Brand: HITACHI
Category: Camcorder
Document Type: Manual
Language: EN
Manual for VM-E535LA / VM-E635LA
Uploaded: Aug. 10, 2025, 12:50 a.m.
Warranty Information
Defective parts are covered by the warranty. Normal maintenance is the responsibility of the owner.
Getting Started: Follow these steps to set up your Hitachi 8mm camcorder.
1. Components and Accessories: Check that all items are present: audio/video cable, battery pack, AC adapter/charger, date/title batteries, shoulder strap, DC cord, remote control, and remote batteries.
2. Optional RF Adapter: Use if your TV lacks audio/video input jacks.
3. Identifying Controls: Familiarize yourself with the camcorder's buttons and ports (Lens Door, Lens, Viewfinder, Microphone, Record Indicator, etc.) and the remote control functions.
4. Loading Batteries: Install the clock battery and the two AA batteries for the remote control.
5. Charging the Battery: Plug in the AC adapter/charger and connect the battery pack. The CHARGE lamp indicates charging status.
6. Using Battery Pack: Fully charge the battery before first use. Attach by aligning with the camcorder's grooves and sliding down.
7. Removing Battery Pack: Slide the BATTERY EJECT lever and lift the battery.
8. Checking Battery Charge: Use the indicator on the viewfinder or LCD monitor.
9. Using Alternative Power Sources: Connect the AC adapter/charger or an optional car battery cord.
10. Inserting/Removing Cassettes: Ensure a power source is connected. Insert or remove cassettes with the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch in any position.
1. Components and Accessories: Check that all items are present: audio/video cable, battery pack, AC adapter/charger, date/title batteries, shoulder strap, DC cord, remote control, and remote batteries.
2. Optional RF Adapter: Use if your TV lacks audio/video input jacks.
3. Identifying Controls: Familiarize yourself with the camcorder's buttons and ports (Lens Door, Lens, Viewfinder, Microphone, Record Indicator, etc.) and the remote control functions.
4. Loading Batteries: Install the clock battery and the two AA batteries for the remote control.
5. Charging the Battery: Plug in the AC adapter/charger and connect the battery pack. The CHARGE lamp indicates charging status.
6. Using Battery Pack: Fully charge the battery before first use. Attach by aligning with the camcorder's grooves and sliding down.
7. Removing Battery Pack: Slide the BATTERY EJECT lever and lift the battery.
8. Checking Battery Charge: Use the indicator on the viewfinder or LCD monitor.
9. Using Alternative Power Sources: Connect the AC adapter/charger or an optional car battery cord.
10. Inserting/Removing Cassettes: Ensure a power source is connected. Insert or remove cassettes with the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch in any position.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Symptom | Check Point & Correction |
|---|---|
| Cassette holder cannot be opened when you press EJECT switch. | Connect the power source. Open the LCD monitor then slide the EJECT switch. |
| Cassette cannot be inserted into cassette compartment. | Load cassette in direction indicate by arrow on cassette. Cassette window must be toward outside. |
| Picture does not appear in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. | Open the lens door. Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to CAM. |
| The camcorder cannot go into the recording mode, even when the start/stop button is pressed. | Check the record protect tab on the cassette. Push the cassette holder embossed PUSH LOCK to close it. Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to CAM. |
| Picture is out of focus. | Make sure that "FOCUS" does not appear in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. Auto focus does not operate if a special effects filter is attached. |
| Auto-focus does not operate. | Insert the clock battery, then create a title. Do not remove the clock battery after creating a title. |
| The created title does not appear. | Set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to VIDEO> Set the television to the camcorder channel (3 or 47) depending upon the selected channel in the RF channel select switch of the RF output adapter. When you see the playback picture on your TV, adjust fine tuning knob on television set to obtain best picture. |
| The PLAY button cannot be engaged. | TV receiver is older type, it needs to be modified to work properly with camcorder. Tape is damaged. Try another cassette. TV set has VIR circuit. Turn it off during playback. |
| No picture appears on television screen when the play button is pressed. | Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to VIDEO. Insert the clock battery, set the date and time, then start recording. |
| Interference on playback picture. | |
| Picture bends at the top of the TV screen. | |
| Color of your TV screen is too bright, too faint or change. | |
| Date search function does not operate. | |
| Do not remove the clock battery after recording. | Do not eject the recorded cassette. Leave it in the camcorder. |
| The () indication in the electronic viewfinder flashes to indicate battery is discharged. | Try another battery or charge the battery. |
| The battery level indicator (=) appears differently on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder. | This does not indicate a fault, it is because the power consumer by the LCD monitor and viewfinder is different. |
| Power is turned on but no button operations are accepted. | Remove the power source and the date/title battery. After about one minute, the display in the viewfinder or LCD moniter will be reset. Then set the information again. |
| "TAPE" appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. | Have you moved the camcorder or cassette from a cold place to a warm place so that its temperature changed abruptly? If the temperature has changed, remove the cassette and set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to OFF, then wait for about one hour. Remove the cassette and then try to reinsert. Remove it several times. If the indication is still shown in the viewfinder, use a cleaning tape to clean the heads and replace the cassette. |