AATON XTR - SN C1427

This XTR camera body, S/N C1427, was manufactured circa 1990 with a maximum frame rate of 54fps. The camera body and magazines were recently serviced by Tyler Purcell at Narrow Gauge Films in California (Details and warranty information available on request). 

This camera has had 2 owners from new. Please see the pictures provided for cosmetic condition and additional information on the magazines as Aaton's manufacturing processes were prone to change sporadically and as a result there are several variations available on the market. 

All questions and requests for additional pictures are welcome, especially concerning modifications and magazines features. In person inspection can be arranged any time during normal business hours at our shop in Chelsea, Manhattan. All major components are original except as noted.

Thank you for looking.

Camera Body - Notable Details and Modifications

Retrofitted with a PL mount circa 1995. Camera will ship adjusted to S16 unless otherwise required (can be adjusted to Reg.16).

• Ground-glass is Aaton XTR original bright fiber optics with TV bubble in center and markings for Reg 16 & S16 (1:1.66).

• The viewfinder has a wide angle eyepiece with a heated eyecup option

• Gate is original Aaton S16 black chrome in perfect condition. In-rail side spring loaded pressure plate as per Aaton's ingenious registration solution. 

• The gate cover is magnetic, in new condition and secures firmly.

• A 12 volt, 6 pin Lemo accessories port was added sometime in the late 90s with the pin configuration are per Aaton Prod convention incl run/stop and power.

• Aaton TC can be initiated via Lemo 5 pin surface mounted connector.

Camera Body - Service Work Details & Condition Notes

A copy of the service invoice can be provided on request and will be supplied to the buyer of the camera. The work carried out by Narrow Gauge Films (Los Angeles) is covered by Narrow Gauge Films limited warranty until end of January 2027. Hand Held Films is not a party in this warranty. 

The following work was carried out:

• Mirror was inspected and found to be in good order (See pictures) and timing is correct. There are light marks on the mirror but it's free of cracks. Obturator (aka mirror) functions as expected. Light marks on mirror do no affect the viewing when camera is in operation.

• Light meter was tested and in good working order when correct ASA selected and film stop is loaded and/or running. Each diode correspond to 1/3 of a stop, as reflected from the film. Light is measured through the lens in the directional as in as a spot meter. Experienced cinematographers will confirm exposure with either a spot meter or an incidental meter…

• Flange was adjusted to proper depth (.001), collimation and penetration reset (.45). If you leave the camera in the cold you may need to check collimation.

• Full Oil Bath, movement lubricated & drive mechanism greased.

• Optical path cleaned, re-centered optics, & body cleaned. Eyepiece and extension eyepiece have a manual shutter which should be tightly closed to prevent flare on exposed when removing eye from eyepiece.

• Tested with modern film and found to be running whisper quiet at 24 fps as most Aaton cameras in good working order.

• Speed test at 24/25 crystal sync found to be accurate.

• Motor tested and found to be pulling proper amperage ( 0.9-1.0A draw @ 24fps), confirming that bearings are are in good condition. Camera runs properly at all speeds. With the help from  Precision Speed control from Cinematography Electronics or a Media Logics you may select different speeds. If you need to run the camera at top speeds you will need a 16V DC source, but the motor will have to dissipate the extra energy after excess high speed work may incur more wear and eventually become noisy. 12V DC and and conventional 24 fps is what this camera is meant to do.

The cosmetic condition is consistent with a camera of this age hence there are multiple cosmetic signs of wear particularly on the base. There is no sign of impact damage anywhere on the camera. The LCD display screen is clear and functional with no broken cells. There are multiple light surface scratches on the LCD plastic cover, only visible when viewing off axis. The articulated viewing system is in good working order. All of the moving parts are at the correct working tightness and eyepiece is adjusted to prevent inadvertent drooping.

Magazines - Notable Details and Modifications

Both magazines have been fully serviced by Narrow Gauge Films. Details of the work performed on each magazine is outlined below. The two magazines are set with A & B identity. New 3D printed nose protectors are supplied with each magazine. 

Refer to pictures for specifics as many Aaton magazines of this era were updated and improved by mfg throughout the years of production. Both magazines have D type coax rollers to transport negative from Feed side to Take-up side, thus eliminating pressure emulsion markings in the Super 16 area. Professional camera assistants will run film through each magazine prior to production to confirm proper transport and scratch-free results. With old dry film stock results may vary.

The door gaskets are in good condition and there are no apparent issues with light leaks. The hinges and lock mechanisms are working properly and keep the gaskets compressed with the appropriate amount of pressure. Mechanically speaking, both magazines are in a fully operational state. 

Magazines - Service Work Details

• New belt installed.
• New roller installed (for added tension on the new belt).
• Guides for film rolls are in good working order.
• Rollers have been lubricated.
• Magnets for magazine ID set to (A).

• Pressure plate lapped and polished to address scratching issues. 
• New belt & roller installed (for added tension on the new belt).
• Guides for film rolls are in good working order.
• Rollers have been lubricated.
• Lubricated coaxial light trap.
• Magnets for magazine ID set to (B). 

List of Included Items

• Aaton XTR w/ PL Mount & Super 16 Conversion - S/N C1427
• 2x 400ft Magazines - S/N M3955 & S/N M3134 
• Standard Eyepiece
• Extension Eyepiece (limited S16 optical coverage) 
• NP Battery Adapter (Not Shown)
• Accessory Rods 
• Hand Grip Square Aluminum Rod
• Original Aaton Walnut Wood Hand-Grip with Run/Stop switch & cable
• Media Logic 5 Digit Speed Control w/ cable
• 4 Pin XLR Power Cable (Not shown)

Disclaimer, Warranty, Shipping & Returns

While we believe that the camera and accessories are in good working order we cannot provide any warranty, beyond that listed above nor can we be held responsible for consequential damages in cases of less than optimal or unusable results. The best way to purchase a film camera is to test it at a professional shop with an experienced camera technician on hand and with the help of an experienced film camera assistant. Film cameras are adjusted to tight tolerances measured in microns. Owning one of these vintage cinema instruments will require your undivided attention and a few tools unless you rely on an experienced film camera AC with this experience and tools. If you own this camera you may gradually become an expert and you should initially seek guidance from an experienced technician / assistant.

7 days money back guaranteed, unless damaged by buyer, only if the buyer finds the package to not meet the condition as stated in this listing. Costs of damage to repair camera & accessories to be evaluated by seller. Costs of shipping equipment to you and cost of shipping back to us are not refundable. 

There are no flight cases in this listing and we highly recommend that you source a professional case from a reputable case manufacturer such as A&J in Burbank CA. We have some old hard cases that may be suitable for shipping to you with equipment in bubble wrap. By default the camera, magazines and accessories will be shipped in double boxed cardboard with bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Pickup / inspection are available at our shop in Chelsea, Manhattan during normal business hours, but only at a prearranged time. We cannot accommodate unscheduled visitors.