Canon A-1 Digital at DVinfo.net

Terry Lyons · April 3rd, 2004, 03:42 PM

Hi, I'm having problems with my camera. While shooting the video starts jumping in the monitor. On playback it jumps too, so is that a head problem? Should I send in for repair or is the cam worth it? Thanks......

P.S. I'm liking the excuse to upgrade although money seems to be a problem......... imagine that!

Ed Frazier · April 4th, 2004, 07:42 AM

Hi Terry,

I can't help with an answer, but I also have an A-1 and if you hear anything from Canon regarding repair costs or where to get it repaired, please post back. I haven't used mine for years, but it would be nice to have it in working order, although I'm not exactly sure what it would ever be used for. I suspect that the repair costs are more than what the camera is worth.

Chris Hurd · April 4th, 2004, 12:25 PM

Hi Terry,

Consumer Hi-8 camcorders such as the A1 have an expected "shelf life" of perhaps seven to ten years. Although they can last even longer, problems usually occur around that time. Leaking capacitors are typical culprits, along with worn-out tape transports. In 2004, an A1 is way beyond seven years past its date of discontinuance and therefore is no longer repairable by factory service. You'll have to resort to a private camcorder repair facility, and to be honest, the cost of repair will easily surpass an A1's current value.

The very first Hi-8 camcorder I ever shot with was the Canon A1. There is no real equivalent from Canon in the DV format, but either the Optura 20 at under $800 or the Optura Xi at under $1400 would be good replacements. Hope this helps,

Terry Lyons · April 6th, 2004, 05:12 PM

Thanks Guys, well I was trying to stay hopefull, but I was kinda figuring it wouldnt be worth it. I really enjoyed it, almost like an old dog but I guess its time to move on. Were going to NAB next week so maby the new xl2 will be there to look at. Thanks again TL

April 3rd, 2004, 03:42 PM	#1
Terry Lyons Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Alta Sierra Posts: 182	Canon A-1 Digital Hi, I'm having problems with my camera. While shooting the video starts jumping in the monitor. On playback it jumps too, so is that a head problem? Should I send in for repair or is the cam worth it? Thanks...... P.S. I'm liking the excuse to upgrade although money seems to be a problem......... imagine that! __________________ TAG

April 4th, 2004, 07:42 AM	#2
Ed Frazier Major Player Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 343	Hi Terry, I can't help with an answer, but I also have an A-1 and if you hear anything from Canon regarding repair costs or where to get it repaired, please post back. I haven't used mine for years, but it would be nice to have it in working order, although I'm not exactly sure what it would ever be used for. I suspect that the repair costs are more than what the camera is worth. __________________ Ed Frazier

April 4th, 2004, 12:25 PM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Hi Terry, Consumer Hi-8 camcorders such as the A1 have an expected "shelf life" of perhaps seven to ten years. Although they can last even longer, problems usually occur around that time. Leaking capacitors are typical culprits, along with worn-out tape transports. In 2004, an A1 is way beyond seven years past its date of discontinuance and therefore is no longer repairable by factory service. You'll have to resort to a private camcorder repair facility, and to be honest, the cost of repair will easily surpass an A1's current value. The very first Hi-8 camcorder I ever shot with was the Canon A1. There is no real equivalent from Canon in the DV format, but either the Optura 20 at under $800 or the Optura Xi at under $1400 would be good replacements. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

April 6th, 2004, 05:12 PM	#4
Terry Lyons Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Alta Sierra Posts: 182	Thanks Guys, well I was trying to stay hopefull, but I was kinda figuring it wouldnt be worth it. I really enjoyed it, almost like an old dog but I guess its time to move on. Were going to NAB next week so maby the new xl2 will be there to look at. Thanks again TL __________________ TAG