Head Clog

CClub wrote on 1/5/2010, 9:19 AM
Besides the standard head cleaning tapes, does anyone know of a method to try and clean videocamera heads as an intermediate step before sending it in for repair?

I've tried most of the tried and true methods mentioned elsewhere in this http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=620463Forum[/link] (changing tapes, forwarding/rewinding, head cleaning tapes, etc) without success.

Here's what happened to my camcorders: I taped a concert, and I had (foolishly) moved away from the Costco TDK tapes I had used for years as I found a sale on Amazon for Sony tapes. I have a Sony V1U and a Canon HV20, and I also rented 2 Sony V1U's. There may have been a problem with the tapes themselves, as I lost footage on my Sony, one of the rented Sony's, and my HV20. Now, I can't playback OR record on either of my cameras.

I found a place to send in my Sony for repair/cleaning, but they don't work with Canon's, and I'm reluctant to send in the Canon, because it's not worth that much relative to what they may charge for a cleaning/repair.

Edit: I did just find this, although it appears written for VCR heads... wonder what anyone thinks: http://www.videointerchange.com/tips.htmHead Cleaning[/link].

Comments

Former user wrote on 1/5/2010, 9:58 AM
If you don't know what you are doing, don't do it. You can easily break the heads. IF the heads are clogged, then chances are other things along the tape path need cleaning as well.

Send it to a professional. It is better than ruining the camera.

Dave T2
ChrisMN wrote on 1/5/2010, 11:37 AM
There are a couple of "rogue" things you could try if you didn't have a cleaning tape handy and were desperate but If the head cleaning tape did not work then Dave is absolutely correct- seek the services of a professional.
David Settlemoir wrote on 1/5/2010, 3:04 PM
I miss 3/4" U-matic heads. They were the right size for my fingers to get in and spin the heads while cleaning. Beta was almost too small, and I can't even see where to put my fingers (through the bifocals no less) on DV sized heads!

I always send my DV stuff out for cleaning.

David
Dreamline wrote on 1/5/2010, 6:03 PM
Check the guide pin for gunk and remove it. Works like a charm.
ChrisMN wrote on 1/5/2010, 8:01 PM
"Check the guide pin for gunk and remove it. Works like a charm."
The guide posts and capstan should always be cleaned at the same time as the head assembly to prevent re-contamination of the heads but this is usually only a problem if the heads become clogged again after a short period.

As an aside, if the heads need cleaning more often it's usually a sign that the upper head assembly needs replacing due to wear.
TShaw wrote on 1/7/2010, 6:24 PM
In the long ago days of the 70s and 80s we used Isopropyl alcohal and cotton swabs on our 1 inch and 2 inch decks. But it is a pain on these camera of today. Goodluck.

Terry
farss wrote on 1/7/2010, 6:52 PM
The obove should work
We do have chamois leather cleaninf pads on a stick things from way back when. We've used them to clean the uber expensive heads on our Digital Betacam VCRs without breaking anything.

Really if the camera isn't worth the cost of having cleaned professionally what's there to loose.

BTW, I charge an extra fee now to people who give me anything other than Sony or Panasinc tapes. I've had TDK tapes snap more than once. Never, ever had an issue with the cheap Sony MiniDV tapes. We sell heaps of them, not a single complaint. We used to sell the Panasonic tapes but had one dodgy batch, could happen to any manufacturer to be honest. Stick to either Panasonic or Sony for a problem free life. If you do change between Panny and and Sony have been using one or the other for some time clean the heads BEFORE you put the different tape in.
Theory is one uses a dry lube and the other a wet lube. Get enough of it mixed up on the heads and you can gum them up real good. Supposedly this got sorted out years ago but we're still getting the odd instance of it happening so keep cleaning.

Bob.
CClub wrote on 1/9/2010, 8:32 AM
I ended up taking the input here and bringing both of my cameras in for professional cleaning. They gave me an estimate of $150 for the Canon HV20, so it's still better than purchasing. Initially, then told me that they do head cleanings in-house, but then when I dropped them off this morning, they said that both Canon and Sony requires them to ship them back to the manufacturer if the cameras are less than a couple years old.

A bit irritating, as I have a project coming up in early February, but I guess I have no choice at this point. Cross my fingers that I'll get them back in a month. I'm guessing not.
lynn1102 wrote on 1/9/2010, 1:28 PM
My son had a problem with his Canon which wouldn't open the tape door. I got on the canon site and was was advised to send in the camera. They called me with an estimate of around $90.00, which I approved and I had the camera back in less than a week.

Last I heard, Sony was charging a flat rate of around $600.00 for camera repair - no matter the problem. I sent mine to Armatto's in New York and had it repaired for $185.00.
I also had this one back in a week.

Lynn