Is it Ok to keep the Minidv cassette in the camcorder? at DVinfo.net

Samuel Raj · August 23rd, 2003, 11:40 PM

Hi,
Can we just keep the mini dv cassete in the camcorder after removing the battery?

Whether it affect the heads, I mean the cassette tape is in constant touch with the head ?

Or when the power is off, the tape head goes away from the tape. I have panasonic gs 100, your suggestion is welcome.

Frank Granovski · August 23rd, 2003, 11:59 PM

I don't see in any harm with leaving a tape in for a couple of days or so. For long term, remove it and place it in the tape case. As for the battery, they can drain, or worse, leak. That's why you should always remove the battery after cam use.

Samuel Raj · August 24th, 2003, 09:36 AM

Thanks Frank

Bryan Beasleigh · August 24th, 2003, 09:02 PM

I've been told that it's a no no. I was also told I'd go blind if I didn't stop. I can still see.

Jeff Donald · August 24th, 2003, 09:14 PM

If you search, you'll find several discussions on this topic. My feeling is, it not worth the risk. I've seen tapes with slack in them get eaten by the camera, and worse yet, break video heads. Does it happen every time? No. But for me, it's not worth the risk. So, it boils down to how comfortable you are with those risks. Some people find the risks tolerable, some don't.

Mike Rehmus · August 25th, 2003, 11:05 AM

Depending on the camera, the tape extraction arms (the ones that wrap the tape around the head) may be held in their extended postion and the tape kept in a wrapped condition.

It is not good to keep a spring extended for long periods as the tension will change.

Keeping the tape in contact with a head could be a real problem especially if the camera is subject to any humidity.

My buddy who is a QA lab tech at Sony in San Jose claims that leaving tapes in a transport is a bad idea.

Nathan Gifford · August 25th, 2003, 11:32 AM

Not a good idea.

Ed Smith · August 25th, 2003, 03:00 PM

I say not a good idea.

I have done it on a number of occasions. Where I have left a tape in my XL1 for a few days, I then try and eject, but it won't let me. I then start to panic and after the 3rd try it finally lets me have it, but 15cm of the tape is hanging out of the case, part of the tape is now screwed - Thank god it has not happened on important tapes.

DO NOT LEAVE TAPES IN YOUR CAMERA!!!

All the best,

Ed

August 23rd, 2003, 11:40 PM	#1
Samuel Raj Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 210	Is it Ok to keep the Minidv cassette in the camcorder? Hi, Can we just keep the mini dv cassete in the camcorder after removing the battery? Whether it affect the heads, I mean the cassette tape is in constant touch with the head ? Or when the power is off, the tape head goes away from the tape. I have panasonic gs 100, your suggestion is welcome.

August 24th, 2003, 09:14 PM	#5
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	If you search, you'll find several discussions on this topic. My feeling is, it not worth the risk. I've seen tapes with slack in them get eaten by the camera, and worse yet, break video heads. Does it happen every time? No. But for me, it's not worth the risk. So, it boils down to how comfortable you are with those risks. Some people find the risks tolerable, some don't. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

August 25th, 2003, 11:05 AM	#6
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Depending on the camera, the tape extraction arms (the ones that wrap the tape around the head) may be held in their extended postion and the tape kept in a wrapped condition. It is not good to keep a spring extended for long periods as the tension will change. Keeping the tape in contact with a head could be a real problem especially if the camera is subject to any humidity. My buddy who is a QA lab tech at Sony in San Jose claims that leaving tapes in a transport is a bad idea. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

August 25th, 2003, 11:32 AM	#7
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	Not a good idea. __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

August 25th, 2003, 03:00 PM	#8
Ed Smith Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 1,545	I say not a good idea. I have done it on a number of occasions. Where I have left a tape in my XL1 for a few days, I then try and eject, but it won't let me. I then start to panic and after the 3rd try it finally lets me have it, but 15cm of the tape is hanging out of the case, part of the tape is now screwed - Thank god it has not happened on important tapes. DO NOT LEAVE TAPES IN YOUR CAMERA!!! All the best, Ed __________________ Ed Smith Hampshire, UK Good things come to those who wait My Skiing web www.Frostytour.co.uk For quick answers Search dvinfo.net \| The best in the business: dvinfo.net Sponsors

August 23rd, 2003, 11:59 PM	#2
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	I don't see in any harm with leaving a tape in for a couple of days or so. For long term, remove it and place it in the tape case. As for the battery, they can drain, or worse, leak. That's why you should always remove the battery after cam use.

August 24th, 2003, 09:36 AM	#3
Samuel Raj Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 210	Thanks Frank

August 24th, 2003, 09:02 PM	#4
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	I've been told that it's a no no. I was also told I'd go blind if I didn't stop. I can still see.