Buying a used GL2-What to look for? at DVinfo.net

Tony Albelo · September 1st, 2007, 10:38 PM

I am going to look at a used GL2 on Tuesday and I wanted to know what to look for as far as "typical" GL2 problems.
For example, is there any easy way to see the hours on the camera?
Are there other areas I should look at?

Thanks for the help.

Tony

Merlin Vandenbossche · September 2nd, 2007, 05:46 AM

I don't know of a way to check the hours-count on this camera. One thing to certainly check out is the tape deck and that it doesn't show the 'remove the cassette error' (search this forum for more info). So definitely check it out quickly filming a tape and watching it.

Don Palomaki · September 2nd, 2007, 06:22 AM

Have not yet heard of anyone being able to read head hours.

Look for physical abuse of the camcorder as evidenced by scratches, dents, excessive dirt, etc.
Look for a nice, clean clear lens.
Look for a complete set of accessories, especially a working charger, A/V cable, and remote control.
Check for functionality - does it record, playback, all inputs and outputs work, auto focus work, full zoom range, playback of self-recorded tapes, image adjustments work, exposure adjustments work, and tapes recorded on another known good camcorder. To this end, spend some time with the manual in advance (d/l it from the CanonDV.com web site).
If suspicious, call Canon to check see if the serial number is "hot" or clean.
Ask for any maintenance/service records.

Tony Albelo · September 9th, 2007, 08:22 PM

UPDATE:

I went to pick up the camera and everything looked and worked great. Got it for a cool $900. No accessories besides standard bat, charger, remote.

I think I got a steal.

Thanks for the input and help.

Look for some Miami and Bahamas fishing footage coming soon!
Or see some that I shot on YouTube:
Part 1 (7min) http://youtube.com/watch?v=r2cfQlLpIAk
Part 2 (4min) http://youtube.com/watch?v=uqYj-fGERX4

September 1st, 2007, 10:38 PM	#1
Tony Albelo New Boot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 6	Buying a used GL2-What to look for? I am going to look at a used GL2 on Tuesday and I wanted to know what to look for as far as "typical" GL2 problems. For example, is there any easy way to see the hours on the camera? Are there other areas I should look at? Thanks for the help. Tony

September 2nd, 2007, 05:46 AM	#2
Merlin Vandenbossche Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Holsbeek BELGIUM Posts: 40	I don't know of a way to check the hours-count on this camera. One thing to certainly check out is the tape deck and that it doesn't show the 'remove the cassette error' (search this forum for more info). So definitely check it out quickly filming a tape and watching it. __________________ Canon XM-2 AVID Xpress Pro 5.7

September 2nd, 2007, 06:22 AM	#3
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Have not yet heard of anyone being able to read head hours. Look for physical abuse of the camcorder as evidenced by scratches, dents, excessive dirt, etc. Look for a nice, clean clear lens. Look for a complete set of accessories, especially a working charger, A/V cable, and remote control. Check for functionality - does it record, playback, all inputs and outputs work, auto focus work, full zoom range, playback of self-recorded tapes, image adjustments work, exposure adjustments work, and tapes recorded on another known good camcorder. To this end, spend some time with the manual in advance (d/l it from the CanonDV.com web site). If suspicious, call Canon to check see if the serial number is "hot" or clean. Ask for any maintenance/service records. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

September 9th, 2007, 08:22 PM	#4
Tony Albelo New Boot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 6	UPDATE: I went to pick up the camera and everything looked and worked great. Got it for a cool $900. No accessories besides standard bat, charger, remote. I think I got a steal. Thanks for the input and help. Look for some Miami and Bahamas fishing footage coming soon! Or see some that I shot on YouTube: Part 1 (7min) http://youtube.com/watch?v=r2cfQlLpIAk Part 2 (4min) http://youtube.com/watch?v=uqYj-fGERX4