Brand: HITACHI
Category: Camcorder
Document Type: Manual
Language: EN
Manual for VM-8400LA
Uploaded: Aug. 10, 2025, 12:51 a.m.
Manual Publish Date: 1998
Warranty Information
None
- Connect power source (battery or AC adapter).
- Insert VHS cassette.
- Open LCD monitor to view, or keep closed for viewfinder use.
- Set "CAM/OFF/VIDEO" switch to "CAM".
- Press "REC/PAUSE" to start recording.
- To view on TV, connect camcorder to TV via RF converter and set appropriate channels.
- Connect camcorder to VCR using audio/video cables for dubbing.
- Use built-in camera light in dark places (AUTO or ON setting).
- Attach optional lenses by screwing them onto the camcorder lens.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Symptom | Check Point & Correction |
|---|---|
| Cassette holder cannot be opened when you press “STOP/EJECT”. | Connect the power source. |
| Cassette cannot be inserted into cassette compartment. | Load cassette in the direction indicated by arrow on cassette. Cassette window must be toward outside. |
| Picture does not appear in the viewfinder. | Remove the lens cap. Set "CAM/OFF/VIDEO" to "CAM" |
| The camcorder can not go into the recording mode, even when “REC/PAUSE” button is pressed. | The cassette has had the erase prevention tab removed. Stick a piece of cellophane tape over the erase prevention hole or select a different cassette. |
| Picture is out of focus. Auto-focus does not operate. |
Auto-focus does not operate if the wide angle or telephoto lens is attached. |
| The camcorder can not go into the recording mode even when "REC/PAUSE" button is pressed. | The cassette has had the erase prevention tab removed. Stick a piece of cellophane tape over the erase prevention hole or select a different cassette. Set “CAM/OFF/VIDEO” to “CAM” position. Connect the camcorder and TV (or VCR). Set “AV OUT/IN” to “IN” position. |
| The " $\boldsymbol{\nabla}$ " indication in the electronic viewfinder flashes to indicate battery is discharged. | Try another battery or charge the battery. |
| Power is not turned on and no button operations are accepted. | Remove the power source and after about one minute, push the reset switch gently using a toothpick, etc. until you feel a click. Since this erases the date, time and other customer preferred features, reset them again. |
| "PLAY" cannot be engaged. | Set “CAM/OFF/VIDEO” to VIDEO position. |
| No picture appears on television screen when "PLAY" is pressed. | Set the television to the camcorder channel (3 or 4) depending upon the selected channel on the RF channel select switch of RF converter unit. Set “AV IN/OUT” switch to “OUT” position. |
| Interference on playback picture. | Adjust the tracking using “TRACKING” control (power zoom switch)> When you see the playback picture on your TV, adjust fine tuning knob on television set to obtain best picture. |
| Picture bends at the top of the TV screen. | The pre-recorded tape is EP or LP recording. This camcorder is for use in SP recording only. TV receiver is of older type it needs to be modified to work properly with camcorder. Tape is damaged. Try another cassette. |
| Color of your TV screen is too bright, too faint or change. | TV set has VIR circuit. Turn off during playback. |