading switches. Click the picture for details.

Some users report having had success using a neutral density 0.6 (2-stop) filter held over the exposure meter.

Comments

To open the camera for repair, there are 3 screws on each side hidden under the glued-on leatherette panels.

This camera has the fastest lens made for any Super 8.

The built-in filter is cancelled when using some film cartridges, such as Kodak Tri-X. This can be changed by cutting out a notch in the cartridge with needlenose pliers. See Super_8_Cartridge_Notch_Ruler for the position of the filter notch.

Edit: July 12th, 2008 by vidwerk.

This camera can correctly expose Ektachrome 64T. For daylight shooting, do the following:

-attach an external 85B filter to the front threads(43mm).
-ensure that the red backlight compensation lever is in the "up" position.
-put the filter switch to the tungsten position (light bulb).
-Ensure that only 1 asa film speed detection pin is engaged (may have to force it over a bit).<p> Voila, push the button and start filming.
Here are my camera tests in quicktime format
http://www.vidwerk.ca/super8/310XL_64T.html
(see first shot of black parked car) <p> www.vidwerk.ca

Reviews

This is an excellent all-around Super8 camera; lightweight, easy to use and rather rugged. Additionally, the image quality is impressive and with the macro feature, the 310 XL is very flexible once it comes to your choice of subjects. One of the most memorable features of this camera is the fact that the battery indicator light, macro indicator, light exposure indicator and film rolling indicator are all within the viewfinder. It's truly amazing how this much information can be displayed in an entirely analog camera.