Problem with Video 8 Sticking tapes

[alanball]

Hi all,

I am at present transfering Video 8 tapes to DVD. I am having a problem with the camcoder a Sony TR606E stopping at regular intervals and beeping with the tape I am trying to capture. The same thing happens when I try to rewind or fast forward the tape. It appears that the tape transport wheels in the casset are tight. I can play for a few seconds and then fast forward and rewind and then play the tape again and it will run for 10-12 min and stops again, but sometimes stops straight away and refuses to run. I have other tapes taken during the same holiday in 1990 which run OK and one or two which have this problem. I have tried rewinding the tapes but still have the same problem.

The tapes are Sony Video 8 - 90 Min MetalHG.

Anybody any ideas?

Thanks

[Ron P.]

I know you've tried rewinding them, but have you tried fast-forwarding them all the way through, then rewind to the start? This is not a good sign. I've had this happen, and the tape broke before I could get it transferred. I had to splice the tape to finish transferring it. Good Luck..

[alanball]

Hi Ron

Thanks for reply, the fast forward locks up after a couple of seconds when not on play, I did have to originally do a fast rewind on play to get the tape back to the start point so tape has been rewound once, I think its a 90 min tape problem, but not good as you say. I wounder if slackening the screws holding he case together will help? I will give it a try. I was wondering if there was anything I could lubricate the tape carrier wheels with?

Not good having to splice the tape, did you mange to retreive the video in the end?

[Black Lab]

Is there a professional film/tape/dvd service in your area? May be worth giving them a call.

[Ron P.]

I wouldn't try to put any oil or lubricant anywhere near that tape. That would quickly ruin it. Yes I was able to retrieve the video off the tape. I did loose some of it during the splicing. Splicing for me anyway is no fun at all. I've spliced 8mm and then my most difficult job recently was with a audio cassette. My fat fingers just don't work well with small objects anymore..

[alanball]

Thanks guy's

it looks as though I may have found the problem. I managed to dig out the old manual for the camera and in the problem solving area I see that the camera has a humidity sensor built in to the camera and this gives a warning light and stops the camera. I didn't see the warning light as I did not look into the viewfinder as I was trying to make the copy. I tried again this morning and it played fine It's was very humid last night so I'm sure it must have been that, although both camera and tape are store in a cupboard in the room I was using to copy, so should have not been much change in temperature and humidity, the sensor must be very sensative.

Thanks again Ron & Jeff, glad you had a good result Ron I tried to join an old audio tape that I was transfering to cd when the tape broke and it was'nt much fun getting the tape back after joining.

Regards

[Ken Berry]

That's one of the reasons I always keep at least one of those little sacks of silica gel -- which usually come with the cameras in the first place -- in my various camera bags! But good to know you found the reason!!

[alanball]

Hi Ken,

that's a good Idea I must do that. By the way you have been in NZ a while now how are you settling in?

[Ken Berry]

Yep ... been here 6 months and 2 weeks, and if you pardon the pun, I am having a ball!!

[alanball]

Nice one Ken.