Head cleaners and tapes at DVinfo.net

R.J. Paradee · April 27th, 2003, 12:32 PM

I tried the search first, but couldn't find my answer, so here goes:

My Gl2 is only a couple of months old, from reading this forum, I now know it's not advisable to switch tape . I started with fuji, (used about 6 tapes) then switched to Maxell (used another 6 tapes) Now that I know Fuji is the best, is it to late to switch back? Or is Maxell a great tape and I should just stay with it?
I got a good deal on a case of maxells. But I don't mind eating it.

Secondly, Do video heads become magnetized? Is that why we're suppose to clean the heads with a dry tape cleaner every 20 or so hours? Some people say the head gets scratched everytime you use the head cleaner. I don't want to keep scratching it. How about using a high professional grade wet solvent and carefully clean them that way. Similar like I do to my audio gear. Do you have to use the dry head cleaner? I really believe in properly maintaining my gear, I'm not trying to get out of running the head cleaner, just looking for some advise.

Jeff Donald · April 27th, 2003, 12:50 PM

I don't know of any mini DV wetting cleaning tapes (systems?). Manufactures recommend dry cleaning, it's generally thought to be safer. People had a habit of using too much liquid and causing damage from excessive liquid.

Your heads are getting worn (scratched as you would say) every time you record, playback, rewind, fast forward etc. The use of a dry cleaning tape when used according to the camera manufactures and cleaning tape instructions are very safe. They will not cause excessive wear unless used excessively.. The key is to follow the directions.

Modern video heads do not become magnetized. Tape head demagnetizers are not recommended for mini DV cameras.

If you are having no problems with the Maxell tapes, I see no reason to switch. At the very least I see no reason to waste a box of tapes. Finish the box, run a head cleaner according to the directions and switch. If you're really worried, have the whole tape path and video heads cleaned professionally by Canon. Continued use of the Maxell's will not harm your heads.

K. Forman · April 27th, 2003, 12:59 PM

What Jeff said, is very much what is recommended. However, I have also heard that "occassionaly" switching tape brands isn't too bad, if you use your head cleaner before and after. The problem with switching tapes, is due to different types of lubricants used. This will gum up your mechanisms.

R.J. Paradee · April 27th, 2003, 01:00 PM

Thanks Jeff! Just what I needed to hear. I'll go thru this box, clean the heads and switch to fuji. Does anal-retentive have a hyphen? I love my new Gl2 so much, I just want to give it the tender luvin care it deserves...

R.J. Paradee · April 27th, 2003, 01:03 PM

Thanks Keith. You guys are great! It was the lubricants I was concerned about. I'm good to go!

Frank Granovski · April 27th, 2003, 05:36 PM

Here's some tape info plus further tape links:

http://www.dvfreak.com/tape.htm

R.J. Paradee · April 27th, 2003, 06:29 PM

Thanks Frank, Great article. Much Appreciated.

April 27th, 2003, 12:32 PM	#1
R.J. Paradee Registration incomplete-contact admin. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Posts: 23	Head cleaners and tapes I tried the search first, but couldn't find my answer, so here goes: My Gl2 is only a couple of months old, from reading this forum, I now know it's not advisable to switch tape . I started with fuji, (used about 6 tapes) then switched to Maxell (used another 6 tapes) Now that I know Fuji is the best, is it to late to switch back? Or is Maxell a great tape and I should just stay with it? I got a good deal on a case of maxells. But I don't mind eating it. Secondly, Do video heads become magnetized? Is that why we're suppose to clean the heads with a dry tape cleaner every 20 or so hours? Some people say the head gets scratched everytime you use the head cleaner. I don't want to keep scratching it. How about using a high professional grade wet solvent and carefully clean them that way. Similar like I do to my audio gear. Do you have to use the dry head cleaner? I really believe in properly maintaining my gear, I'm not trying to get out of running the head cleaner, just looking for some advise.

April 27th, 2003, 12:50 PM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I don't know of any mini DV wetting cleaning tapes (systems?). Manufactures recommend dry cleaning, it's generally thought to be safer. People had a habit of using too much liquid and causing damage from excessive liquid. Your heads are getting worn (scratched as you would say) every time you record, playback, rewind, fast forward etc. The use of a dry cleaning tape when used according to the camera manufactures and cleaning tape instructions are very safe. They will not cause excessive wear unless used excessively.. The key is to follow the directions. Modern video heads do not become magnetized. Tape head demagnetizers are not recommended for mini DV cameras. If you are having no problems with the Maxell tapes, I see no reason to switch. At the very least I see no reason to waste a box of tapes. Finish the box, run a head cleaner according to the directions and switch. If you're really worried, have the whole tape path and video heads cleaned professionally by Canon. Continued use of the Maxell's will not harm your heads. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

April 27th, 2003, 01:00 PM	#4
R.J. Paradee Registration incomplete-contact admin. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Posts: 23	tapes and head cleaners Thanks Jeff! Just what I needed to hear. I'll go thru this box, clean the heads and switch to fuji. Does anal-retentive have a hyphen? I love my new Gl2 so much, I just want to give it the tender luvin care it deserves...

April 27th, 2003, 12:59 PM	#3
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	What Jeff said, is very much what is recommended. However, I have also heard that "occassionaly" switching tape brands isn't too bad, if you use your head cleaner before and after. The problem with switching tapes, is due to different types of lubricants used. This will gum up your mechanisms.

April 27th, 2003, 01:03 PM	#5
R.J. Paradee Registration incomplete-contact admin. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Posts: 23	Thanks Keith. You guys are great! It was the lubricants I was concerned about. I'm good to go!

April 27th, 2003, 05:36 PM	#6
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Here's some tape info plus further tape links: http://www.dvfreak.com/tape.htm

April 27th, 2003, 06:29 PM	#7
R.J. Paradee Registration incomplete-contact admin. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Posts: 23	Thanks Frank, Great article. Much Appreciated.