Sony CCD-TR81 Handycam Viewfinder fix

Fixing the B/W electronic viewfinder on a Sony Handycam from the 80's. Most models with CRT viewfinder were very similar.

[@timsfyi]

My brother left me his broken Nikon Action-8 camcorder a few years ago. I sort of forgot about it til about 2 weeks ago. It had the same viewfinder problem, but I had no idea how to fix it. I have earlier watched many of your videos on TV repair, and was pleasantly surprised to find this video on the viewfinder repair. It turns out the Nikon camcorder has the exact same viewfinder as your Sony, and the exact same capacitor was bad. I scounged around my electronics parts and found a comparable capacitor, swapped them out, and wouldn't you know it, the viewfinder works! Big kudos your way. I've learned a lot watching your vids. Thanks

[@popefrancis80]

Hey im considering attempting this too. However, he seems to solder it back on, but I have no such tools. How did u go about it?? Thank you

[@timsfyi]

@@popefrancis80 I have a cheapo soldering station that I used to desolder the defective capacitor, and solder in a good one. While heating up the pins to desolder, I used a cheap "solder sucker" to prevent the melted solder from re-hardening. Once the old solder is removed it's easy to put the pins of the "new" capacitor through the holes, and solder them in place.

[@pp9856]

you are amazing. any issue i had with any electronic media devices searching for repair videos, i will always end up on your channel! thanks for sharing your knowledge so generously!

[@anddes45]

Hello, I knew that I wolud find something on KZbin and I did. I have the same trouble with the view finder. Now I know how to fix it. Thank you and I will not put it in the garbage as you strongly recommend. Andre from Quebec

[@UmakantMishra]

My sony handicap was not showing anything in view finder. There was minor loose connections which I could easily repair after watching this video. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful technical video.

[@HenryFlores4]

you just saved our old family Handycam! Thank you! 🤙🏼 (Sony Handycam CCD-F401)

[@popefrancis80]

Hello, did u solder it into place?? I dont have soldering tools. Maybe u know. Thank you

[@vincentargomaniz8639]

8 Years later and I'm collecting and I have 2 handycams with this exact problem!

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Awesome video, I have an older early / mid 1990's Sony exhibiting the same issue, easy fix...thanks!

[@johnmeyer77]

Someone gave me a non-functional TR-71. Pretty much the same camera. I replaced the cap and had the same cap on hand that you found (100 uF, 16V, 105 degree). Took less than five minutes to replace, thanks to your video. Now I just have to figure out why I'm getting "horizontal hold" tearing (like old CRT with the front-panel horizontal hold misadjusted). I have a feeling that's going to be tougher to track down. Thanks!!

[@12voltvids]

I have done videos on the video board on this camera too. It will be leaking craps inside.

[@johnmeyer77]

@@12voltvids Thanks! I just found your TR71 video. It's late here now, so I'll get into that tomorrow. If it is just "re-capping" the board, if I have the patience, it should be straightforward. Ever since I got a proper desoldering station, these repairs have gotten a lot easier.

[@anirbaanmukherjee9233]

Hi there, My father has a Sony TRV 140 E bought in 2002. The trouble he is having with it is the viewfinder gives only vertical zebra stripes and no image. The side LCD is affected but does give the image of the object to which the camera is turned to. If you could suggest what might be wrong with the viewfinder that will be deeply appreciated. regards Anirbaan

[@krazyhartin]

This is a great video and informative. I have an old camcorder I brought back to life. But the viewfinder has no image and is flickering.

[@VHSBREAK]

first of all, thanks for your channel. Not only the video, but the comments are a way to find possible solutions. I have a JVC vhsc camera that all functions are in perfect working order. Only the recording function is having a problem. The viewfinder shows nothing but a gray screen. I connected the camera to the TV and I can see display functions, but no image. The camera records only the audio and the image is dark. The only image this identifies is when I point it at some light source, so it shows a smudge and nothing else. I would be grateful if you, or anyone here, could point me to what the problem might be. Thank you!

[@sivle1973]

Hi, I'm hoping that you can help me out.. I have a mid-90's Sony Handycam Video8 CCD-TR44 model with a blurred b/w viewfinder (similar to the one in your video). I checked RCA out to TV and all works perfect, as all do all other functions but it's just the viewfinder that is the issue. I adjusted the dioptric ring but it's still blurry. I took a look at the service manual and saw that inside the viewfinder are a few adjustment rings, one of them being a focus ring. I heeded your warnings on powering off when adjusting anything but can you please tell me how I can safely and effectively adjust the focus ring with no testing equipment? I'd appreciate it. Great videos by the way.

[@zhaohaigaogu7821]

良かったね！😊とても素晴らしい！👍👏👏👏👏不良の黄色の透明ラベルのコンデンサーが多いですね。

[@abysspegasusgaming]

I just picked up a Sony CCD-F301 from GoodWill for 13 dollars and it too has the same issue that yours had. I actually had to revert back to this vid just to relearn how to check/replace. Hopefully I have a cap that will work for it as the camera is in good condition otherwise.

[@12voltvids]

You will be changing a few of them.

[@abysspegasusgaming]

@@12voltvids I seen that 2 were Elna with corrosion, though I'll have to revert to another one of your vids about repairing the main part as the tape isn't being taken up by the pullers and the spinning tape head looks like it's struggling to even move.

[@HD7100]

About a year or so ago a friend brought over his camcorder that had a dead electronic viewfinder. I could not figure it out. Maybe I should ask him to bring it back. I thought the flyback in it was dead. Very nice video. Gary

[@12voltvids]

HD7100 usually it is those little electrolytic caps that cause the majority of the trouble. Other times it is the traces that get eaten away by the corrosive fluid that leaks out of them.

[@vcn89hd]

Great video! I was wondering if you know what can cause a blury CRT screen on this kind of black and white viewfinder? My Sony handycam is fine, the lens focus is OK but there's something wrong with the viewfinder because even the display text looks blury (by the way I removed the viewfinder magnifying glass and the screen is the problem). Thanks for your comments.

[@12voltvids]

Yes voltage is either too high or too low. The focus voltage is derived from the high voltage which is directly related to the b+. Even being off by .5 v will cause a large difference on the focus grid.

[@vcn89hd]

@@12voltvids thanks for taking the time to answer. Great channel!

[@WadeMcLure]

The way you dented up the plastic with the screwdriver makes me assume this wasn't a customer's camera.

[@phelissimo_]

No, it's his own camera.

[@mdftrasher]

Brilliant! Just a capacitor to bring the camera back to a full function machine.

[@dbennett7981]

Many thanks. I too was getting exactly the view as you described. Received a quote of £90 Sterling to fix it! I repaired the fault in less than 15 minutes. Cost of Capacitor? Managed to purchase same for £1.05 excellent make also. Thanks a lot once again. Your video was a first class example of a professional getting his subject matter across and others understanding it.

[@amtpdb1]

Thanks for the video. Have a nice day.

[@reel_images]

Not sure if you've covered this question in a video before. I've got an excellent 1987 condition Quasar VHS movie camera. I honestly don't think the camera has more than 6HRS on it. I saw a video somewhere online about replacing a "capacitor" that normally causes ghost trails on the video when the camera is either old or cold. I can't remember the name of the unit it's attached too.....? I'm sorry for my lack of education on the way the camera works. Its something to do with when the image is recorded and passes through this CCD capacitor I think? Again sorry for the lack of knowledge, but are you understanding my question? I'd like to solder a new one on.

[@chibajg7787]

Thank you . I have the same ESR you have in a kit form. I will buid it and use it on the JVC CAMCORDER. ..

[@12voltvids]

CHIBA JG Mine was a kit, built it over 20 years ago.

[@Asiertxu1974]

Thanks for this video! :-)

[@n64punk56]

I have a Sony CCD-TR9 with the same vertical line if the problem is a faulty capacitor would a Nichicon 2200uF 10V 105C Aluminum Electrolytic Radial Lead Type Premium Capacitor fix the issue.

[@anduelanduel1425]

Thanks, same cam an problem here ;) Fixed

[@phelissimo_]

Do you know how to get the viewfinder board out of the CCD-TR8E? RMT-703 It's a little bit different (2 boards), also the viewfinder is much shorter.

[@enzoboulouarn]

Hello (yes i am a little bit late) does this crt can have a dangerous high charge like tv ones because i have the same problem on mine and i want to fix it (sorry if bad english i am french).

[@12voltvids]

They run at a couple thousand volts. The little tube doesn't store much of a charge. Like getting bit by an electric fly swatter.

[@enzoboulouarn]

@@12voltvids Thank you.

[@filipelarusso96]

I have a JVC model GR-SX877UM, its optical viewfinder is white, I connect the camcorder to the TV via cable, the image appears but NOTHING appears on the viewfinder!!! Could this be a problem on my JVC???

[@12voltvids]

Posting the same question on multiple videos is a great way to get a boot. That's spam

[@crashbandicoot4everr]

I have a Fisher (Sanyo) 1981 tube camera for my portable Betamax and the viewfinder doesn't have vertical hold. I just shows a horizontal line. Could the problem be the same as this Handycam?

[@12voltvids]

Capacitors in the viewfinder were notorious for going bad. Actually all the capacitors in the cameras go bad. I just did a vintage camera comparision, and I am surprized that I actually got some of the old vintage cameras I have going.

[@mrerasmo1985ms]

Great video. I have another problem my old Camera data use to Save my oldest video8.. suffer and big problem on switch that have three different position player-off-camera if you move the switch on player it works perfect and i can use it for my purpose. If i want to move the switch on camera position il does not work because the little little switch on the small board doesn't let pas Electric Power. I Openef the Front plastic to let me see that and i've found that Big problem for me

[@dodongbadudels981]

Does this work on a Sony-CCDTR55 too? But instead of a blue line the viewfinder has all blue in it. How would I know if the capacitor leaked?

[@PWS666]

Hello and greetings from Austria! ( Sorry for my english ) i have a Canon UC10 and the viewfinder works but it is too bright.. any ideas what i can do?

[@popefrancis80]

Hello, is there a way of replacing the capacitor without soldering? I dont have such tools :(

[@horrortimeproductions5504]

Mine has these distracting black stripes, which show up in the recording. I don't know if the lens got burned somehow, or there is a capacitor failing somewhere? They appear on the left side of the image, which really is a problem. There's nothing else wrong with the camcorder, but that odd symptom. I'm about to buy another TR81 off eBay, if it has the same exact issue, I will see if it can be repaired. If anyone else has this same symptom with their unit, please reply to this comment.

[@luisludwiktecnicoeletronic5516]

Man the video is very good , I am speaking tho of Brasil, Bahia , vitória da conquista city!!!

[@gracecano2138]

The same thing is wrong with my camera. Everything else works perfect but. Where could I find this part? I would love to be able to fix and use it thank you!

[@12voltvids]

Bad caps.

[@dawidbussu-rajzer7380]

i have sony handycam ccd-tr202e but its not working i can't turn off the camera and no video on tv and viewfinder but macro and tape playing is working help please.

[@KoelAnderson]

Any clue which inductor these little viewfinders use? I have the CCD TR200 and had to swap out the cap. I wanted to take out the inductor to clean off the subsequent corrosion caused by the blown cap and ripped off the inductor leg 😢. Only thing I could find locally was a 27uH inductor but I get banding on the screen. Thanks in advance’

[@12voltvids]

Sorry I don't know the value. There is a reason i don't clean boards. You can easily do more damage than the electrolytics left behind.

[@KoelAnderson]

@@12voltvids sadly I learned that the hard way. Probably didn’t need to remove the inductor but oh well…ya live and learn. Luckily this camcorder is just being used to digitize old hi8 tapes. I bought it cheap and figured I could try to fix the viewfinder on it…that turned out to be partially true lol.

[@networkgames1000]

I have a Sony ccd-tr81 with the same viewfinder issue, instead of fixing and re capping it is it possible if I pull out a old colour viewfinder out of a ccd-tr91 will it work with a ccd-tr81 ? Do both viewfinder have same connectors ?

[@12voltvids]

I doubt that the connectors are even close between a color VF and one of the old tube ones.

[@networkgames1000]

i just got a tr-9 with a old tube viewfinder and i am gonna try to put it into my ccd-tr81 hope it works. both are old tube view finders

[@sethwhitney1701]

How much will you charge (do you know someone who will service) for me to send in my CCD V701 Sony Hi-8 Handyman video camera? This same issue is the one I have but I have no experience with these repairs.

[@Hassebas88]

Hi, I own a Sony DCR-TRV120E and my viewfinder is blurred. Nothing to with the actual focus of the lens as the screen shows a perfect image. Also not the little focus window in the finder itself as I tried that already. Just the tiny black and white screen is out of focus, image and display info. Any ideas what I could do? Thanks in advance!

[@12voltvids]

If that model has a CRT viewfinder it's probably the tube.

[@Hassebas88]

@@12voltvids Thanks for reply. Is that fixable / expensive?

[@12voltvids]

@@Hassebas88 couldn't tell without seeing it. Parts are not available these days so a used part would have to be sourced

[@Hassebas88]

@@12voltvids it is exactly this camera: I found it in one of your videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ_acoB_abJlaNU Would it be possible to send it to you if I can't find anyone closer to where I live ;-)

[@nicholasmumola]

I own two Sony Handycam CCD- 70 's that are in need of repair and refurbishing. Can you bring them back to life? Let me know.

[@dariovieira8351]

tenho uma trv 21 liga só o vtr, a camera não funciona , de uma aula para conserta-la,

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Excellent, I have the old JVC that has the same issue and it has been sitting in a case for years !! Do you think it is the same capacitor issue?

[@12voltvids]

***** Good chance yes. It won't be the same board, but it will be similar in design, and I bet of you look one will be leaking. An ESR tester would spot the bad one in minutes.

[@LordGryllwotth]

I got a sony ccd-f350e. Suddenly somewhere in the last 10 years it has become faulty. The tube is flickering a lot, and the electronics are not responding correctly, the tape mechanism do not do the whole "cycle". Can this also just be some bad cap? It's a lot to take apart. Hehe.

[@12voltvids]

Probably a bunch of bad caps. I have several cameras here to look at, but I hate cameras so they sit in their case.

[@stvpls]

i have a prolem with a sony f555e where the viewfinder works but i can see only half, the other side is White making it almost impossible to use, it gets a little better when it heats up, and in the other side image is bad but i can see counter, in the half is very bad image help pls

[@12voltvids]

It's going to be those surface mount caps. Without question.

[@Olivjeefilms]

bruh my vieuwfinder only gives a white screen now

[@rickmorty9083]

Hi Ineed to buy a new battery, for a CCD TR81 SONY do you know where can Ifind it ? I have one of this and it dIDNT work in 15 years

[@12voltvids]

Good luck. They hadn't made them in years. You will need to get your pack rebuilt with new nicd cells.

[@upthewayproductions]

I followed this and it worked! now I can't play back in the view finder! any help?!?!?!

[@12voltvids]

Check for bad small caps on view finder.

[@upthewayproductions]

@@12voltvids so essentially the same repair I did before but look for another cap that is bad?

[@12voltvids]

@@upthewayproductions remember that the crap that leaked out before will attack the copper traces on not just the surface traces but the internal traces that you can't fix. When that happens the board is toast. That is why i will not repair and cameras for clients that have bad caps because they are all shirt term repairs.

[@tdag3311]

Would this solve a Canon UC10 viewfinder white screen problem?

[@12voltvids]

They are probably very similar.

[@VSigma725]

I just acquired a CCD-V5, very early Handycam from 1988, and the viewfinder is just blank white no matter what I do, adjusting its pots just changes how bright and how white it is. Would this be some kind of capacitor issue?

[@12voltvids]

Lots of leaking craps in that one.

[@VSigma725]

@@12voltvids Dang, was hoping that wasn't the case. I didn't see any leaks in the viewfinder itself but I bet there's plenty in the camera.

[@12voltvids]

@@VSigma725 oh yes. Lots. They leaked corrosive liquid on the board that attacks the copper traces.

[@VSigma725]

@@12voltvids Yikes, at least this one looks nice on display.

[@12voltvids]

@@VSigma725 my jvc gydv500 looks awesome on display in my living room. That's about all it is good for.

[@KMar-KARAMANLI-]

Mine just flashes and glitches

[@ribeiroilidio8239]

solved! tks

[@Olivjeefilms]

my vieuwfinder doenst see colors , only black and white

[@12voltvids]

Duh, it is a monochrome CRT

[@Olivjeefilms]

@@12voltvids oh yea i really dont know anything about that lol

[@SesameGhetto]

does this camcorder only film in blck and white as well?

[@12voltvids]

No the camera is color. The viewfinder was black and white, as all camcorders of the day were.

[@SesameGhetto]

12voltvids nice, thanks man

[@mrdragon2390]

super markt had same ?

[@SesameGhetto]

yeah i have the same one, found next to the dumpster

[@urb4nc0wboy]

Where can I contact you about a repair?

[@12voltvids]

Contact info is in about tab

[@xboxbapejii2532]

Do you still fix cameras ?

[@12voltvids]

If they can be repaired, yes. Many are beyond repair.

[@xboxbapejii2532]

12voltvids I have a camcorder RCA pro 843 everything works fine it turns on and all it’s just when I look threw the screen finder it’s a black screen as if it doesn’t pick up the lense but a day ago it worked where I could see what the lense picks up on the view finder

[@xboxbapejii2532]

Can I send you a camera to fix ?

[@12voltvids]

@@xboxbapejii2532 contact me by email

[@xboxbapejii2532]

12voltvids what’s your email