Did the auto grain feature ever exit on the XL2? or was it only on the XL1s?
Also, what was its purpose except for a special effect. Did it server any other feature?

I assume you're talking about the film grain feature? Article here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/canonxl2/articles/article12.php

Ed, are you talking about Auto Gain, or Film Grain? They are two different things.

Yes, sorry, I meant to say Film Grain....I am confused on why it is placed on the camera and secondly why it was removed.

Thanks

Near as I can tell Ed, it was a 'special effect' added for those who wanted an incamera solution to adding 'film gain'.

Canon's stated reason for removing it was something about losing access to the software license.

<<<-- Originally posted by Richard Alvarez : Near as I can tell Ed, it was a 'special effect' added for those who wanted an incamera solution to adding 'film gain'.

Canon's stated reason for removing it was something about losing access to the software license. -->>>

But we all know the real reason was because it was completely useless. ;)

Welcome aboard DVInfo.net Ed! There may have been much
reasons for it to be removed, but as others have pointed out you
are better off without it. It is a feature that has no place in any
serious use. If you want to emulate film stock (damage, grain etc.)
there are specific software applications out there that do a far
better job.