Canon XA20 camcorder noisey Zoom Rocker repair

The Zoom Rocker Switch of my Canon XA20 does a horrible squeak that is recorded by the camcorder's microphones. Let's fix it!

[@tvtech2582]

I always used dielectric grease for applications like this.For 23 years I only worked on camcorders and vcr"s.The most common use was for a vcr mode switch.Great videos.

[@mphsVinylJim]

Just awesome. You’ve gotten so good at this stuff over the years! Keep Groovin.

[@nathanhoward6472]

Excellent work on the camera repair. Looks like this was a design flaw for this particular model. You could put this video up on the ifixit web site. Thanks for all you entertaining videos.

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Great repair! I was just looking at these cameras about two weeks ago, great cameras! I ended up buying a Panasonic instead! Looking forward to hopefully future videos from this camera! ~Jack, VEG

[@LauderdaleObserver]

Nice job showing the painfully difficult semi-repair for this problem, and shame on Canon for putting out a nice camera with such a shoddy - and important - part. That's a great way to lose customers. I recently set up a wearable work-around ... I put the nice, quiet remote control on a lanyard. The zoom on the detachable handle is awkward to use, and this seems to be a good option. Note that, unlike your camera, mine has had relatively light use and has not been abused. Still I have the same squeaky problem! Do better, Canon! (My first test will be later this morning when I zoom in on Air Force One as it approaches Miami - tripod handle in one hand, remote in the other.)

[@ContaSoberano]

Thanks to your video i could fix my xa11 😊

[@DrCassette]

I am glad this video was helpful :)

[@SonnyKavanagh]

Beautiful Camera great work 📼

[@ForTheRecordaudiophileMichael]

Do it right the first time on this complex disassembly and reassembly. I'd hate to put it together then have the same problem after you've reassembled nice video BTW

[@pwestzaan]

I had the same problem with a XA 30. Uncontrolled zooming out. The zooming seemed to be caused by the rocker switch not beeing in the right position in rest. Ifixed it by bending the spring from the rocker switch. Both sides have now the same amount of play before zooming starts. And there is no more spontanious zooming anymore

[@Military872]

Did it still cure the problem ?

[@pwestzaan]

@@Military872 This camera is still working fine. I have six of these type, three of them had the problem. Based on my experiences I now think that there are two slighly different problems. The slow zooming out can be fix by adjusting the spring. The problem of suddenly fast zoom out I think is caused by bad contact in the flat cable connecting the rocker switch to the camera. Just reconnecting it seems to do the job.

[@repcamgdl]

Thank you!! You saved mi xa30

[@DrCassette]

I'm glad this video was helpful :)

[@Military872]

I just contacted the Canon service dept as my XA20 is zooming out by itself, it really is terrible that i need a new Rocker switch so soon only after two years of owning it.

[@DrCassette]

This problem is due to dirt on these tiny carbon tracks in this rocker switch. Seems Canon camcorders often have such problems, I know a lot of XM/GL series camcorders are affected by this. Too bad Canon has not changed their design to prevent such issues.

[@Military872]

DrCassette An expense i shouldn't really have to pay, as it's a common fault.

[@rageagainstthechord]

hi greetings i have a canon xa 30 and i have an issue with the zoom that automatically when i zoom in it zooms out it does not stay zoomed in, any advise ?

[@DrCassette]

This is caused by bad contacts in the sensor that is operated by the zoom rocker. Some contact cleaner might help, but it is risky, so be very careful...

[@Military872]

I have one of these Cameras, where can i buy the parts please?

[@avazbekvohidov557]

where can i find this plume

[@ForTheRecordaudiophileMichael]

Could you replace the switch with a new one or is the unit too old?

[@DrCassette]

This is just not a readily available part - it would be hard to find and probably very expensive to get.

[@naprawiamitestuje8068]

Nice job!! I have VIXIA HF G30 - very similar model to compare with XA20. Both model are from 2013r. Main difence is handle which is present in yours model. I sometimes have the same problem with zoom buton which was shown in your movie. When I zoom IN, and stop, camera (without my activities) independently making zoom OUT. Your movie is very helpful for this problem. Did you contat with Canon Service? I was wondering how much cost a new this part (without mounting service) Thank you!

[@DrCassette]

I didn't want to spend money on replacement parts, I just wanted to work with what was there. So I have not contacted the Canon Service.

[@tjnickles4782]

what does this camcoder record on to mini dv or is sd card

[@DrCassette]

It records on an SDHC or SDXC card.

[@colinscotland2887]

Did the eBay advert say it was dirty and noisy.

[@DrCassette]

Of course it didn't. But the auction was a very good deal, so I had no reason to complain ;)

[@EVunedited]

How do you fix issues when it zooms out by itself?? When the potentiometer goes bad?

[@DrCassette]

You might be able to get some contact cleaner into the potentiometer to fix the zoom. But use some proper contact cleaner such as Tuner 600 to avoid causing further damage!

[@EVunedited]

DrCassette thanks! I just disassembled my canon x25. Your video was of great help. Used contact cleaner on the potentiometer and so far is looking good. Will test more. I have 3 more cameras to fix with the same issue.. they are for a church i help with

[@martinolafrangel6934]

@@EVunedited Gonna try the same with mi XA30. Hopefully works. Any advise in the cleaner you used?

[@Military872]

@@EVunedited I am finding my one difficult to take apart.