I find that I need to use a head cleaner way too often, so I suspect it's time to get the heads professionally cleaned on my GL1. Do I have to send it to Canon, or can I just go to a professional electronics and video repair and service shop? There's one near me that has a real good reputation. We've got a shoot coming up soon, and I really would like to avoid having to send it to Canon.

How often? What makes you think you shoud clean them? g

Lately, and this is very recent, it can't read a tape at all unless I clean the heads every time. It has also destroyed data when I've played tapes in it without cleaning the heads first. In the past I've only needed to use a head cleaner a couple of times a year.

I suspect that it's time to have the camera cleaned and adjusted by Canon Service, Marco.

I, too, would recommend you send it to Canon. Not only will they clean the heads, but they will adjust the alignment which can be very critical for mini dv equipment. Note: If the alignment is out by a quite a bit, tapes that previously played in the camera may not play properly in the camera after alignment.

For the New Jersey Service Center, it always cost me $272 for cleaning and adjustment, including shipping the camera back. Apparently that is the standard, minimum cost. However, for that price they will also replace misc. parts if necessary.

Curses!