Canon 814 XL Electronic

Canon 814 XL Electronic

Year: 1977-1979

Weight: 1500 g

Lens: Canon zoom 1,4 / 7,5 - 60 mm

Macro focusing

Split Image Focusing

Auto / Manual Zoom

Frame rates: 9, 18, 36 + single frame

Shutter degree: Var. 220° + 150°

Manual / Auto Exposure

Backlight Control

Flash contact

Fades (when using 150° shutter degree)

Remote control socket

No sound

4 X 1,5V batteries

Made in Japan

Prices on eBay:
 * eBay Germany:
 * EUR 2,49 (+ EUR 6,00 shipping) in 04/2007 (camera sold as "untested, most likely broken")
 * EUR 34,99 (+ EUR 4,50 shipping) in 04/2007
 * EUR 14,07 (+ EUR 5,00 shipping) in 05/2013

http://www.mondofoto.com/cameras/Canon_814XL-Electronic_d.jpg

The camera in Canon's museum.

Comments
Canon dropped the 24 fps running speed in favour of 9 fps when creating an XL (existing light) version of the 814E. The useful frame counter however remains. Instruction manual for that model, almost identical, can be downloaded from Mondofoto here: http://www.mondofoto.com/manuals/canonautozoom814electronic/

Repair information for the similar 814E can be found here.

Repair information:
 * "fps" dial repair (part 1 of 2
 * "fps" dial repair (part 2 of 2

A shortlived model not often seen replaced by the sound version the 814 XL-S.

Review
Underrated pre-cursor to the Canon 814XL-S the 814XL Electronic is the low-light follow up to the classic Canon 814 E and often dismissed by purists for not having a 24 fps speed setting. Not a biggie for most of us. I mean, who really shoots Super 8 at 24 fps anyways? Pardon my rant but the only reason to shoot Super 8 at 24 fps is for mega budget pro Rank Cintel transfers. Sure Rank transfers look nice but if you have that kind of dough why not shoot 16mm and do your own telecine? You’ll save money and get way better results even if you use the off the wall method! True the plastic body 814XL is not as sturdy as the all metal 814 E, but the Canon Zoom 7.5 – 60mm 1:1.4 Macro is at least as good, if not better, which means gorgeous Super 8 footage. Couple this very fast, very capable Canon Zoom with the 814XL’s 3-way variable shutter dial and you have one advanced Super 8. Viewfinder is big, bright, sharp and super easy to focus with, a Canon trademark. You want Canon 814XL-S quality at a fraction of the price get your hands on a 814 XL - Geoval

Have to diagree with your rant Geoval. Lots of people use 24 fps on Super 8 and why shouldn't they? Why should they use 16mm with the attendant heavy camera and lack of automation and then compromise quality by a dodgy transfer. That said I agree with you about Canon viewfinders. The 814XL is an excellent camera with an even better viewfinder than the 814E - Paul814

I have both the 814 XL Electronic AND the 814 Autozoom. They are fantastic cameras and they complement each other; The old AZ has 24fps, no low light abilities which is why I got the XL. Mine has the usual stiff zoom, but I don't care much as I don't use the motorised zoom usually. The best feature, one that you never find in newer digicams, is that you can use either servo zoom or manual zoom without turning any knob or button: Just grab the zoom ring and do the framing. - JCMontero

eBay Auctions
Canon (814 XL, 814XL)