JVC GR-C1U VHS Camera Review (The Back to the Future camera)

[@andreal.7519]

NOT ME!! THE CAR!! THE CAR!!

[@smashingla]

Few comments... 1. Really glad you did this video... super helpful and fun in showing the next gen what the camera was all about, following a recent Back to the Future viewing 2. To set the white balance on this camera, and indeed many professional cameras to the present day, you have to aim it at a white card (or anything white that fills the frame) and press and hold the WB adjust button for a few seconds. In the video you aim the camera randomly in the yard and press the button - this will not set the white balance properly, although you do note the aim-at-white process elsewhere in the video. When aiming at a white surface you are basically telling the camera "this is white under these lighting conditions, make adjustments accordingly". 3. I was hoping you'd show loading and ejecting the VHS-C cassette. This is foreign to most people post-2005 camera era, when the bulk of tape based camcorders gave way to HDD. The VHS-C adapter that lets you load the small VHS-C cassette into a full size VHS shell is also super cool. 4. You mention that 'preview' in the viewfinder was a revolutionary feature at the time. Most any 'suitcase' video camera models (ones with the separate recorder and camera units) had this feature in the late 1970's and early 80's, and could also for example readily be used to output live video to a television, without having to record to tape at the same time. This camera was the first small camcorder (and really the first real mainstream camcorder generally) that combined tape unit and camera into a single unit, which is what made it so revolutionary. There was a full sized Sony Betamax camcorder a year before, but it was big and had an optical viewfinder. As such it did not offer playback in camera, so perhaps this is what you are referring to in the video. Also, Betamax was not as popular as VHS. Once everyone saw the GR-C1 in the Back to the Future movie, it was all over for the Sony camera. 5. Some commenters have said this is not the *actual* camera used in the Back to the Future movie by Michael J Fox. Well obviously. Some have also criticized it is not the same *exact* model, due to a PAL or NTSC differentiator. This is just silly. It is the JVC GR-C1 either way. Any E or U designation is of no consequence. 6. Some commenters have discussed an issue where it would bounce out of record mode after a few seconds. There are 4 possible causes for this IIRC... the cassette is not turning easily enough and the 'stuck tape' protection mechanism is kicking in... the 'protect from recording' tab has been activated (tab removed from the cassette - easy to fix with a bit of blu-tack)... In general the camera is struggling to pull tape out of the cassette and around the recording heads (some kind of mechanical / sticking issue)... the camera has reached the end of the tape. 7. The recommendation you mention to zoom into something, set the focus and zoom out, is actually the standard operating practice for any manual focus camera to this day. If something is in focus when zoomed all the way in, it will be in focus when zoomed all the way out, and throughout the travel of the zoom. 8. One commenter asks if this was a chip (CCD) or tube camera. It was a tube camera. This creates 'trails' when filming spot light sources (eg a candle) in lower light conditions as the tube is temporarily burned / blinded. My GR-C2 for example had a permanent 'dead pixel' (although it's not actually a pixel) from a laser that was aimed at the lens. The 'tube trails' are a dead giveaway for a tube camera. CCD's were around at the time of this camera, but tubes were still the better quality option in 1984. 9. The GR-C2 was the ugly duckling follow-up to this camera and featured a 'boxier' look, minus the cool red colour scheme - its main improvement over the GR-C1 was autofocus. Both incidentally had a very practical fold out shoulder mount, which you don't show in the video and perhaps is missing from the kit. 10. B&W viewfinders remained the standard for 20 years after this camera. They were essentially 3x sharper for focussing purposes, and this was the case - B&W viewfinders - even on $50,000 professional (shoulder mount) TV cameras until recently. Thanks for the nostalgia and hope these comments are useful / interesting

[@arisgreek8697]

Thank you

[@michaelclegg87]

That retro video look 👌

[@MW2TriKsTeR]

Just found this exact camera in my house and i want to start using it. Awesome video!

[@stscallop3254]

luckyyyyyyy

[@tonivoul1971]

Abd dress like back to the future Morty

[@dylanodriscoll853]

If you decide to sell it lmk

[@user-dz1dj7kk3p]

This is the first video camera I actually saw (in 1985). Very glad to see it again and in working condition.😛

[@bartsimpson83]

Earlier this year, I picked up a Panasonic Omnimovie camera (the one that takes full size VHS tapes) that I found at a local thrift store. The VHS apps you can download are neat, but nothing beats authenticity.

[@mclovinpo]

I also found a Panasonic working vhs camera from 88 at a thrift store

[@epicchris1985]

Classic camera! Was used as a prop in stranger things too. I would like one, but hard to find on eBay these days in good shape or cheap as people go crazy on prices as retro gear!

[@StellaBlue1969]

I have one I don't know what to do with

[@marcus1047]

@@StellaBlue1969 Sell it to me

[@andrewthielen6613]

@@StellaBlue1969 I wouldn’t mind…

[@DH-sj6kg]

Thanks. I picked this exact camera up and wasn't sure how to hook up the viewing lens thingy.

[@brostugen]

I love the JVC video man, feels like I'm back in the '80s, so nostalgic

[@marcelo78]

Perfect for a nostalgic vintage look. Take it to Twin Pines Mall.

[@cucaelhombre]

Called Puente Hills Mall in LA. Ordered one myself and I’m going to take it there soon.

[@ALEXCANNOL]

I feel like I really would have traveled to the past looking at this camera. thanks , I enjoy it.

[@andreal.7519]

"NOT ME! The car, the car!!!" How have seen Back to the Future 1, will inderstand

[@markw2097]

Great video, I'm picking one of these up so your demo on the camera functions was perfect, such a nice camera. thanks.

[@ArmandBaclay]

Super vintage , it’s even awesome that it works

[@islandbee]

That was an expensive camcorder of that time. It was small and compact versus many that were out in the market.

[@coltsigma]

Great video my dad gave me the one he bought back in the day for family stuff and I'm going to start using it, it needs a new battery but works on a power adapter going to have some fun.

[@LoveThomas07]

coltsigma Hey, I was wondering if you could showcase it and show the eyepiece! I’m hoping to buy a camera soon but the one I have my eye on is missing the eye piece so I want to make sure I can find it on its own.

[@tradertom4843]

How big is your power adapter ?! mine need 9.6v to power the bitch! bought mine from a yard sale without the battery working, just won't hold its charge

[@kairosmp]

Great video! Makes me want to get one!

[@JeremySciarappa]

Thanks bro, you should definitely give one of these cameras a try!

[@chips989]

Thank you so much! I have a Ferguson 3v41, an identical copy of this! It was really hard to find info on it or a manual, I couldn't even figure out how to record but when I started looking up info about the GR-C1 instead I got so much info!

[@BeyondBaito]

Its funny how so many companies made their own versions. Even Sony had a version of 5his design in the 90s but for hi8 tapes. Interesting stuff but man I wish this design lasted till modern day

[@wantikjasonchiu4711]

I found out that when you were showing the viewfinder information at the camera it is actually one of the pieces that still retains the original Japan brand Victor, because that part is made in Japan.

[@StellaBlue1969]

I have one of these cameras along with the character generator and some other accessories ... My dad bought it new in 1984

[@Coralllgrimesss]

brings back the memories

[@ilurvecarbs4611]

I still use a Canon Legria HV40 - that cam is sooo good!

[@sleepyrose4815]

Do you or anyone know where I could ship this camera to be fixed? I have one of these but the battery seems too not work

[@dennisqueentourblog]

They also licensed this camera to the german company "Nordmende" and "Saba" i had both and they were exactly the same as the JVC or Telefunken and Victor

[@JimmyWin501]

What cable do you need to run out the back of the camera to connect to the composite cable?

[@MaheshWalatara]

Give everything an instant 80's filter. lol

[@TokuDean]

I just had a question, what kind of adaptor did you use to transfer the footage from the camcorder, I have one of these too and I would like to start traftering the footage to my computer. 17:31

[@john.rc.3274]

This was the camcorder I used from circa 1985 until 1991. Probably kept it a bit too long since Hi8 and Super VHS were clearly superior and came out circa 1988. Regret to this day that I hadn't upgraded much sooner. My bad.

[@werehold]

I have this camera too. Mine came with a pair of batteries that were original but would not hold a charge. I rebuilt the batteries and they’re perfect.

[@NevilleBlack]

How does one 'rebuild' a battery of that type?

[@Leo-vt2nm]

Hi, thanks for your video! I found one of these last month and started using it. I just have one question about your way of converting videos on a computer. I bought the same converter as you, but i've heard that the s-video cable gave a low quality render. Do you use a cable converter from Composite (yellow and white plug) to s-video, and then plug it in the camera directly? Or do you use other stuff? Because we can't see whats pluged in your camera on your video. Thanks for you time!

[@jimmythemonk101]

I am in the same situation now, I have a video converter, but I need to get the cable that connects the camera to the converter, did you find the correct cable?

[@ceezsees3471]

@Jan Rajmont Any luck finding the correct cable?

[@DeltaBingus]

Ohh that retro quality

[@TheGeoffrey83]

Great video! I buy one of this yesterday! Awesome!

[@wantikjasonchiu4711]

Do you know how did he directly able to view the coloured footage while he was recording?

[@jeazyuser]

what cable do you use to connect the camcorder to the USB AV converter? I have a similar camcorder, but the camcorder only has the RF out module.

[@HawkerBlue]

Interesting video. I just got my hands on the GR-c2 which is the next version up of this to replace my Panasonic M40. Good video!

[@mitasmight3121]

Does there need to be a tape in it to view anything on the viewfinder? I have two of these cameras but no tapes and I can't see anything.

[@RageForSeven]

looks totally dope man

[@SonnyLasVegas]

Great video. I just came across one. What program are you using to capture what you recorded?

[@osmankerimben2149]

Thanks for the video man 👊🏼 but what are the differences between the GR - C1 & GR - C1U ? And which is exact the type camera in the movie BACK TO THE FUTURE they talking about 🙏🏼

[@ESP1138]

10:17 I am turned off about that abbreviation for "standard."

[@smalltownpicker]

Why do you suppose my view finder is lit up but doesn’t show image? Lens cap is off

[@TheSnowOlve]

Thanks!! Just go my hands on a SABA vm6700. I think its the same camera under another name like you mentioned with the japanse version?

[@treadmillrepair754]

Amazing image quality for a 40 years old camera.

[@marvelmcpe3354]

We need to bring vhs back

[@truesearch69]

Hi! You would be a life saver if you could answer this question: when you turn on these cameras without a vhs inside? is it normal that the camera viewfinder only shows a white line on a black background?

[@Testarrosa1984]

Prove pushing the Rec Button, if you can t see nothing in the visor maybe is broken

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Great review.Remember using one. A huge weight saving on my Canon VC10 camera / Ferguson VHS recorder set up. Nowerdays I use a Canon ESO M camera and people look at me like I've lost my mind, surely I should use my phone ???

[@SJL2023]

Awesome review

[@camtowson2915]

Great video I had always wondered if Michael j fox had a tape in his camera for all the back to the future scenes it would of made for some crazy cool outtake footage I don't believe I have found a discussion regarding this maybe it's one to ask bob one day Very cool video camera

[@turboking9238]

I kinda want one of these old babies to display with my Fiero at car shows, but after seeing all the prices online really turned me off.

[@LoveThomas07]

You can use Zenith batteries for this camcorder as well, right?

[@clarksters88]

Yes, but they’re probably dead due to the cells not being charged in 30 years.

[@nmndza]

i can’t find one anywhere. ive looked everywhere. and on eBay there’s a few but they’re overpriced as hell. if you don’t mind me asking, where did you get yours?

[@metal666pwns]

Hi Jeremy, I just bought this camera recently and it is missing the AV cables. I'm probably going to have to get a VHS-C adapter and record playback from a VHS player but was wondering if you could send me photos of the one you have? I am trying to find it online and its proving difficult.

[@anacobos.]

Very good vídeo 👌🏻 helps me a lot thanks

[@HowdyMyDudes]

Any chance you know where one can get a replacement battery for the camera?

[@eglemonas]

Hi Jeremy, I loved Your detail video about JVC CB-P1U! I just recently got this camera, but I have some problems with it. I think the vhs-c deck is stuck, do you know how to open it? Is it only opens when camera is on? Battery seems charging, but maybe it's not good as well.. I have been charging now for 3 hours and tried to put it on. Then when I switched camera on, it says “eject” and immediately camera shuts off. Please help me understand what can be wrong. Thank you very much!

[@Testarrosa1984]

Hi, maybe is too late but i don t have a battery so I use the Charger from a notebook

[@isaacwerk2630]

Dude love this!!! Super cool!!!!!

[@JeremySciarappa]

VHS camera + pineapple.... just do it! 😂😂

[@crazed8486]

Hi just got one of these off eBay pretty cool how far cameras have come. And needed it for my collection.

[@correh_hoggs]

HAY DOC!

[@tradertom4843]

anyone know where I can get a replacement battery for this exact model? the ones on amazon by vintrons don't look like the terminals are in the right spot, pls help really wanna use this camera

[@Avri_Citron]

Duracell do it, at least on their Irish site: www.duracelldirect.ie/m/camcorder/jvc/gr-c1u-battery-adapter-charger.html

[@benwilliams9075]

what is the name of the cable you're using to go from the camera to RCA?

[@fcbarcelona-clashroyale4778]

Ben Williams good question because otherwise you need to go to a special shop for that and shops like that are becoming increasigly rare 🤣🤣🤣 !

[@hernamesbrandi]

I need one of these too, let me know if you find out what it is called.

[@marcdaigle7701]

Hi Jeremy...if you want a way to keep your camcorder batteries to still run, watch my "80's Camcorder Project"...video, thanks.

[@WinrichNaujoks]

Do you know how to rebuild the battery pack of this particular camera?

[@reactiongamerguy9537]

Quick question: Does it need the tape in order to see in the eyepiece?

[@Leo-vt2nm]

i actually tried one recently without having virgin tapes an had the same problem, but by putting old ones with things recorded on it, i was able to see the footage, so i presume that you actually need a tape to see something

[@clarksters88]

Yes. The camera must have a tape inserted and then to take it to rehearsal mode you have to hit the red record button once then the tube will come on 5 seconds later.

[@ThiefOfBaghdad]

i need this

[@hudsonbruce898]

Can you still by this?

[@OnlyCaLii]

Dude, do you have any insight on how to repair this batteries? I have a fully functional device, except one battery holds a light charge and another doesn’t hold a charge anymore

[@theedorbs]

hi! What I did tonight is crack open the plastic JVC battery case as carefully as I can. I lifted out the batteries and clipped the positive and negative terminal wires at the batteries. I ordered a 9.6v battery pack replacement and using a Tamiya connector, I'll attach it to the terminal wires, plug it into new battery, enclose it all in the old JVC case and go from there! I'll post back if there is any issue, however it should work.

[@OnlyCaLii]

@@theedorbs Hi, where do you get the battery packs and the Tamiya connector? Thank you for responding.

[@theedorbs]

@@OnlyCaLii do a search for 9.6v battery packs -- there are lots of options! I went with NiMH power and an arrangement of the pack that would fit into the existing JVC battery case. (The case is very large so it's easy to repurpose with new, smaller batteries.) You can do a search for the Tamiya connectors, too. They are just a few dollars. The battery packs come with a female Tamiya end, so you'd buy a male to attach to the red and black wires that left connected to the terminals in the JVC pack. All in all, around $40 with shipping.

[@OnlyCaLii]

@@theedorbs Hi! Do you have an email I am able to contact you? I am trying to replace these batteries still and trying to figure it out!

[@OnlyCaLii]

As an update, I got new batterys. TY.

[@MVVblog]

1984 JVC camera: Perfect working order - Canon G7X next month: Won't work anymore

[@alexlandherr]

What would a capture device for this cost?

[@volodymyrusyk7372]

Hey, interesting review. We might need an S-VHS or VHS-C camera for one project. So to have any info would be great. Is this camera fully manual? Did you compare the footage from this camera with another VHS cameras ? How do you like the lens? it's built-in, right? Thank you!

[@bacondeezlux531]

dude remember when you made that huffy green trike video back in 2012

[@RigobertoFranco1]

ufff la avandone por mas de 2 años y ya no quiso funcionar play !!! que se puede hacer ??

[@googleaccount-os6vw]

I would die for that camera

[@keneda-zama8469]

I want it so bad it looks so cool and 80’s like it would go perfect in my bttf collection

[@WinrichNaujoks]

Which cable do you use to connect the camera to the USB capture device?

[@metal666pwns]

Its a JVC AV cable that I am trying to find right now too! Didnt come with my camera unfortunately.

[@WinrichNaujoks]

@@metal666pwns I found out the JVC part number of the cable, it's called YQ10416G AV Cable Assembly and you can still order it through JVC on their support site for 30€. Imagine that, still selling spare parts for a camera after 35 years!

[@metal666pwns]

@@WinrichNaujoks Thanks so much Will! I found that part number too on an old forum a couple days ago. Wow. I was trying to hit up a parts site in Wisconsin, USA. I will try JVC direct!

[@elamriti]

i can buy a panasonic one realy big complete with case for 12 euros do i buy it ?

[@Avri_Citron]

Check is it VHS or a 2000s DV tape? Depends how old you want your footage to look. Or how old a camera you want to own.

[@sarys73]

I was just looking for a battery charger to see if mine still works so I could sell it. After watching this I am now kind of thinking maybe I should keep it. I'm trying to clean house, but damn you with your sweet review! I don't know what to do now lol

[@metal666pwns]

If you are willing to sell the AV cable, please let me know! Mine is missing it :(

[@dylanodriscoll853]

I’d buy it off you?

[@marciallowiedelacruz9602]

why that footage is so cool?

[@isaiahgerry9524]

now if someone still had that well there a real og

[@danielj4845]

Cant find this camera anywhere!

[@navidpey194]

I think the quality was much better when it was new

[@leahm10]

I want to get one of these but I can’t find one.

[@shawnwax9576]

I just found a complete in case finé movie 8 that works as far as I can tell..in the GARBAGE!

[@navidpey194]

18:58 : time travel

[@ThankYouSnapgod]

its a JVC GR-C7U,

[@Rocketryman]

First... is it THE camera used in the movie. You make it sound like it's the actual prop from the film. And second... Was the JVC GR-C1U used or the JVC GR- C1. It seems those two model numbers are interchangeable when referring to the camera used in Back to the Future. Also, you have a P1U, I'm guessing that's the model number of the case. Thanks. :-)

[@clarksters88]

It was the camera that was used in the movie (not the exact one I’m pretty sure it’s in a museum) just the same model. The JVC GR C1U is the NTSC variant and the C1E is the PAL variant. People just put down JVC GR-C1 and not properly identify which variant it is. The CB-P1U is actually the model number for the case.

[@epicmasterlegend8345]

I love this camera. It's so hard to get now. On EBay, you need to place a bid for it. It is WAY hard. I just really want this camera. I'm so jealous. Where'd you get yours?

[@قناةبسمالله-ث9ع]

I have one for sale that you want

[@keneda-zama8469]

Are you still selling it? I might buy it off of you قناة بسم الله

[@dylanodriscoll853]

@@قناةبسمالله-ث9ع if you’re still selling I’d buy it

[@kayceeandluna2052]

I have 1

[@shariff4175]

I have one of these cameras. I'll gladly sell it.

[@michaelcamehome3647]

The 1984 GR-C1 there’s no lettering on the one use in the movie no U no E no nothing.

[@davutsakalli]

"Tube type cameras" gives cool picture because it is more sensitive to light , than "CCD type cameras". But "video camera tube" big, CCD little. Video camera tube cheap, CCD expensive. wish tube type cameras had been improved with digital technology.

[@mclovinpo]

I also found one working for 200$

[@ddrusa]

I have this camera as well imagine vlogging with it

[@carlosquintana7698]

La tengo y kiero venderla...años ke no la uso....

[@lund905360]

Jvc sony Panasonic canon nikon best cameras.

[@davidlivernoche3683]

Lucky i bought one and it worked for straight 2 minute. So frustating

[@solunasunrise]

not good for left handers:(

[@keneda-zama8469]

I’m left handed too, :(

[@michaelcamehome3647]

Not the back to the future camera wrong model and about $850 price difference.

[@JeremySciarappa]

What model was in the movie?

[@xxxhustl3rxxx]

The one I have just picked up for £20 is the correct model Gr c1-e. You have the wrong model dude. I'll be putting it on eBay soon, but I really don't know a price point as I can't find any to compare it to

[@john.rc.3274]

@@xxxhustl3rxxx There may have been some compatibility issues using the European PAL system in Marty's home town in the USA. Marty would have been better off with the NTSC system in the US back in 1985 and for that matter 1955. Why did they put a PAL Camcorder in BttF that seems to be set in USA?

[@dylanodriscoll853]

@@xxxhustl3rxxx are you still selling?

[@kennethjohnritsema7019]

That's "not" the camera that was used in "Back to the Future "its just a Vintage JVC cam recorder from the same type and age "as " the one used in "Back to the Future " !

[@WinrichNaujoks]

So?