COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER
GR-FX505
GR-FX405
GR-FX305
ENGLISH
INSTRUCTIONS
LYT0327-001B
EN
2 EN
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read the safety information
and precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of this product.
Using This Instruction Manual
•All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents (Z pg. 3).
•Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well.
•Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference.
It is recommended that you . . .
.... refer to the Index (Z pg. 52 – 54) and familiarize yourself with button locations, etc. before use.
.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions. They contain extremely important information regarding the safe
use of this product.
You are recommended to carefully read the cautions on pages 55 and 56 before use.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
NOTES:
cThe rating plate (serial number plate) and safety
caution are on the bottom and/or the back of
the main unit.
cThe rating plate (serial number plate) of the AC
Power Adapter/Charger is on its bottom.
Warning on lithium cell battery (for clock
operation and remote control unit)
The battery used in this device may present a fire
or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not
recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C or
incinerate.
Replace the battery with Maxell, Panasonic
(Matsushita Electric), Sanyo or Sony CR2025; use
of another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion.
n Dispose of used battery promptly.
n Keep away from children.
n Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in
fire.
This camcorder is designed to be used with PAL-
type colour television signals. It cannot be used
for playback with a television of a different
standard. However, live recording and view-
finder playback are possible anywhere. Use the
BN-V12U/V20U battery packs and, to recharge
them, the provided multi-voltage AC Power
Adapter/Charger. (An appropriate conversion
adapter may be necessary to accommodate
different designs of AC outlets in different
countries.)
This unit is produced to comply with Standard
IEC Publ. 65.
CAUTIONS:
n If you notice smoke or a peculiar smell coming
from the camcorder or AC adapter/charger, shut
it down and unplug it immediately. Continue
using the camcorder or AC adapter/charger
under these conditions could lead to fire or
electric shock. Contact your JVC dealer. Do not
attempt to repair the malfunction yourself.
n To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No
user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
n When you are not using the AC Power
Adapter/Charger for a long period of time, it is
recommended that you disconnect the power
cord from AC outlet.
n Camcorder is designed exclusively for the
VHS-C video cassette. Only cassettes marked
VHS-C can be used with this unit.
n HQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS
equipment.
EN3
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CONTENTS
4 – 11
GETTING STARTED
Power ............................................ 4
Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/
Removal ........................................ 6
Date/Time Settings ............................. 7
Recording Mode Setting ....................... 8
Tape Length Setting ............................. 8
Loading/Unloading A Cassette ............... 9
Grip Adjustment ............................... 10
Viewfinder Adjustment ...................... 10
Shoulder Strap Attachment .................. 11
Tripod Mounting ............................... 11
12 – 33
RECORDING
Basic Recording................................ 12
Basic Features ................................. 14
Advanced Features ............................ 18
34 – 39
PLAYBACK
Basic Playback ................................. 34
Features ........................................ 35
Using The Cassette Adapter ................. 37
Basic Connections And Tape Dubbing ....... 38
USING THE REMOTE
40– 47
CONTROL UNIT
Random Assemble Editing ................... 42
Insert Editing .................................. 46
Audio Dubbing ................................. 47
48 – 49
TROUBLESHOOTING
50 – 52
INDEX
Controls, Connectors And Indicators ....... 50
Indications ..................................... 52
53 – 54
CAUTIONS
55
SPECIFICATIONS
55
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
MAJOR FEATURES
n Programme AE with Special Effects
(Z pg. 20 – 21)
•Electronic Fog Filter
•ND Effect
•Sepia
•Twilight
•Sports
•Nega/Posi
•1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter
n Snapshot (GR-FX505 only) (Z pg. 18)
n 5-Sec. Recording (GR-FX405/FX305
only) (Z pg. 16)
n Menu Adjustment (Z pg. 24, 25, 26)
n Picture Stabilizer (Z pg. 16)
n Digital Hyper Zoom (Z pg. 14)
n Integrated Auto Light
(GR-AX505 only) (Z pg. 17)
PROVIDED ACCESSORIES
•AC Power Adapter/
Charger AA-V15EG
•Cassette Adapter
C-P7U
•Remote Control
RM-V700U
(GR-FX505 only)
•Remote Control
Unit RM-V705U
(GR-FX405 only)
•Battery Pack
BN-V12U
•Audio/Video
(A/V) cable
•Shoulder Strap
•Editing Cable
(GR-FX505 only)
•DC Cord
•Lithium Battery CR2025
• x1 for GR-FX305 (clock
operation)
• x2 for GR-FX505/FX405
(clock operation and
remote control)
4 EN
CHARGE indicator
Marks
To AC outlet
GETTING STARTED
Power
This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you choose
the most appropriate source of power.
NOTES:
c No function is available without power supply.
c Use only the specified power supply.
c Do not use provided power supply units with other
equipment.
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
REFRESH switch
REFRESH indicator
REFRESH
The AC Power Adapter/Charger features a
REFRESH function that allows you to fully
discharge the battery pack before recharg-
ing.
Perform the REFRESH function after no less
than 5 chargings.
To discharge the battery . . .
.... attach the battery pack to the adapter as
shown in the above illustration. Then
push REFRESH. The REFRESH indicator
lights when discharging starts, and goes
out when discharging is complete.
A
Hook on.
B
Push in.
Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall outlet.
1SUPPLY POWER
2ATTACH BATTERY PACK
Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the
direction of the arrow until it locks in place.
•The CHARGE indicator begins blinking to indicate
charging has started.
3DETACH BATTERY PACK
When the CHARGE indicator stops blinking but stays lit,
charging is finished. Slide the battery pack opposite the
direction of the arrow.
Battery pack
BN-V12U
BN-V20U
Charging time
Discharging time
approx. 1 hr. 10 min.
approx. 1 hr. 50 min.
approx. 3 hrs. 30 min.
approx. 6 hrs. 40 min.
USING THE BATTERY PACK
Hook its end to the camcorder (
pack in until it locks in place (
1ATTACH BATTERY PACK
2DETACH BATTERY PACK
Slide BATTERY RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.
) and push the battery
) .
BATTERY RELEASE
ATTENTION:
Before detaching the power source,
make sure that the camcorder’s power
is turned off. Failure to do so can result
in a camcorder malfunction.
Approximate recording time (unit: min.)
Battery pack
BN-V12U
BN-V20U
GR-FX505
75 (40)
115 (70)
GR-FX405/FX305
75
115
( ) : when the video light is on (GR-FX505 only).
INFORMATION:
VU-V856KIT is a set composed of the BN-V856U battery pack
and AA-V80EG AC Power Adapter/Charger.
The BN-V856U battery pack provides approx. 7 hours of
recording time when the video light is off. Also read thor-
oughly the VU-V856KIT’s instruction manuals.
It is impossible to charge the BN-V856U battery pack using
the provided AC Power Adapter/Charger. Use the optional
AA-V80EG AC Power Adapter/Charger.
Charge marker
Charge Marker
A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to
help you remember whether it has been charged or
not. Two colours are provided (red and black)—you
choose which one means charged and which means
discharged.
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NOTES:
c The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record-Standby mode and the
frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs to cover 3 times the planned shooting time.
c Charging times noted on page 4 are for a fully discharged battery pack, and discharging times are for a fully
c Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack.
c Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from
charged battery pack.
your camcorder.
c Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.
c While the AC Power Adapter/Charger’s power cord is disconnected from the AC outlet, it is possible to
discharge the battery by pressing the REFRESH switch. During that time, the AC Power Adapter/Charger does
not charge the battery. When discharging is complete, detach the battery from the AC Power Adapter/
Charger to store it.
c High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Do not
allow it to discharge in a container, such as a bag.
c If you stop recharging or discharging part way through, make sure to remove the battery pack before
unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.
c Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.
c To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.
c Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.
c The CHARGE indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one that has been
stored for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The
CHARGE indicator should blink during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.
To DC IN jack
To AC outlet
DC OUT
terminal
DC Cord
AC Power
Adapter/Charger
AA-V15EG
To car’s
cigarette
lighter socket
Car Battery
Charger/Adapter
BH-V3E (optional)
USING AC POWER
Use the AC Power Adapter/Charger (connect as
shown in the illustration).
NOTES:
c The provided AC Power Adapter/Charger features
automatic voltage selection in the AC range from
110 V to 240 V.
c When using the DC cord, make sure you connect
the end of the cord with the core filter to the
camcorder. The core filter reduces interference.
USING A CAR BATTERY
Use the optional Car Battery Charger/Adapter
(connect as shown in the illustration).
NOTES:
c When using the car battery, leave the engine
idling.
c The optional Car Battery Charger/Adapter (BH-V3E)
can also be used to charge the battery pack (except
BN-V20U/V856U).
c When using the optional Car Battery Charger/
Adapter, refer to the respective instruction booklet.
6 EN
Slot
Battery holder
GETTING STARTED (cont.)
Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal
This battery is necessary for clock operation and to
perform date/time settings.
1SWITCH OFF POWER
Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power
supply unit (battery pack, AC Power Adapter/Battery
Charger, etc.).
Pull out the battery holder.
Insert the battery in the holder, and be sure to have
the “+” mark visible.
2REMOVE BATTERY HOLDER
3INSERT BATTERY IN HOLDER
4RE-INSERT HOLDER
Slide the holder back into the slot until you hear a
click.
NOTES:
c See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” (Z pg. 2) for information
on safe handling of lithium batteries.
c To avoid losing the battery and/or battery holder, place
the camcorder with the grip side up as shown in the
illustration when inserting/removing the battery.
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Date/Time Settings
1ACCESS MENU SCREEN
Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”, then press MENU.
•The power lamp comes on.
2SELECT FUNCTION
Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to
“DATE/TIME”, then press it. The DATE/TIME Menu
appears.
•If you decide you want to return the date and time
to the previous settings, rotate the Select Dial to
move the highlight bar to “EXIT” and press it, then
go to step 6.
•If you want to set only the time without changing
the date, go to step 4.
3SET DATE
Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to the
item you want to set and then press it. When the
setting begins blinking, rotate the Select Dial until the
correct setting appears and then press it. The setting
stops blinking.
MENU Button
Power lamp
Select Dial
Power Switch
Display
4NEXT
M . W . B .
D . ZOOM
TELE MACRO
DATE TIME
TAPE LENGTH
AUTO
ON
OFF
T45
4RETURN
DATE TIME
1999
1
1
22 : 50
YEAR
MONTH
DAY
TIME
EXIT
4NEXT
M . W . B .
D . ZOOM
TELE MACRO
DATE TIME
TAPE LENGTH
AUTO
ON
OFF
T45
4RETURN
Menu Screen
•Repeat this procedure until you’re satisfied with the
Date settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH” and “DAY”).
DATE/TIME Menu
24-hour indication
4SET TIME
Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to
“TIME” and then press it. When the hour setting
begins blinking, rotate the Select Dial until the correct
setting appears and then press it. When the hour
setting stops blinking and the minute setting begins
blinking, rotate the Select Dial until the correct setting
appears and then press it. The minute setting stops
blinking.
5START CLOCK OPERATION
When none of these settings (YEAR, MONTH, DAY,
TIME) blinks, rotate the Select Dial to move the
highlight bar to “EXIT”, and press it. The Menu
Screen reappears with the highlight bar on
“RETURN”.
Press the Select Dial.
6CLOSE MENU SCREEN
NOTE:
To display the date and time in the camcorder’s display
and on a connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert”
(Z pg. 22).
GETTING STARTED (cont.)
Recording Mode Setting
Set depending on your preference.
1SET RECORDING MODE
First set the Power Switch to “AUTO” or “PRO.”.
Press SP/LP for more than 1 second. “SP” (Standard
Play) provides higher picture and sound quality and is
better for dubbing, while “LP” (Long Play) is more
economical, providing twice the recording time.
NOTE:
If the recording mode is switched during recording, the
playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.
Tape Length Setting
Set the tape length according to the length of the tape
used.
First set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press MENU.
1ACCESS MENU SCREEN
2SELECT FUNCTION
Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to
“TAPE LENGTH”, then press it. The TAPE LENGTH
Setting Menu appears.
3SET TAPE LENGTH
Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to the
correct setting. T30 = 30 minutes of recording time,
T45 = 45 minutes, and T60 = 60 minutes.
•If you decide you want to return the tape length to
the previous setting, rotate the Select Dial to move
the highlight bar to “EXIT”.
4CLOSE MENU SCREEN
Press the Select Dial. The Menu Screen reappears
with the highlight bar on “RETURN”. Press the Select
Dial again to close the Menu Screen.
NOTE:
The tape remaining time (Z pg. 13) displayed in the
viewfinder is correct only if the correct tape length has
been selected.
8 EN
MENU Button
SP/LP Recording
Mode Button
Select Dial
Power Switch
Viewfinder
SP
T45
Tape length indicator
Recording mode
indicator
Menu Screen
TAPE LENGTH
Setting Menu
Display
4NEXT
M . W . B .
D . ZOOM
TELE MACRO
DATE TIME
TAPE LENGTH
AUTO
ON
OFF
T45
4RETURN
TAPE LENGTH
T30
T45
T60
EXIT
4NEXT
M . W . B .
D . ZOOM
TELE MACRO
DATE TIME
TAPE LENGTH
AUTO
ON
OFF
T60
4RETURN