How to repair a MiniDV camcorder that doesn't record or play

This applies to most MiniDV camcorders. If no signal is being recorded and no playback visible, this cleaning procedure will often help.

[@drewgriffiths7708]

This was a very well-made video and both shows and explains things well. I also like how DrCassette get's immediately into the subject matter, without the drawn out background, history and redundant information that I so often see on other channels. Well done and thanks, DrCassette.

[@EuropaSteve]

6 years old and still helping! The paper trick worked, transferring old family videos to digital now. Thank you!

[@DrCassette]

You are welcome, I am glad this video is still useful :)

[@tyc2348]

@@DrCassette Hi !my minidv Jvc says condenstion operation paused (can’t record or play dv, but it does when it is fully charged) what is that mean? Please help 🙏

[@stagonness]

My Panasonic wouldn’t rewind, forward or play. I then noticed the rubber part had fallen off and was sitting at the bottom. I took it out but didn’t know where it went. Your video helped me put it back where it went. There was no error message though. Since it was loose I just played the tapes with the recorder on its side so the rubber part won’t come off again. Cleaned the parts, including the rubber part and now I can see the videos. Putting the rubber part made all the difference. Now I’m going to transfer the videos to my computer and edit the parts I don’t want. Thank you for your video!!!

[@DrCassette]

I am glad you found this video helpful :)

[@gashlerfilms]

This helped me so much. Thanks! 15 year old camera is now alive again. The drum took a while to clean and several passes. I just kept getting gunk off of it. Even after cleaning, it didn't work quite right. Out of desperation, I just shook the camera, and everything just started working.

[@DrCassette]

Yes, shaking those old Sony camcorder works wonders sometimes :D

[@davewalsh2364]

It works. Brilliant fix for a JVC camera that hasn't been used for 20 years. Great to see images I thought were lost.

[@williamgreen3967]

The instructions on this video worked like magic. My heads were filthy! You, sir, are a God!

[@oliverclarke5093]

Thanks for this. It worked on my Samsung V80d Mini DV camcorder. As well as the paper technique, I also used a tepe dental brush which had a long handle to clean the head drum. And I didn’t have the video spray so I used mentholated spirit. Keep at it guys.

[@rossi.productions.2k]

Hello! I had this problem in sony vx2000. I used Your method but with extraction gasoline. It works very well. Thank You!

[@cctan2420]

Excellent tip, works very well with my 10 year old Sony camcorder. It now works again !!

[@heshumajid8899]

Many thanks for sharing this informative tutorial video with us. You just mentioned some useful tips to help us perform the cleaning in the correct way. Greetings from the UK.

[@Abandoned_480p]

Fixed my glitchy trv900! Thanks man, now I have two that function properly 🥺

[@mitchnutt]

Thank you! These steps helped us salvage an old Canon ES75 so we could finish converting family videos to digital.

[@DrCassette]

I'm glad this video was helpful :)

[@cac7549]

Such a nice and clear explanation. Thank you so much.

[@MegaCookie105]

Omg this actually worked well for me I have a Sony TRV22 and was from Japan great condition and was using it for a week for old mini dv, as I was converting it suddenly it went blue but nothing played back so I saw this guide on cleaning and save me maybe 100$ up in repair maybe thanks

[@tipodelescusado]

holy smokes dude you just saved my life i can't thank you enough man i really appreciate it

[@DrCassette]

You are welcome, I am glad this video was helpful :)

[@nasowas1654]

Same here, thank you very much. That was exactly my problem. @@DrCassette

[@kthompso43]

DrCassette, after watching several youtube videos on this subject, yours is the best. Your cleaning procedure worked on my old Sony DCR-TR7000 camcorder and on my Sony EV-C100 recording deck. Your (and others') only advice that does not seem to work is the waiting (drying) time (20 minutes) before testing the device after it's cleaned. For me, overnight drying is necessary to regain recording or playing functions. I'm using denatured alcohol. Same result when I used 90% isopropyl alcohol. Please explain why it takes so long to regain my recording and playing functions. Thanks.

[@deniahocherl869]

I have several home videos on DV mini. My camcorder glitches when I try to view them. I have looked for dv mini vhs adapter to just play them in my vhs player. I cannot find one that size. Do you think the camcorder can be repaired?

[@culturelab9679]

best tutorial on this problem I've seen! I've been trying to fix my camcorder all day and this did it! thanks!

[@DrCassette]

I'm glad this was helpful :)

[@malh5984]

HM - Brilliant tutorial. I thought I had had it with my Panasonic NV-GX7 while I was trying to rescue some of those old mini tapes which I left in a draw! One tape had previously been chewed, and when I ran this through it started to stutter - I stopped it and removed it - the result even the good part would not play on vcr, or any other tape! Disaster. Following this tutorial fully, and not other conflicting tutorials which said to avoid touching some components - result positive. All back to working condition. I guess running the chewed part of the tape may have contained dirt from the time it was chewed up. Many thanks.

[@Big74Mike2012]

I don't understand how that little rubber roller can disable a perfectly fine camcorder that is nearly impossible to replace at this point! I apparently lost the little plastic piece that holds that roller on it's dedicated pin, but on my camcorder, there's a metal part that is firmly in place in front of the roller, ensuring that it can't slide off when a tape it inserted, so I ask again... how in the ever-loving HELL has that rubber roller that can't possibly be dislodged when a tape is trying to play, completely disable my camcorder that has worked perfectly up to this point??! No wonder these terrible machines were phased out!! While they may have been an amazing technological leap 500yrs ago when they were introduced, they are nothing more than anger-inducing junk now!!

[@t3ffy208]

Got the same thing happened here everything is perfectly fine I just recorded my graduation video on trv 900 The Playback is fine but 2 days later it's just not recording and play back no more :(

[@himeccms893]

I've got a cassette tape player that lost its capstan roller because the horseshoe clip holding it came off

[@EastAngliaUK]

I have never used a DV camcorder before I bet you can pick these up really cheap if people think they don't work and all they need is a clean. Now most are HD cams but these might be good for playing stuff on smaller or CRT TVs.

[@darrenfood]

Worked great with my old Samsung camera, many thanks for the help.

[@Squiggy8440]

How do you unstick the mechanical tape holder/ reader when the door itself opens but the mechanism doesnt?

[@TravisTev]

That's exactly what happened to my DCR-HC32: It had been making odd periodic ticking sounds during fast-forward and playback, and eventually, lots of drop-outs and artifacts during play and record. It turns out the plastic locking ring on the pinch roller had cracked, and the roller no longer remains in position. Around the same time the hinged LCD also stopped working due to the internal connections breaking from the flexing. I had frequent head clogging issues with it as well but never got a chance to try manually cleaning the head drum before it broke down.

[@nojazz.mp3879]

My mini DV cam stopped working yesterday, I just opened it up and noticed that a few of the tape guides are moving when I slightly shake the camera. Are supposed to be completely fixed in place? And is there a way to re-attach them ? Thanks :)

[@RetroGamerVX]

Great tips, this can be applied to vhs/vhsc and all them too :)

[@assyriancomedycentral1753]

so my issue is, I have a canon es900 or 970a and the cassette sits in it but it will not close and read the cassette. But when there nothing in it, it has no problem going down and just closing.

[@gramparmenter2444]

Great tips! Helped me out enormously!.

[@Mango_2250]

Hey what is the spray called that your using?plz help its says reinsert cassete how do I fix

[@MonarchGuy974]

Thanks for the tutorial. I have a Sharp miniDV. I played a very old tape and I got a red message "eject the cassette". I then tried other tapes that all had just played fine a few minutes before and it still gives me this message. I tried your cleaning technique to no avail. Do you have any other tips on how I might fix this?

[@s16e559]

Hi, bei meinem camcorder (Canon MV800) sehe ich nur ein Bild wenn ich Forwärtsspule oder Rückwärts. Wenn ich normal auf play drücke dann bekomme ich nur ein blaues Bild, glaubst du eine Kopfreinigung wird hierbei auch helfen? Wie meinst du das eigentlich mit dem Papier? Wenn ich das mit dem Kontakspray genässt habe, drücke ich dann einfach leicht auf den Kopf und drehe es mit dem anderen Finger während ich Druck ausüber? Oder soll ich auf das Papier nur am Anfang kurz drücken und danach loslassen und dann den Kopfdrehen? Und reinigst du dann die stelle die du auf dem Head berührt hast noch, oder wie drehst du das?

[@paulmiley7799]

I have a little Panasonic NV-GS280 mini dv camcorder. I finally got around to transferring 45 tapes to my PC. Then it stopped working - I still have a lot more to go. I can insert, eject, fast forward, and rewind the tape. Although the screen doesn't show any time passing by, I know there is footage on each tape as it was partially logged on every cassette case card. I just ordered a cleaning tape as you suggest and I've already got some Isopropranol ready to give the machine a clean but I'll try the cleaning tape first when it gets here. So, here's 2 related questions if you don't mind. If I cannot fix this problem myself, the Panny is a 3CCD unit. Can I just buy a second hand cheaper SINGLE CCD Panasonic camcorder or does it need to be the 3 x CCD type? Also, I still have some Sony Mini DV tapes to transfer too (camcorder long gone). Will I be able to transfer those on a Panasonic camcorder if I leave them until last? Thanks!

[@DrCassette]

The MiniDV system is a universal standard, any camcorder will play back any cassette, with the same video and audio quality that was once recorded on the cassette, because all signals are digital. As for mixing different cassette brands, I would suggest to use the cleaning cassette you have ordered each time you change brands.

[@paulmiley7799]

@@DrCassette Thanks Doc! Much appreciated.

[@anthony-michael5040]

I have a Panasonic dvx100a it’s having problems it keeps saying S REEL LOCK. Do you suggest I take it apart and clean it or is it something else?

[@stefoboss998]

Would you know the problem for my canon GL1, it makes a loud noise when a mini DV tape is in the camera? Would it be the drum? Thanks!

[@rupert6478]

I recently bought a Sony pd100 (basically your model but the “dvcam” version) and when I record to a tape on it and play it back using the camera, there’s no audio. Anything I could do? I reset it a bunch of times, cleaned the heads, etc.

[@tfriseurfriseur]

Thank you for the explanazion. Does that mean that all the previous recording is lost aswell? My issue is similar, I played back the video like normal, but after rewinding my camera gave mee and error: remove cassette. After removing the cassette the tape seems to be empty and I dont know if it is possible, that all the recordings are now lost after this error?

[@krarmax3024]

Thank you very much, creative. I hope you continue with that. You solved a big problem for me. Thank you.

[@PandaJackk]

thank you for the video, gonna come back to it later to fix my capture cam! :)

[@Rigga-pw7nm]

Hi mate I have a cannon it is showing white whilst looking through the viewing lens I was using it while it was a pretty rainy night I tried kept a bag over it but something happened to it I still have the camera it has been sitting for years in its carry bag would you have any suggestions

[@sting64az]

Very unique technique. What causes mine when play back make a clicking sound which also does when recording and playback. Also the sound doesn't work on the camcorder but does record sound just annoying clicking sounds which makes also frames jump up and down.

[@EastCamsMassiv]

Hi Dr. Cassette, my TRV 900 has a similar problem. Quite often When pressing record the screen jumps to a blue screen and takes a few seconds to get back to normal. I have tried the steps in the video to no avail, any ideas? Cheers

[@DukeDumb-NE]

I did it and it now works fine but i use ronsonal instead. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@DrCassette]

Ronsonal is a lighter fluid which should work for cleaning the head drum. Just don't get it on any rubber parts.

[@nicklutton602]

Hi great video. Just hoping you have any advice with my Panasonic handy cam. It’s currently makes a strange noise like something spinning , will play and record for 3 seconds then it cuts out and makes a small screeching noise. Sounds like something spinning. Do you believe this is still recoverable. ? Many thanks nick

[@DrCassette]

Sounds to me like maybe the head drum bearing has failed. The head drum spins at very high speed, normally it is almost silent, but if the bearing failed, of course it will produce more noise, and possibly lock up after a few moments of running. Does the behaviour change when you change the orientation of the camcorder? See what happens if you put it on its side, so that the cassette inside the camcorder lies horizontal rather than vertical. If a bearing has indeed failed, unfortunately this won't be repairable anymore.

[@anirbannaskar7665]

The head drum is slightly tilted in my camcorder. It appears your camcorder has the same condition too. So is that normal?

[@DrCassette]

+Anirban Naskar Yes, it is. On almost all video systems the head drum is tilted.

[@GaryRowlands]

+DrCassette the head is tilted because it spins opposite to the direction of tape travel in order to get the speed required to handle such high frequencies and the tilt allows the head to lay a whole line width onto the tape, it is called Helical Scanning and you can see that the tilt makes the head travel further across the tape and this is enough otherwise the tape would need to be about two inches across if it just went from side to side, it's very clever really.

[@theundertaker7447]

Yes.

[@CrowdPleeza]

I have a Canon ZR200. My problem is that the sound doesn't always come through during tape playback. I have to tap the camcorder to get some sounds. When I do get sound at some point it gets skippy sounding. I've tried cleaning with one of those tape head cleaners three times. Could this be an head alignment issue? Have you made a video on head alignment?

[@DrCassette]

No, I don't have any experience with realigning MiniDV mechanisms.

[@sting64az]

Read my issue above on my recently found Canon ZR-50... It records and plays audio back fine on camcorder but when I play the tape in a stand alone deck JVC-SR-V30 the video portion plays fine but the audio is choppy... But doesn't sound like that being played back in the camcorder... My other Canon ZR-65 has no issues playing back recorded tapes on the JVC SR-V30 as it looks and sounds good.. Got me clueless...

[@themoriartys104]

I bought a "working" JVC miniDV Camcorder (JVC GR-DX67EK) on eBay only to find the pinch roller loose in the packaging, but there was no sign of the black plastic "bung" that goes on top of the roller when it is in position. This machine appears to have had very little use. If I place the roller back where it should be it plays, but I imagine it's only a matter of time before it eats the tape. Is there anything I can do?

[@DrCassette]

You can try to replace the missing plastic piece with some new plastic tubing. A source for replacement tubing could be a cut off piece of a cheap generic ballpoint pen refill cartridge. Be very careful not to bend anything when trying to push on the new plastic tubing!

[@themoriartys104]

@@DrCassette Good idea; I'll give it a try! I used to work on videos back in the day, it was both very trying AND rewarding. Your vids are excellent, Bob.

[@hayekfamily]

Impressive! My Sony DV HC21 works almost perfectly - but on playback it skips every 2 seconds breaking the video image and with a sound. I can see the white left play wheel hesitating. I am worried to take it apart but if you can give me advice as to whether this is something that can be easily fixed (even temporarily so I can duplicate tapes to my Hard Drive) I will try - it is causing a noticeable skip and sound

[@DrCassette]

Seems like you have a problem with the tape transport. Such problems are never easy to repair unfortunately...

[@bryanalmanza9296]

I have error c:31:40 it seems as if everything is in place even the rubber roller and looks pretty clean , but the person I bought it off left it smelling like cigarettes can that be a thing that would mess it up ? My last hope is a tape cleaner hopefully that goes well

[@fabmichelleduxbury]

Hi I hope you can help, I have a similar BUT DIFFERENT problem with my SONY MINI DV HVR-A1E (DCR- PC100E ). My Camera and my recorded tapes have been in storage for a few years, they are part of a documentary project I recorded in early 2000's, at that time the tape were all logged, so all were viewed at least once, they have been kept in a dry box, in my house, so no extremes of temp or damp. Now when I insert any of over 40 tapes, with the pre recorded footage & time code into camera to play back, I see only a blue screen and no time code, I can ff and rw them but no image, I have tried with 5 different tapes. BUT here's the 'different' bit, I then tried to record for a few seconds, just at the start of one of these pre recorded tapes, AND the camera successfully recorded over, with a new time code! So camera appears to be able to record and playback new footage, but not play back the original footage I recorded, which is what I need. :-( Any suggestions as to what might be the problem? I have just ordered a cleaning tape to try & if that alone doesn't work, I will try your technique (welcome any tips on removing cover on my camera?) I am just concerned that because my Camera is still able to record and playback it may be a different problem. Thanks for reading, fingers firmly crossed.

[@fabmichelleduxbury]

UPDATE : Cleaning tape hasn't worked :-(

[@DrCassette]

Seems like your camcorder has somehow gone out of alignment. Basically, the position where it reads and records the magnetic tracks on the tape has shifted. That's why new recordings can be played, but old recordings can not. Re-aligning the mechanism is possible, but can only be done successfully by someone who knows exactly how to do it. I would recommend you try to find another MiniDV device to see if your old recordings can be played in it.

[@fabmichelleduxbury]

@@DrCassette Thank you,, will do

[@MadamMalkins00]

What do you do if the rubber roller is not in place?

[@DrCassette]

You will have to find a replacement for it. The camcorder can not play or record without the roller in place.

[@MadamMalkins00]

@@DrCassette Okay, thanks

[@SwedishRetroTechNerd]

I have a question i recently got scammed on a Panasonic NV-DV2000 the listing said it was working but it didnt work at all it wont take a tape if you put a tape in it does nothing at all the motor dont even start and it does get power since the display lights up and the fan starts. Would appreciate if you had any tip for how i can get it working since i have some DV tapes i want to digitize.

[@rupert6478]

You could try pressing the reset button if your cam has one

[@AMJSKATESHOP]

I have a vx2000 and a pd150. Both of these cams do the same thing. I record video to a tape. When i play back the footage, the video will randomly go from choppy/pixelated for a second or two to fine for a second or two and repeat. . When we open the flap of the mini dv tape you can see that the camcorder has put horizontal creasing on the tape. Any ideas or suggestions. Sorry, also what was the cleaning solution that out put on the paper?

[@DrCassette]

Creasing of the tape is usually caused either by a very dirty capstan or a problem with the rubber pinch roller. If you are lucky, this can be fixed by thoroughly cleaning these components. As cleaning solution you can use isopropyl alcohol (IPA).

[@AMJSKATESHOP]

@@DrCassette Thank you for the reply. I uploaded a short video on my channel showing what it is doing if you wouldnt mind taking a look.

[@deltahurley7684]

My Panasonic MiniDV PV-DC203D doesn't have any picture on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder, just black. Would you suggest this cleaning or something else? Thank you in advance for your help!

[@rust_28]

Got the same problem!

[@rust_28]

and i just completely ruined it, at first i had a black screen whe i had a tape in it just didnt record anything, so i thought that i would try it out cleaning the drum thingy, after cleaning it I tryd it out and got a error message that i didnt had before, so yeah try at your own risk lol

[@DrCassette]

The first thing you should try is running a MiniDV cleaning cassette to clean the heads.

[@deltahurley7684]

@@DrCassette what if the problem was that the camera isn't recording any video, only audio? The visual feed is just a dark screen with the letters and numbers showing up, so it makes me think it's a problem with the lense or internal camera itself. What do you think?

[@DrCassette]

@@deltahurley7684 So you don't any video in record mode already? It's not that there just isn't any video when playing back the recorded cassette? No video at all in record mode could be caused by an incorrect exposure setting. Make sure this is not the case, put everything into automatic mode. If that doesn't help, your camcorder might have a bad CCD image sensor, which unfortunately is not repairable.

[@kickstar126]

Thanks a lot mate, really useful video.

[@ryanfitz33]

@drcassette I have a Panasonic gs-20 80 and put a tape in that wasn’t a good one, the tape itself was loose and I tightened the roll etc. thought maybe it would work. The camera said to hit reset and spit out the tape. Now I can’t see any of the footage on my previous tapes from before. Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

[@DrCassette]

Playing a head cleaning cassette in the camcorder might fix the problem.

[@speedyboishan87]

@@DrCassette Hi when I insert a Minidv tape into my Panasonic Camcorder it chews the tape or no video playback. Could the heads need cleaning.

[@christians.711]

This this work?I have the gs80 model. It also said hit reset, the it stopped playing back old videos. It started being staticky, then completely blue screen. Going to try and order cassette cleaner to see if it works. Thanks

[@IC2024]

Hey guys, my Panasonic NV-GS500 does not run the cleaning tape. The time laps remains unchanged. The camera does actually reads recorded tapes (badly, with stripes)

[@camstaysteezy8035]

I just had that problem with grey stripes evenly down my video, when I say this I am being so honest, i just tapped the tape deck a couple times with a reasonable amount of force and it went away, very risky but has worked for me twice now

[@matthewblack7206]

My JVC GR-750AA won't eject the tape that has been in it. I have this camera up for sale, dirt cheap as it has been having 'twitchy' playback issues and reluctance to forward wind or play tapes. Today I found some more old tapes and wanted to check their contents before handing the camera to its new owner - but now the latest tape I examined will not eject!! I've Googled the issue and looked at this video and read about all the error messages, but I just can't solve this problem.

[@ejctn15]

I have a Sony DCR-TRX220 that has not been used for over 8 years. if i select camera I get an image on the screen. If i turn VCR on, and press start , all i get is a "blue" screen. Can i have some suggestions please as to how to fix. Thank you.

[@DrCassette]

First, just try to run a MiniDV head cleaning cassette. If this doesn't help, try the cleaning procedure described in this video.

[@MusicBoxVinyl]

Whenever I playback tapes it has pixels and glitching..

[@AbdulRazzaqFilms]

dirty headdrums

[@krarmax3024]

@@AbdulRazzaqFilms How can I clean it? I do not have a cleaning tape. I want another method, please :D

[@Cj_Plays_Everything]

⁠@@krarmax3024assuming it’s similar to a vcr (I’m new to camcorders) you get a q-tip and put some 90% isopropyl alcohol then lightly spin the head drum.

[@GigaDanMan]

@@Cj_Plays_Everythinghe says specifically in this video not to touch a cotton swab to the video head.

[@NazarethSalgado]

Hi !!! dr cassette !!! I have a sony vx mini dv camcorder, the problem when playing the tape, the audio is not heard well and it makes a jump in the audio, how can I solve it Dr cassette?????????

[@DrCassette]

This could be an alignment problem

[@deniahocherl869]

How do you fix an alignment problem

[@ricardoayon176]

question: i recently bought a sony ccd-f35 handy cam video 8. the viewfinder part seems to be broken, it displays black and white stripes that seem to increase in increase in obnoxiousness

[@DrCassette]

Most likely bad SMD capacitors. You can not repair that.

[@tammo495]

Hello I am about to buy an old vx 2000 However their is a problem with the tape he says that the audio jumps some time and with that the film as well can that be fixed if i clean the heads? or what should i do any advise?

[@DrCassette]

Indeed you may just need to clean the heads. But I would only accept the deal if the price is very good. Because there might just as well be a different problem causing this behaviour, that could be much more difficult to repair.

[@tammo495]

DrCassette Its up vor listing for round about 150€ and fully functioning ones go for about 350-400€ Is it worth the risk and thanks for your reply:)

[@DrCassette]

@@tammo495 Yes, I think that is worth taking a risk. If it really turns out to only need the heads cleaned, 150€ are an excellent price.

[@tammo495]

DrCassette well alright i’m going to keep you updated thank you again!!

[@Skipperj]

Thanks DrCassette,and a very good job!

[@WM-eq6md]

When one of those cleaning tapes reaches it's end, should you just throw it away? I mean I know rewinding it in the camcorder is a bad idea but how am I supposed to use it again otherwise?

[@DrCassette]

+Magnus Wilén Correct. Throw it away because the cleaning tape has dirt all over it. Cleaning tapes are not re-useable.

[@paulpencilhead9752]

I have a problem with an older full size camera. Its a 1986 newvicon Sylvania and the main problem is i can put in a tape i can fast forward and rewind but playback and recording doesnt work. Once the tape is in there for more than 20 secs it just shuts the whole camera down. Idk what the problem is

[@nathanmoreno3474]

Drcassetts what it's that roller is lose can you fix it or have to replace it?

[@DrCassette]

There should be a small piece of nylon tube holding the pinch roller down. If it's missing, it can be replaced with a piece of the cartridge inside a ballpoint pen. Just be very careful with anything you do!

[@maxheadrom3088]

DrCassette, hello! Did you use any special cleanning tape? I remember hearing that these tapes could make the drum rough. We used to clean the heads using silk paper (the bright side) dry and do like you did. On forums and on your other videos I see you're using writting paper with alcohol - that's a great new info! What is the tape head cleaining product you use? Thanks!

[@DrCassette]

The early cleaning tapes, for example for audio cassette decks were quite terrible, indeed they worked like sandpaper. But the newer cleaning cassettes, for the newer tape systems such as MiniDV are OK. The cleaning tape has a finer structure and the tape heads are more sturdy. Just don't use these cleaning tapes frequently. The head cleaner I use is Kontaktchemie Video 90. Sounds impressive but from what I can tell it's pretty much just Isopropyl Alcohol in a spray can.

[@gabopedro693]

Hi may I know if you have a guide to repair Sony DCR-TRV27 camcorder? It's not able to record and play. Thank you!

[@Ahsan012]

I have a Panasonic NV-DS50 which was bought in 2003. When I try to playback any videos from the mini cassettes, the camcorder screen remains blank, yet the timer displays the time as if something is being played. Can this be solved by the method in your video? I was thinking of getting a Mini DV Head Cleaner tape to fix this problem.

[@DrCassette]

Yes, first try a MiniDV head cleaning cassette.

[@Ahsan012]

@@DrCassette Thanks for replying. I'll try it.

[@deltahurley7684]

@@Ahsan012 did this work for you? I have a similar issue.

[@Ahsan012]

@@deltahurley7684 I haven't tried it yet. Will let you know once I try it.

[@Ahsan012]

I just tried it. It momentarily fixed the problem. But, instead of a completely blank screen, I am now getting glitchy bars with video playing in the background. There is no audio when this happens. If I change the cassettes, the new one plays fine initially. But, after a while, the problem comes back.

[@MarceloJavierMazaLuparia]

Hey doc! I friend just gave me a lot of MiniDV's and a minidv camcoder for digitalizing his tapes. However, the camcorder works poorly. In fact it jammed and cut'd a tape... (please make a video of how to repair cut tapes) I was planning on buying an minidv player/recorder and i found a Panasonic DV2500 for sale for under 30usd, but it has an issue: it wont play. will accept the tape and then eject it. I was reading on the internet (fixya) and a user says its a common problem with the deck housing and "cant be repaired, must change the deck housing". For me doesn't sound like a proper diagnostic. I was wondering if you have worked with some of these decks and what's your opinion and if you ever repaired one. On the other hand, some tapes when play'd they seem awfull, laggy and with some "squares" (or rectangles) over the picture. I guess it's corrupted. Do you know if could be salved?

[@MarceloJavierMazaLuparia]

Correction: The DV2500 turns on, but the cassette door wont budge. Seems kindda stuck. So it wont accept any tape.

[@DrCassette]

I have worked on MiniDV decks, but never successfully repaired one, so unfortunately I can't give any advice. This Panasonic DV2500 seems identical to a certain JVC MiniDV deck.

[@MarceloJavierMazaLuparia]

@@DrCassette For what you say and what I read online, seems that when a MIniDv deck has problems, the only solution is to replace the entire deck. The weird thing with this one is that when turned on and connected to the tv, it wont show any warning or error... I will try to make'em a lower offer and take a chance with it. Maybe it's just stuck.

[@lizelleoberholzer1402]

My problem lies with a Mini DV tape. I recorded a concert but the first half of the tape shows nothing(just a blue screen) then sudenly from 28min it shows fine. I can accept that the camera did not record the first half but when I slow-forward or slow-rewind it shows the footage so I believe it must be there somewhere? Any recomendations. All other tapes record and play back just fine?

[@DrCassette]

Seems like there was dirt on the head that after 28 minutes finally wore off. The signal that was recorded until then is there and visible in the slow modes, but for playback the signal level is too low, the camcorder blanks out the screen because it thinks there is nothing there. You can try to play your tape back in a different playback device that might accept a lower signal level for playback. So try using another camcorder for playback.

[@lizelleoberholzer1402]

Thank you so much, Im just gonna try to get a device but it was recorded on HD, so thats what Im gonna need. Thanks so much.

[@DrCassette]

If the MiniDV tape was recorded in HD, you are looking for another HDV device to play it back.

[@RyanSchweitzer77]

Instead of using a folded piece of paper soaked in head cleaning solution, you can also use a chamois-tipped swab soaked in the same solution for cleaning the video heads, they're a bit easier to use and manipulate inside the cramped internals of the camcorder's cassette transport (plus they're a bit less abrasive on the video heads, I'd reckon). I've used them myself for cleaning video heads, they work a treat. Plus, since its chamois (hide from the goat-antelope-like animal of the same name), it has no fibers to snag on and damage the video heads. Radio Shack in the USA used to sell these a while back for video & audio head cleaning.

[@hectorboudot3502]

Hi mate, I have a Sony PDX10 and the rubber roller in the cassette compartment doesn't stay in place anymore. I lost the little black thing that holds it. I need to find a new one. Do you know how and where I could get it? And is it a repair that is doable on my own? Cheers, thanks for your helpful video!

[@DrCassette]

People have successfully replaced the plastic pinch roller retainer with a small piece they cut off the end of one of the cheap ballpoint pen cartridges (the ones that are just made from a long bit of plastic tubing). I don't think a proper replacement would still be available anywhere now. Reinstalling the pinch roller with the piece of ballpoint pen cartridge tubing will take some patience, but it is possible to do.

[@drvlopez]

I was trying to clean my sony vixia hdv hv30, and that rubber roller you mention in the beginning fell off (I guess that was the problem the whole time. Is there anyway to fix that. I imagine the plastic part cracked and fell off.

[@DrCassette]

Going by the model number you have given, you have a Canon camcorder, not a Sony. Unfortunately I don't have any experience with Canon HDV camcorders, so I can't help you. Sorry.

[@drvlopez]

Doh! You’re right. It’s Canon. I don’t really use it anymore except to capture old hdv tapes. Trying to avoid having to buy another one. Thanks for your help.

[@davidgetsbuck]

I have a sony dsr pd-150, Everything works fine except that when I record something and play it back, the footage is all glitchy,like. can you help me out?

[@DrCassette]

Seems like you need to clean the mechanism and the heads.

[@AUniqueVideoProd]

Will this same process help a Sony VX-2000 that plays back clients tapes with grey bars across the screen without audio on playback?

[@DrCassette]

First make sure the Client's cassettes weren't recorded on faulty equipment.

[@LockerDog]

So did you create the Dr. Cassette music at the beginning or is it public domain or licensed for this use or something like that?

[@mLmlmLmmm]

I'm repairing a Sony Handycam from 1991, model ccd-f455e Pal. That had the same problem, and thanks to this video I fix it, almost, I need to keep trying. Thanks a lot! But a I have Another problem with the camcorder, when is "recording" the reproduction is in Black and white, also with the original tapes reproductions. What I should do to repair it ? Thanks!

[@DrCassette]

Unfortunately this camcorder is from a time when Sony used bad surface mounted (SMD) capacitors. The capacitors all failed within just a few years, regardless of how often the camcorder was used. When they have failed, they will cause a variety of problems. To repair the camcorder, all of these bad SMD capacitors would need to be replaced. This is a very complex repair that I don't think the camcorder is worth. Sorry.

[@mLmlmLmmm]

@@DrCassette well thanks for the help, it had a very good life. RIP Sony Handycam ccd-f455e 1991-2002 or something.

[@andrerodriguez7603]

Thank you! It’s fixed now. 🎉😅

[@DrCassette]

You are welcome, I am glad this video was helpful :)

[@9a3eedi]

Shouldn't the cleaning tape be running for a really long time, not 10 seconds as in the video? My camcorder manual says that I should try running the casette at least 5 times before giving up. Unfortunately, camcorder cleaner tapes are kinda expensive these days.. 60$ on amazon!

[@DrCassette]

No, the head cleaning tape puts a lot or wear on the video heads, so you run it only for a very short time. Usually I only run it for about 3 seconds.

[@ForMyJesus]

Brilliant, it worked Many thanks

[@DrCassette]

I'm glad this video was helpful :)

[@lowbudgetproductions1290]

please I have a question! I have a Canon GL1 and the exact same thing happened to my camera. will the same process work if I did it to my camera?

[@DrCassette]

It most likely will. But be VERY careful, Canon mechanisms are much more flimsy and fragile than Sony mechanisms.

[@lowbudgetproductions1290]

+dctechnica sweet thank you!

[@lowbudgetproductions1290]

+dctechnica I just wanted to let you know I tried it and it totally worked!!! thanks!!

[@theundertaker7447]

I have a Canon gl 2 and a XL2, Never do this technique, Always let a professional do the cleaning and NEVER touch the heads or the guides.

[@sting64az]

Very interesting.. I know this was 5 years ago... I have a strange issue maybe you might or can suggest what is really going on... I have 2 Canon DV recorders... One is the Canon ZR-65mc and the other is a recent find a Canon ZR-50mc... The Canon ZR-65 has been working nicely since I bought it used on 2016... It records and plays back nice video/audio in camcorder and when played back on my JVC SR-V30 that has a DV deck play/record and the other side a Super VHS play/record that works nicely... The newly found Canon ZR-50mc I cleaned it really good all guides/rollers... I even used a DV cleaner like you did... I also replaced the backup battery as the icon was flashing now it doesn't... Ok now the weird part... It will record and play back nicely on the camcorder view finder as well as the audio... No interruption in the audio.. But when I insert the tape in my JVC SR-V30 it plays the video nicely but the audio is being cut out back in forth... I used a new DV tape for testing... My other Canon ZR-65mc recorded nicely as always and plays back nicely on the JVC SR-V30 with no issues... Both camcorders settings are the same with audio on 16 bit and both on SP mode and all other settings the same... So what is causing the audio cut off on the JVC SR -V30 with the tape that was recorded with the Canon ZR-50?.. But tape plays fine on camcorder?. Has me puzzled?... It shows no errors while recording but sometimes it will say "eject" tape and when I do and reinsert it works and records no problem just with the audio being cut off back and forth but good video...

[@DrCassette]

Seems like your recently found camcorder has an alignment problem. Basically the tracks it records to the MiniDV tape are not in the place where they should be. So the camcorder itself can play back its own recordings, but these recordings are not compatible with other MiniDV devices. That's why your JVC deck has problems playing them back. Correcting alignment problems is quite complicated, there is always a risk of making things worse, so I would suggest not to mess with it.

[@cybervikes12]

I have a JVC mini DV and it stutters/skips while playing any tape. Any tips or advice would be wonderful please?

[@DrCassette]

You can try cleaning the heads, using a Head Cleaning Cassette

[@hentaischlampe6715]

Hey! Ich hab einige, leider nicht zu dem Video passende, Fragen. Ich hab momentan ein HiFi-Rack mit einem Grundig XV 5000, welcher heute Vormittag den Geist aufgegeben hat, er verstärkt einfach nicht mehr, wenn ich jedoch Kopfhörer an einem der Kopfhöreranschlüsse anschließe kommt sehr leise noch Musik durch. Jetzt ist das so das ich relativ wenig Lust hab einen neuen Verstärker zu kaufen, der meine Philips 587 Aktivlautsprecher befeuert. Lohnt sich so eine Reparatur bei einer HiFi-Werkstatt? Immerhin hab ich im Bereich der Audiotechnik so gut wie keine Ahnung, ich traue mir so eine Reparatur selber nicht wirklich zu. Meine Alternative wäre es, das ich einen neuen Verstärker hole, welcher allerdings relativ preiswert sein müsste (So um die 50€, wahrscheinlich was gebrauchtes). Sonst wünsche ich dir noch einen schönen Tag, LG Maximilian

[@altman123]

Hi Dr Cassette -- I bought a used TRV900 and when I record anything, it has grey horizontal lines during playback. Do you think cleaning it like this will do the trick or is there something else going on?

[@altman123]

I was using a brand new tape so I don't think that was the issue. I am wondering if it just needs a thorough cleaning or I should try "whacking" the camera like many have mentioned online.

[@DrCassette]

This could be a partial head clog. Try cleaning the video heads. I know about this "whacking" method and I wouldn't recommend it, although it has worked for me once temporarily fixing a messed up TRV110.

[@ElToroCa]

The "wrong" tapes can mess up the heads. I tried using Panasonic tapes in two different Sony camcorders. Both heads clogged within 5 minutes. Sony camera? Always use Sony tapes!

[@jestar5237]

My sony trv dcr 27 plays back tapes fine but when i go to record then viewfinder and screen are just black; i used it before and noticed the color starting to fade then it just went black how do i fix this?

[@DrCassette]

Seems like the CCD image sensor has gone bad in your camcorder, or there is a problem with the aperture mechanism of the lens.

[@jestar5237]

@@DrCassette i see i sent a message to this repair company and they said that the ccd went bad aswell they are offering a estimated 118 to fix it should i take it?

[@DrCassette]

I think it would make more sense to find a new MiniDV camcorder. Their quote far exceeds the value of the camcorder.

[@jackrose1735]

Any recommendations if this doesn't work?

[@DrCassette]

Let a qualified service technician take a look at it.

[@theundertaker7447]

Let a real professional do the cleaning. After a while doing his technique, The heads will become scorched and get a gummy substance the you just messed up a good camera. NEVER touch the heads or guides.

[@johncordey2769]

Excellent tutorial.

[@authjw]

Thanks this got mine working

[@aahanner]

I have a Sony mini camcorder and I can't figure out how to get the door off to clean using this method. Can you help me? There are no screws on the outside front of the door.

[@DrCassette]

Seems like you have a different mechanism then. I am sorry but I prefer not to give any advice in this case, because if we make a mistake it's very well possible to cause considerable damage.

[@aahanner]

@@DrCassette I understand. Thanks for the response!

[@MrTaffjock]

Help please. I have 3 blank screen cam recorders one has hard drive. 2 mini tapes would it be possible to get acess the. Hard drive.? Lost photos years ago 😭😭😭

[@twinkie1773]

I have a Sony drv trv27, everything works perfectly until I have to record. Then it's a black screen and I can't anything. When I play it back, I only hear the sound. Could you give any feedback on that? Thanks

[@drake9097]

Did you take off the lens cap?

[@krarmax3024]

I have a Sony hd 1000e camera and it has a problem, which is when I put a minidv tape and record a video on it, and when I go to play&edit and play the video it doesn’t work, why please help me!!

[@lukejohnno9886]

I was filming with my vx2000 recently and a message came up telling me to clean the cassette. So I bought a Panasonic head cleaning tape,but when I put it into my camera a flashing symbol of a cassette and a arrow pointing upwards came up and it wouldn't let me record to clean my cassette. Why does this happen and can I fix it?

[@DrCassette]

+Luke Johnno The cleaning cassette is playback only. I know you VX guys hate doing that, but switch over into the playback mode and let the cleaning cassette play.

[@lukejohnno9886]

Alright thanks a lot

[@AntonioCamunas]

My camera was working perfectly. I played an old dirty tape and now the camera wont read or record anything. I tried cleaning with q tip and isopropyl alcohol. Still doesnt work. Any thoughts?

[@DrCassette]

Watch the video.

[@tyx823]

my mini dv camcorder would eat my tape and the power light would flash, any ideas on how to fix it?

[@JustinLindseyLee]

Thanks that worked for me, it was a dirty capstem or whatever part you said at 4:00

[@GonzaloDelzart]

Gracias!!!

[@zekeoso]

I have a DCR PC-100/100E and when I put in a tape, it has a no cassette symbol with a reinsert cassette symbol next to it. There’s no C: error code on the display either. It only happens in the camera mode.

[@DrCassette]

This means you have the record protection switch of your cassette in the protect position. Flip it to the other position and the camcorder should accept the cassette in the camera mode.