Canon VC-50Pro

[Square Bob]

I have an old Canon VC-50Pro that has a 6MHz Saticon tube. I used it professionally in the late 80's and early 90's for video assist and "making of" videos on feature films. At the time it connected to a portable Canon VCR which I no longer have. It shot very warm, beautiful, SD video. I have searched for a replacement VCR to no avail. I'm hoping someone may know of a way to adapt this camera, specifically the 10-pin cord, for use with modern equipment.
I'm thinking a breakout connector of some kind to allow power to be supplied to the camera and video/audio returned to a VCR or Computer. I've attached a picture. IMHO, it's still an impressive looking camera. Any ideas will be appreciated.

[antman]

Do you actually shoot with that thing. whats the res on that thing, 10 lines. lol
Im curious as to why you would want to go throught the trouble to use a camera that outputs a really bad picture?

[um3k]

Nostalgia, perhaps? I don't blame him. I find old camera tech fascinating. I imagine the signal it outputs is standard, either composite, S-Video, or component. But it would probably take some trial and error to find out for sure.

[Square Bob]

antman,The picture output is not bad, I don't remember what the exact resolution is but, it was broadcast quality at the time.(640x480?). I used to transfer to U-matic or betacamSP for editing and with some processing the finals came out fine for commercial broadcast at the time. I thought I might play around with it and do some "experimental" type stuff. um3k, I believe the output is composite through the cable. It also has composite input/outputs on the camera.

[um3k]

That makes sense, anything better is wishful thinking on my part. :P

Have you tried using the outputs on the camera? If they are sufficient, you shouldn't have to mess with the 10-pin. Heck, you could slap on a HV20 (gaffer tape, anyone?) and turn it into a DV tube camera!

[Square Bob]

I'm trying to find a schematic or pin assignment for it so I can power it up. no luck so far but I did find someone selling a VC-30 and a Panny portable VTR on EBay. I've got a request in for info. If it uses the same plug I might buy it. Then I'd have 2 old cameras. I may end up just leaving it as it is, a decoration in my studio. I do still have my old Canon Scoopic 16mm film camera also just a decoration now. I KNOW I'm not into going back to cut & splice editing.

[um3k]

Ah, didn't occur to me that there was no on-board power. Well, good luck on your search. If I come across anything I'll be sure to post it here.

EDIT: Not sure how much you've found, or exactly what your cable looks like, but I found this:
http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/REPA...ml#PINOUTS_010
and this: http://freespace.virgin.net/tom.bald...circvideo.html
also this: http://www.labguysworld.com/Connectors.htm
this: http://www.brogers.addr.com/Web/10pinvideofaq.htm

I hope one of those is helpful.

[Square Bob]

Thank you, thank you! With the information you supplied I should be able to trace out the configuration on my camera. Your search skills are way better than mine. thanks again.
Bob

[um3k]

Glad I could be of service.

[EKOMSKI]

i HAVE THE WHOLE SHOOTING MATCH FOR SALE - vcr/CAMERA/SLIDE LENSE/WIDEANGLE/REMOTES/BATTERY/STRAPS/CASES/
ANYONE INTERESTED?

[zagnut]

Holy crap!? A VC50!? Grandpa, is that you?

[Janke]

I wouldn't buy anything from a first-time-poster who has an inverted caps key...

[cgbier]

We were just throwing away our Panasonic and JVC broadcast stuff from the nineties. I was actually thinking of taking at least one of the cams and two VTRs home and recell the cam's battery to do some old fashioned linear editing... Or get the Amiga out of storage and toast some video.

Sadly, that stuff had ended up on the landfill before I could get my paws on it

[zagnut]

I wouldn't buy anything from a first-time-poster who has an inverted caps key...

LMAO! Ain't that the truth!

This thread brought back some great memories though. My grandfather was a huge video nut. I remember him having around 10 VHS decks, 2 Beta decks (1 hi-fi Beta), 3 VHS video cameras, 1 beta camera, and 1 8mm tape camera. At some point looong ago, he had a 8mm film camera as well. But that was before I can remember. So thanks Square Bob so bringing back some good memories.