WATCH Before buying a vintage camcorder on eBay!

We discuss the pitfalls of buying vintage camcorders online, the issue of leaky caps and what steps take with the seller to insure you are getting the right camera at the right price. We also include additional tips for buying on eBay.

[@ReelFilm2016]

Good idea for a video. I get asked lots of questions about cameras. However, sometimes, if a fault suddenly appears, sometimes no one person is to blame. The older these cameras get, you can buy a camera and have it work, only to have it fail a few months later. Faulty tape mechanism, condensation issue etc. I bought a camera a number of years ago, new old stock. I was glad I purchased it because it worked great, however, the viewfinder was on the way out. Fortunately, after I made a video about the issue, a fellow KZbinr reached out and helped me to fix the issue. Just a faulty capacitor inside. It’s as good as new now 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@callumthomas6152]

This is exactly what to look out for! Ive bought so many that i knew didnt work and tried to fix them and theyve never worked. I recently bought a ccd-v8e which i got working completely! From my experience the ones that are affected by leaky caps are from 1987-1994 so anything before '87 (ccd-v8e) or after '94 should stand a better chance of working that any from in between those years.

[@TheBestTodo]

Sir you are a saint. Please keep making these videos. As a Sony TR101 and VX-2100 buyer, I really appreciate these

[@techtoremember8096]

Oh. Thanks so much ! For sure. There are more on the way

[@TheCameraCollectorGuy]

That’s a very great advice and video! The only problem in this video from what I understood is that some people or collectors of video cameras forget to watch this video after they buy a video camera like this on those listings, it’s a pity. Like they buy these cameras and they’re thinking they’re working, but then they get them and then they try and then don’t work correctly at the end and the seller made some money. So amazing that you made this video. And so hopefully this video will help more people and other collectors of cameras like these of course! Fingers crossed if it get’s more popular. The only thing I can say about you is that your so funny!!! Like seriously you made me laugh some bits of the video. I loved the video. Liked and subscribed.

[@techtoremember8096]

Haha! Thanks so much for the comment! Yes, I made this video because of all the disappointment and learning I had to do when buying these old, beautiful cameras and was so crushed to find out they didn't work when I received them. When will sellers realize that "working" does not mean "powered on"! I wish Ebay or other marketplaces would enforce stricter standards with respect to claiming something is in working condition in their listings but I suppose that is very hard to police. In any case, I am glad you appreciate my goofy humor and happy to have you onboard as a subscriber Cheers!

[@TheCameraCollectorGuy]

@@techtoremember8096Yep! Your welcome. I have a small collection of camcorders, will upload my other pieces soon. I have uploaded one so far!

[@Ian-hj8qk]

I'm planning on starting a side hustle of collecting and selling camcorders so this gave me a lot of info to help ensure I'm testing my cameras well. Thanks!

[@CoolCademMAnimates-fz1ui]

My grandma said a few months ago that she saw recently (as of then) my dad’s VHS camcorder. She’s yet to find it again.

[@stillben]

Frustrating

[@pace1048]

Thanks you so much for the tips! I wanna buy old 1980s cameras that work so this is really helpful!

[@techtoremember8096]

Haha great ! I appreciate the thumbs up. So glad it could help

[@nowt1002]

This is good advice, although regarding batteries I would check they are available like you say but I would probably wait to see if the camcorder works before buying one or else you could be lumbered with a battery you can't use as well as a non working camera. Personally I tend to just buy ones listed as untested as in my experience they have about the same chance of working as the supposedly tested ones and are a lot cheaper. If you do get a dud, see if you can fix it, use it as a learning opportunity, the camcorders already broken so you have nothing to lose. The majority of problems are caused either leaky capacitors (especially in the power supply circuit) or stretched belts. Also one thing to be aware of is that the failure mode of these caps is often delayed. Ie when they are powered up after a long period of disuse they will work initially but start to leak and it takes a bit of time for them to reach the point where the machine no longer works. Good work though on the video, I wish there had been more info available when I started collecting video cameras and camcorders.

[@techtoremember8096]

Those are really great points and you really know your stuff. Those caps can be really deceptive as you said- the camera can work for a little while and then you are really let down because it all stops working. As far as the batteries go I guess it’s a catch 22. I would only order batteries in advance if I was really confident that the camera was working. -That the seller showed pictures and maybe even a video of the camera in working condition so this way I wouldn’t have to wait to get my hands on a battery after. But you are definitely right -you are really in lousy shape if you ordered the battery and then the camera doesn’t work! Thanks for the comment

[@RoboRibs]

this is really helpful! Thanks!! I've been on the hunt for a Sony dcr trv510 camcorder and these questions are prefect to ask considering its an older model

[@techtoremember8096]

Great ! I’m glad it could help. You have to be really careful out there ! Thanks for the comment

[@birdpoop8753]

on the other side of the coin though, you can sometimes get a pretty sweet deal if you're willing to take your chances on untested cameras. I recently scored a canon gl2 for 40 bucks in beautiful condition because it came without a battery or charger and the seller couldn't test it. Bought a replacement battery and charger for 30 bucks popped the new battery in and the camera is in perfect working condition

[@techtoremember8096]

Very true ! As long as you’re willing to take some risk and you get it at the right price And if you know which models are subject to trouble The Gl2 is a newer unit and way less prone to issues than models from the 80s and early 90s (which have a much higher chance of not working )

[@eriksnel6461]

i would be surprised if there is any sony F series 8mm video camera out there that still works, i have never seen one. sony did make camera's that stood the test of time really good! the older V8AF from the 80's is now 39 years old and often still works. but it's never guaranteed it will keep working. 30 years of doing nothing is also really bad for equipment. it will break soon after you start using it again

[@daphnismcpherson7048]

This video is such a lifesaver to me!! I never grew up with camcorders, so this has been so fun learning about them from your channel. Btw, I want to get a vintage analog camcorder to start filming and interviewing people and I want to upload to KZbin. Do you have any recommendations on how to pick a good camcorder from eBay that will take all the adapters necessary to convert footage to a computer?

[@techtoremember8096]

I’m working on such video. Stay tuned ! And thank you for your comment ! Welcome aboard

[@my3dviews]

I have several camcorders. One day I decided to try my first one (Hi8) out again. Hadn't used it for years, but it worked last time. This time, it wouldn't even power up. Completely dead. Fortunately my newer Digital 8 camcorder that plays Hi8 tapes as well, still works perfectly. I then transferred all of my Hi8 and Digital 8 tapes to hard drives in case my newer camcorder dies too. Don't really want to have to buy another one just to transfer a few tapes.

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi there. Yes the Digital 8 camcorders don't suffer from the leaky cap issue as they were made after the year 2000. Its the older 8mm and hi8 models you have to worry about!

[@Harleyrk99]

Can you say which is the best quality JVC Super VHS C camcorder? I see for instance the JVC GR-SXM740U which seems like a great choice I know they make a 900 series of this but the 900 series seems to be less quality. What are your thoughts? 🤠

[@techtoremember8096]

The bottom line is you don't want to get one of the earlier models from the 90's because they will all suffer from the leaky cap problem and have major issues. Generally speaking the older JVC Super VHS models are in black. If the camera is in silver its a more modern one made in the early 2000's and those are much more reliable so I would recommend those. The model you mentioned is reliable. Best of luck!

[@Harleyrk99]

​@@techtoremember8096Thank ya so much for your help, i appreciate y'all.

[@soloo7607]

Very informative, thank you 🙏🏾

[@techtoremember8096]

Glad it could help ! Thanks for your comment

[@Stallzyx]

Very helpful video 😊 now going to see if I can find the one on your collection. I've been just buying handycams but the professional ones are cool but a lot more tricky without experience in buying etc

[@techtoremember8096]

Yes. You can lose money quickly. Be careful !

[@conghuan1908]

Omg, thank you so much. This is very helpful. Keep doing great 🙌🙌

[@techtoremember8096]

Thank you ! My pleasure

[@tvfromvcr8331]

Can leaky caps be replaced? Or have they usually done irreparable damage? What's the oldest camcorder you own?

[@techtoremember8096]

Yes they can be replaced but it’s a long painstaking process because it’s often dozens or more of these caps and they often leak on the circuit board too causing other issues -Most repair people either can’t or won’t repair them My oldest camcorder ? Would be the jvc Gr-c1 which by the way didn’t have a leaky cap issue. Go figure ! That issue got worse in the late 80s - early 90s. But before 1985 the. cap issue wasn’t as much of a big deal !

[@tvfromvcr8331]

@@techtoremember8096 Thanks for replying! It's interesting to me that consumer camcorders first came about in the 80s yet technology existed in the 70s to record video in the form of expensive TV broadcast cameras which I presume also recorded to professional video tape? I wonder if it'd even be feasible to buy and test such a camera at home...

[@techtoremember8096]

Yes. You are right. Please see my video on my retro camcorder collection and I show a camera like that from 1971!!

[@tvfromvcr8331]

@@techtoremember8096 👍🏻

[@fletzyproductions1190]

Wish i had watched this before buying my sony ccd-f350E, now i have to replace the caps 😂

[@techtoremember8096]

Yeah I know. Well better to learn now so you’ll know in the future !!

[@CycloneCordVHS]

4:37 I saw this offer a couple months before this video was uploaded and am well aware of the bad cap issues Wouldn'a took it unless I was gonna fix it.....and the asking price is ridiculous too

[@techtoremember8096]

Yup. They think that’s since in a sealed box they can get whatever they want. And some poor soul is buying it thinking they’ll get a working new camera only to be sorely disappointed

[@caileanishere]

Hi! I have a question: could you eleborate in the SECAM system? I want to buy a Sony vx2000 from Japan, will I face any problems if I try to digitize the tapes via a tape converter?

[@techtoremember8096]

Hello, SECAM is used by certain countries in Europe such as Russia, France and I believe Africa. Japan uses NTSC which is the same system as ours. When you buy the camera from Japan just confirm that it is NTSC and you should be fine. If in fact, it is SECAM it will not be compatible and you will not be able to digitize the tapes properly.

[@fellla]

this is so informative! thank you so much for this video. probably saved me a lot of headaches. :-)

[@techtoremember8096]

Happy to help ! Thanks for your comment

[@samuelharrons]

Any tips on what camera models to look out for? I’m looking for a compact Sony handycam

[@techtoremember8096]

There are so many Handycams. Be careful of the black models. 8mm and Hi8 ones. Those are the most subject to issues !

[@Stallzyx]

​@@techtoremember8096 yeah, agreed. I've heard the same and picked up a few of the later ones instead. All no issues so far touch wood. But one of the newer DCR-SR digital ones has a duff battery

[@alecbuxton7634]

The problem is the sellers are just that they aren't always tec experts you sometimes get the same experience in a retail store as quite often they know nothing about the products that they are selling and also quite often the customer is just as ignorant about tec that they are buying so will believe anything that they are told just like at wish

[@techtoremember8096]

very true, but not everyone realizes that and they take the sellers word at face value. if you don't question the seller specifically, you will probably be very disappointed later.

[@SRN42069]

Is there anyway to avoid the leaky cap issue? Like say you get a working one everything is great right now but it's a known model that will likely die at some point. Is it possible to solder on new caps?

[@techtoremember8096]

Try not to buy a Sony 8mm camcorder in black color They are almost all beyond repair - you can fix some bad caps but it’s not easy and you have to know what you’re doing - odds are if you get a camera and it checks out and works it’ll be ok going forward -it’s just that many people don’t realize they are getting sold a camera that already has issues because the seller really didn’t test it properly -

[@clarksters88]

Oh hey you’re back!!!

[@techtoremember8096]

Hey man yes ! Thanks for noticing. Lots of content coming !

[@clarksters88]

@@techtoremember8096 Great to hear!!! If you need any test footage or certain information I’m always down to help as I have a lot of stand alone cameras and camcorders. Do you also know what discord is? About 50 of us camcorder enthusiast have created a group where we talk, share, and help with vintage cameras. Asking if you’re interested in that :)

[@techtoremember8096]

I would definitely be interested ! Please let me know the details as Id love to participate in that group. Thanks so much !

[@clarksters88]

@@techtoremember8096 We're apart of the www.reddit.com/r/camcorders/ page. We basically just talk old tech with the main topic being around camcorders and video tapes. There should be a link to our discord group in the subreddit's description. Of course if you'd like a direct link I can send you it.

[@techtoremember8096]

Thank you ! I do see the main camcorder group - if you could send me the direct link to your sub group (not seeing it)that would be great if possible

[@wkunique]

Thanks 👍

[@videovic6464]

I'm looking for a 8 millimeter camcorder or player to transfer my 8mm, high 8 tapes. I bought a Sony DCR - TRV 740 digital 8 camcorder and it cannot play the 8 millimeter tapes that I mentioned. All I wanna do is transfer my old tapes into my PC. What would you suggest I do? Thank you in advance for your help. -Victor

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi there. The Sony TRV740 should be able to play back all 8mm formats. That is one of the main benefits of having a Digital 8 camcorder to play back legacy 8mm, hi8mm as well as the new Digital 8 formats. According to Sony there are only a few digital 8 models that CANNOT play the older 8mm formats and they are: DCR-TRV130 DCR-TRV140 DCR-TRV250 DCR-TRV260 DCR-TRV265 DCR-TRV280 Your model however the TRV740 should work then. i would check the tape you used and try another tape in case you just have a bad tape.. It is possible that you may have an issue with the camera which is possible as well. Best of luck.

[@jackmilne9764]

Hi great upload hope you respond. I brought a Panasonic NV mc10 off eBay didn't work only £10 purchased another same issue. A very helpful KZbinrs gave me caps and advice me not knowing what I'm doing burnt the board out. I have brought a couple from the 1980s period JVC Gr c7e and Panasonic m1 the do. Only the jcv I broke fixed the zoom but broke the plug for the main lead. Before I watched this video ordered another see if I can Frankenstein it. Thanks Jack UK

[@techtoremember8096]

Hello Jack. I wish you luck on Frankensteiny your camera. its difficult with all the little caps. I never even tried as I know I would just ruin it too unless someone knows what they are doing. Fortunately I think the GRC7 and 7e should be more of an easy fix than cameras made a few years later when the cap issue got really bad- Best of luck and thank you for commenting

[@jackmilne9764]

@@techtoremember8096 well I had a go fail ordered belts for the tiny zoom and focus motors no good believe it or not the oring of a vape coil worked great only the plug to the main PCB got damaged. It's a gr c7u not gr c7e but hopefully I can swop the working motors reasonable easy. Roughly so I no what time period to avoid when did this problem occur? My Panasonic NV M1 was 1985 I think the jvc was one I wasted my pounds or dollar in your case was 87 to maybe 89. I also have a Panasonic NV nr10 from 1999 works great apart from time and date. If your clued up not even this UK KZbinr who litterally what he doesn't know about camcorders isn't worth knowing, was it new at the time or basically the same as a few years before just a different model colour etc? He said 80s two models max a year come 90s so many it was stupid! Keep in touch Jack UK

[@Pb_salt]

Any recs for cameras with that vintage Blair witch feel that don’t experience cap leakage?/hold up better over time?

[@techtoremember8096]

If you pick a model that was manufactured in the mid 90s or later, you should be Ok.. I would be very weary of an 8mm or Hi8 camcorder made from around 1988-1993. These units, (most of them had block bodies-which is always an indication of a problem) had very bad cap issues. The newer Hi8 (mainly silver colored Sony's) made from the mid 90s through early 2000s were much better. Unfortunately, Sony scaled back on the image sensors and some of them actually produce a worse image than the models from earlier in time, but better to have a camera that works, than one that doesn't. If you chose a VHS or VHS-C model you have a better shot than 8mm from that time period. The newer SHVS cameras (silver) from the later 90s to early 2000's should be ok too.I think any one of these models is capable of producing that "Blair Witch" look as they are in the 4:3 aspect ratio, and have the signature standard definition look. If you have an editing program, you could always add the "REC" logo and flashing red light button to give you that effect.

[@instamatics]

are mini dv camcorders from the mid-2000s subject to leaky caps? and is there any matinence that should be done to the cameras? like head cleaning or replacement?

[@techtoremember8096]

Much less of a chance. Once you pass 2000 you’re safe ! Head cleaning is always a good idea. You should always have a head cleaner on hand !

[@jaysgone2020]

Omg thank you so much this is what happened to me thank you

[@techtoremember8096]

Oh no ! I hope you worked it out

[@toddbillie]

Hi! I just came across your KZbin channel when searching for answers to a question I have about my Sony CCD-FX620 that I unearthed when attempting to purge old stuff from my house.Looks somewhat similar to the subject of this episode. It was manufactured in March '93. my question is, I can't get the battery to charge and wondered if there's a way to hook it directly into AC. I have all the accessories, but when I hooked it up like it appeared in the owners manual, I got nothing. I just want to be able to view the old tapes before I have them digitized. Thanks

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi there! I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the model you have unfortunately is one of the Sony models which is plagued by bad capacitors as I explained in the video. The general rule is that if the 8mm camera is black in color, it is way more likely than the silver ones to have a problem, since the black ones were the older models from the late 80s-early 90s. The battery itself is probably long dead from all those years, especially if its an original Sony battery. The concerning part is that you can't get any power when attaching to AC. This leads me to believe you have a serious problem with the unit. The only good news is that it sounds like you didn't recently buy it off Ebay or some place, you were the original owner. If you are doing everything the instruction says, then it sounds like the unit is cooked. Are you getting any blinking counter information on the side when plugged in or is it just absolutely nothing? The only ray of hope is that the AC adapter is broken and if you swap it out for another AC adapter it might work but I would say the odds are less than 10% that is the problem. If you want to digitize tapes you will have to invest in another camera and i would recommend you look at one of the newer Digital 8 models. These were manufactured after 2000, so they are more reliable and can transfer all types of 8mm tapes, from 8mm to hi8, to Digital 8 (most models can, a few models can't) I am working on a video explaining all this. Sorry for the bad news.

[@toddbillie]

Thanks so much for your quick reply. I'm not too worried about the camcorder itself-it can go away. As I mentioned, I just want to be able to view the tapes before I send them off to a service to have them put on a more current media type. I do have two other Sony camcorders, a DCR-TRV38 and a DCR-SX85. Now my problem is, and I'm not sure if I can explain this correctly, but the power cord that is supposed to go into the block adapter doesn't fit. (on either camcorder). The holes line up, but the female part of the adapter blocks have a little part that stick out on the inside and my power cord fits, in that it has one end flat and the other end rounded, but there is no "cut-out" so that prevents it from seating into the adapter block. If this doesn't make sense, just let me know. If it's the wrong power cord, I sure don't know where I would have gotten it. Thanks again

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi again, it sounds like you just have the wrong power cord/adapter. That happens to all of us, with so many cables and adapters, they get mixed up in the closet. Your best bet might be to read the model number of the AC adapter (should be written somewhere on it) then go on Ebay and buy a spare. Hopefully you can get one at a reasonable cost.

[@dedclownsRfunny]

Same with cameras. Some people straight up lie

[@techtoremember8096]

True

[@jeno2256]

Ideally what would be a good starting vhs camcorder?

[@techtoremember8096]

One that works! Im actually serious. There are really dozens and dozens of models to choose from. When buying one, as the video says just be sure that its fully tested if possible AND that you have a battery for it or can get a battery for it. I'd also buy a known brand name such as Panasonic or GE (which often make the same models). You may find odd brand names like Sylvania too but that's ok because these names are just slapped on the camera all made by the same Japanese company. Make sure you have a working VCR, make sure the camera comes with a charger for the battery because you'll need that obviously and you should be all set to have some fun. This should all be able to be obtained for $100 or less. If you lucky you can get a deal $50 or less with everything. Be very careful if its a Super VHS" model because those were made during the time of the leaky cap issue and are more subject to problems. If its a smaller super vhs-c model from JVC and its silver then its ok as t was made with better caps. Best of luck!

[@Mikexception]

A wonderful advices. Buying such marvel is actualy gambling. Some people like me have fun with gambling on basis that I can afford. 😄Anyway camcorders are exciting, even when only partly working while keeping hope for better next time. They are surpisisingly good quality with modern but not HD TVs In my opinion forcing HD from cassettes bring only more deficiences . They work fluent with own standard resolution TV and that is why together with them analog camcorders were replaced with digital

[@techtoremember8096]

Thank you for the comment !

[@Malory-Malicious]

what about when its found at charity shop

[@techtoremember8096]

You may get a better price but you run the risk that it’s not going to work but if you can pick one up real cheap it may be worth the risk !

[@vhfgamer]

That's it? Just capacitors? Well that's easy enough to fix.

[@techtoremember8096]

Not really ! Not when they are surface mounted and leaked all over the boards !

[@vhfgamer]

@@techtoremember8096 I've been there and done that. People are afraid of surface mount stuff, but I deal with it all the time. Especially the late 90s to mid 2000s PC motherboards with the cap plague that spill their guts everywhere. Or even worse... the mid to early 90s motherboards that have the leaky real-time-clock batteries. The Apple computers of that era are particularly known for leaky surface mount caps. There's a video on my channel where I fixed a gameboy color. That thing was corroded to hell, but I still got it working. I had to replace surface mount caps that had been exposed to some sort of extended water exposure. Before I replaced them, there was no sound.

[@techtoremember8096]

Hey, thats great because I will tell you sometimes on these camcorders there could be hundreds of damaged caps. Have you ever repaired a camcorder because you may be able to get some business out of it! Lots of people don't know where to turn to get these things fixed as its very time intensive as I'm sure you know!

[@vhfgamer]

@@techtoremember8096 I've not done a camcorder before, but that sounds like a fun project. I don't know about making a business out of it, but it might be a neat idea to put the video up to show other people how to do it. That way people can learn. I snagged a panasonic camcorder on ebay the other day. Cheapest one I could find, untested, the usual. If it doesn't work, I'll rip it apart and fix it.

[@vhfgamer]

Just a little follow up on that panasonic camcorder. I got it and it didn't work correctly, and I fixed it. Sure enough, it was bad capacitors. I made a little video on my channel about diagnosing such an issue. Hope it helps someone someday.

[@TheBigRat770]

Anyone know how to fix a black viewfinder? SCL860 if that matters

[@techtoremember8096]

Is it detachable ? You can try swapping it out by getting one for parts on EBay and see if that helps

[@TheBigRat770]

@@techtoremember8096 Found out you have to shut the screen and than the view finder turns on😂

[@athomas573]

Yikes, I just bought my Samsung SCL810 Digital Zoom 880x camcorder on eBay, and the viewfinder is blurry. The camcorder didn't come with tapes so I wasn't able to record or playback anything as yet. If the viewfinder is blurry does that mean the camcorder will be completely useless due to leaky caps?

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi! Not necessarily ! A couple things. Did you try focusing the viewfinder your eye ? There’s usually a little switch near the VF to focus it. I looked up your Samsung model and it looks like it’s one of the newer hi 8 models and that might make you lucky because it looks like it was produced a little later and may not be subject to as much of a leaky cap problem. The actual only way to really know is to get your hands on an 8 mm or hi 8 tape and make a recording! But again, your odds are still ok since it’s a later model !

[@athomas573]

@@techtoremember8096 Thank you so much for being so helpful!

[@techtoremember8096]

My pleasure and best of luck on your purchase !

[@Halbmond]

I don’t really understand why I should ask the seller if they properly tested the camera. If I receive it and it doesn’t work as advertised … I can just send it back for free, can’t I?

[@techtoremember8096]

Yes that's true, but do you really want to have to go through that? Besides the extra work of having to ship it back, a lot can go wrong otherwise in the process. The seller can claim that you sent it back damaged, or even that you didn't include all the pieces when you sent it back. Then its his word against yours and you have to get EBay involved and decide whose right. This all takes time and is a stressful process. He could be a dishonest seller. If he tested it, he will want to share that information with you and will be upfront about it. If he doesn't answer your questions, its a red flag indeed and I wouldnt take a chance.

[@Halbmond]

@@techtoremember8096 You’re right! I never expected sellers to give so much detailed feedback, especially the big sellers. But I’ll try that in the future! I actually just had a case where I bought a JVC camcorder in “good but used condition”. The EVF was covered in dust and while most functions seemed to work, it wouldn’t record on a tape. I figured it was maybe to due an empty coin battery … but maybe there was more to it as well? Can’t test it anymore; when I contacted him about the dust that I couldn’t see a way of removing, he insulted me, so I sent it back

[@ODPTV1]

I haven't been able to find any Sony NP-22 reproduction batteries online :(

[@techtoremember8096]

I know. They are really hard to find. For those you can try and get a rebuilt one !

[@ODPTV1]

@@techtoremember8096 I've thought about rebuilding one using cells from an rc car battery although that stuff is not my area of expertise. Great Channel btw!

[@techtoremember8096]

Thank you ! Just be careful doing it yourself. There are companies out there that will do it !

[@pablo5033]

hello, does this problem exist in handycams? is there any serious problem that affects handycams? i am thinking of buying one and I want to know what I should test in person with the buyer

[@techtoremember8096]

It definitely exists in Handycams! Especially ones from the late 80s into the mid 90s. The more you can test the better including record and playback. Check the viewfinder and the sound too. Be careful !

[@pablo5033]

@@techtoremember8096 thank you so much! im going to buy a 2010 - 2013 handycam tho, is there any chance of the leaky cap happening on that handycam generation?

[@techtoremember8096]

After 2010, much better chance of it working. Always better if the seller tests it for you, but you have way better odds of success ! Good luck to you!

[@this_time_imperfect]

Leaky caps are really only a problem with Chinese manufacturers. If you are buying mid or high end Japanese cameras they should be fine. Stick with Sony or Canon or Panasonic, I have several old cameras that work perfectly fine.

[@techtoremember8096]

This is not true information - you may have several old cameras that are fine but I have experienced many Sony, Canon and other high end companies from the late 80s through early 90s that suffer from this. It is when they changed the formulation in the capacitors for environmental reasons that the problem began.It is a known issue.

[@NevilleBlack]

Super informative thank you! Do you know anybody online that sells camcorders refurbished or guaranteed working?

[@techtoremember8096]

Hey. Thanks for the comment ! There is a seller called Doctor Sony on Ebay you may want to try who sells refurbished units ! they even come with a 90 day warranty

[@NevilleStyke]

I sell all my camcorders on ebay with a 12-month warranty, to give the buyer peace of mind.

[@techtoremember8096]

12 months ? Wow That’s a long time for a vintage camcorder but good for you I would buy from you

[@Yandelvillegas]

Byeeeeeeeee😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@techtoremember8096]

What’s wrong ???

[@Tuhueleamierda1991]

6:10 not a camcorder but I’ve had a very fragile and expensive fire alarm control panel motherboard sent to me and it came with basically zero packaging. I’m so unbelievably lucky the only damage was some bent pins I could put back into place. Absolute worst packaging I’ve ever seen, it had a thin layer of foam and probably about 5 of those bags of air and one of them was even punctured. Can’t forget the box that was basically the same size as the board so there would be no space for packing any way. Worst experience I’ve had so far with packing

[@techtoremember8096]

On EBay ? What was his seller rating ?

[@Tuhueleamierda1991]

@@techtoremember8096 i honestly don’t remember because it was 3 - 4 years ago. And I made the mistake of not telling them about they’re packaging because I was just happy I got it for so cheap.

[@Tuhueleamierda1991]

@@techtoremember8096 also yes it was on eBay

[@techtoremember8096]

I hear ya. That’s how we learn. From the bad experiences ! Thanks for your comment.

[@jerbear7952]

For heaven sakes. Why put a loud alarm at the start of your video?

[@techtoremember8096]

For heavans sakes. You’re getting over 10 minutes of free helpful info and you’re complaining about a 2 second sound ?

[@Danny-ol4zx]

I thought camcorders were like cars - where they lose the value over time. Especially since the quality back then isn’t up to standard for today’s time. But I saw some camcorders from 2008 that cost almost 300!!

[@techtoremember8096]

Yeah. They are getting popular again !