I just purchased my xl1s and have had it for about a couple of days. Now I have started to upload some old footage taken with a sony trv900 to edit on my G4, however I find that when I rewind or fast forward it eats the tape.
"Eject Tape" appears in the viewfinder and when I eject there is a bunch of tangled tape to pull out from the mech.
Here are my questions:
1/ is this a typical problem with xl1s
2/ can this be fixed without me sending it anywhere
3/ are there generally any problems using tapes previously used on other
camcorders
Thank you guys for all your help.

Just wanted to add my .02 which isn't much help. But I actually have found with my new XL1s that the panasonic tape I first put in got eaten as well. It only happened so far with the first tape. I'm going to stick with Fuji from now on and see how that goes.

I just checked all my tapes and I have 4 maxells and 1 panasonic. Go figure. did you have any tapes that didnt eat up? and were they tapes used in another camcorder?

The first bunch of tapes I used in my xl1s were 5 panasonic, 2 maxell & 3 sony; in that order. (I was ignorant to the problems with different lubricants.)
I had no problems with any being chewed up.

<<<-- Originally posted by aonikoyi : I just checked all my tapes and I have 4 maxells and 1 panasonic. Go figure. did you have any tapes that didnt eat up? and were they tapes used in another camcorder? -->>>

All my tapes are brand new and only used in the XL1s. I don't reuse really. But it has so far only happened with the one Panasonic tape I used.

I now use Fuji which I got from www.tapeguys.com for about $5 shipped each. No problems so far.

I just got my XL1s, so far to problem. I am using Panasonic AY-DVM-63PQ I read where this is the best, also that Fuji makes Panasonic Tapes. Is this true?

Fuji and Panasonic worked together to develope the DVCPro (MP) formulation tape. But I have not heard that the their MiniDV tape rolls from the same plant, although it is possible that they might share production facilities. Cooperative agreements like that are probably more common in Japan than in the US.

Thanks for the feed back.
The Question I wish to ask is. Those XL1s users who had their tapes eaten, was it 80 min or 60 min tapes that were being used? My reasoning is that just like a casset tape deck, will more easily eat a 90 min tape than a 60 min so is the similarity, thinner tape etc. Plus the XL1 FF/Rew time for 60 min tape is 2 min 50 sec vs. XL1s of 2 min 20 sec.
Could that 30 sec. faster have somthing to do with it. If so Canon did a poor job at factory testing.
I would not like to do a shoot and find that 80 min of hard work, that I may not be able to recapture is all lost. So before I launch out into the hills of Jamaica I would like to be sure if I should use 60 min tapes only, untill Canon comes up with a solution. Or ????
I am open for suggestions.

Peace & Love

I was beginning to think I was getting senile. I began to capture some video that had been shot in my GL1, when my brand-new XL1s started eating tapes. I tried several others, and it did the same thing. Two tapes were JVC, and one was a TDK. Friday, I took it into Canon Factory Service, and when I picked it up today, the "Service Report" said:
Repaired unit. Replaced brake ass'y. Perf. cam., rec and tapepath adj. Chk. all fns. to fact. specs.

A friend of mine on Maui, has a new XL1s that's doing the same thing. It appears that some of these units were shipped with defective brake assemblies. I haven't tested mine out since I got it back, but I'll keep you posted.

Marv Frankel
Los Angeles

This sounds like there is a problem. Canon did change the tape drive system on the XL1S. I wonder if this is the problem.

Michael Pappas



<<<-- Originally posted by aonikoyi : I just purchased my xl1s and have had it for about a couple of days. Now I have started to upload some old footage taken with a sony trv900 to edit on my G4, however I find that when I rewind or fast forward it eats the tape.
"Eject Tape" appears in the viewfinder and when I eject there is a bunch of tangled tape to pull out from the mech.
Here are my questions:
1/ is this a typical problem with xl1s
2/ can this be fixed without me sending it anywhere
3/ are there generally any problems using tapes previously used on other
camcorders
Thank you guys for all your help. -->>>

I would encourage some more opinions on the XL1s new tape drive "problem" and if there is a general consesus then we should use the strength of this forum (The XL1/XL1S Watchdog) and approach Canon.
I am sure they will respond positively.
Its great to be able to deal with issues which affect us as DV users, yet scattered across the globe. Thanks to this wonderful forum. Thank You DVinfo.net

I tested out my newly repaired XL1s last night, and it captures, fast forwards, & rewinds with no problem. Today I'll go out and shoot some video, and check it out further. Let you all know later.
My friend on Maui has had no problem taping, but it eats his tapes on rewind. He's sending his to Canon for the same treatment as mine got.

Thank you guys so much for responding to me. Its nice to know others who have the same problems you have. Looks like I will have to send my camera in for service. Here is were lies my question. With the camera eating tape does that mean I dont have to include the lens with the camera body? Plus what are the things to know when shipping your camera for service and 3. what service center do you send it to. and oh! yeah how long does it take, I have a shoot on the 17th of november

Howdy from Texas,

Service center info is on the XL1 Watchdog site, see "The XL1 Skinny." Since you're in GA, Use the NJ facility. Contact info is on that page.

There are two factory service centers that I know of. One here in Southern California, and I believe the other is in New Jersey. If you want the answers to your questions, send an e-mail to Kelly Amado who was a big help to me here. His e-mail is KAMADO@CUSA.CANON.COM, and his phone number is (949) 753-4200 Ext 4210. You can mention that I gave you this info.
If your XL1s is doing what my friend's is, it only eats tapes on rewind, and not while taping. You could do your shoot, and rewind on another camcorder. Although it only took them 2 days to fix mine, I don't know if I would take a chance sending it in, without some assurance that you'd get it back on time for your shoot.
I hope that helps.

Howdy from Texas,

<< There are two factory service centers that I know of. >>

As I said above, full contact info for both Canon USA service centers, including addresses and phone numbers, is on the page called "The XL1 Skinny" on the XL1 Watchdog at www.dvinfo.net

Thanks for the lead on Kelly Amado.

Canon USA service center In New Jersey.
732 521-7007

Well I'm going home and rewinding a few tapes. I have a dv film starting in Jan and now would be a much better time to have to put it in the shop if there is a problem. Thanks for the heads up!

<<<-- Originally posted by MrGranger : Well I'm going home and rewinding a few tapes. -->>>

They were eaten. Too bad when I get Canon to fix my camera they won't throw in a few miniDV tapes. Well tomorrow I call. I'm very glad I found this out now.

I've been following this thread with interest as my new XL1S should arrive any day now. This will be one of the first things checked and it will be a real bummer if the camera has to be sent in for repair before I even get to use it. I will post my findings as soon as possible.

Ed

I have my XL1 now for months and shot like 15 weddings.
Mine has not eating any tapes and I use just Sony Excellence tapes. B&H say this is the best tape out. I would not use no more than a 60 min tape cuz as you use a longer tape the thiner the tape will be.

Try Sony Excellence tapes and see if tape what is is.

Mark

Mark,
It might be possible, but I really doubt that the brand of tape is the problem here. When I got my XL1s back from Canon, it worked like a charm with the same brand of tapes I had been using. Also, my friend Doc Del on Maui, who has been using the best tapes available in his older XL1 for several years, experienced the same problem with his new XL1s, which he bought within a week of mine. I would think that there would have been some mention by Canon, in their Service Report, of what tapes to use, but since they replaced the brake assembly, and adjusted all functions back to factory specs, it now works just fine. I have to believe this is more than just coincidence, but if the problem crops up again, I'm more than willing to try a different brand of tape. I have been using TDK 60-minute tapes, which record 90 minutes in the LP mode.

<<<-- Originally posted by RockFord : I have my XL1 now for months and shot like 15 weddings. -->>>

You say you've had yours for months and it's a XL1. I think the majority of people have XL1s or other new models. The new version of the Optura also seems to be doing the same thing. I think it's a new part that is doing the eating. It's definitely not the tapes as I lost a Sony, Panasonic, and Fuji all in my testings. I had to be sure I could duplicate the problem.

Guys,
I thought you'd like an update on my "tape eating saga". I captured several videos from my XL1s today, the longest being 1 hr 27 minutes, wound and rewound these tapes, and it didn't miss a beat. These were not new tapes, but had been run through my GL1 quite a number of times. I think Canon solved the problem, although I'm still waiting to hear from them, as to the exact cause. Even though I was a little concerned at first, their fast response alleviated my fears.

I am so happy to know every thing is goin well now Marv. I too am intrested in what Canon has to say. I think the consumers deserve a report. Who will write to Canon on this matter? It has to be some one that had the problem, Marv I suggest you take up the case.

Best regards

Talked with a rep at the Irvine office yesterday. It appeared that he just recently was made aware that there could be a problem. They are looking into it was the answer. So far they had gotten a few cameras back this month so it was something they are aware of. But he said he didn't know the cause but it was being investigated. Could be a bad part that gets broke in shipping, a defect, or design flaw. Whatever it is they repair it VERY fast. They fixed my camera today! Fast service and very friendly so I am extremely happy. Still need to test it out...great chance this weekend. But I was happy with the response.

I have had this issue myself of late, particularly when rewinding or cueing the tape. It's been an ongoing problem for several months, but recently the severity has increased to the point where I've had to ship it off to Canon USA for service.

In speaking with the XL-1 Owner's Club guys (who were EXTREMELY gracious and helpful, even if it did take three weeks and four calls to get a box sent out), they've told me to be sure and tell Canon that this has been an ongoing problem...they may go ahead and consider it a warranty repair, even though my camera is almost 14 months old. I sure hope so...

I'll keep you posted- this appears to be a fairly common issue.

. . . this appears to be a fairly common issue.

I don't think this is a common problem at all. You resurrected an almost 2 year old thread. If it were such a common problem we'd see much more frequent or current thread. Also, the thread is about new cameras and as you stated, yours is 14 months old.

Let's hope Canon can solve your issue and do it in a fair and equitable manner, considering the ongoing nature of your problem. Good luck and keep us posted.

In the almost 2 years of using my XL-1s, I have not experienced a single jam, using the Sony tapes. No problem in any season.

Might I suggest that condensation is a possibility in some of the cases posted.

Don't look for a "dew" light. They do not always detect the moisture. Just make sure that the equipment is equalized to the indoor/outdoor temperatures that you will be operating in, for @ 2 hours.

<<<-- Originally posted by Robert J. Wolff : In the almost 2 years of using my XL-1s, I have not experienced a single jam, using the Sony tapes. No problem in any season.
-->>>

This was a problem with the first batch of XL-1s. Corrected in later versions quickly. And as I did, if you return it to Canon they replace the tape threading and it's fine. But it was a problem in those first models. If you've got an older model XL-1s then all you have to do to check is rewind a couple tapes. They would be eaten right away. It took me only two to notice the problem.

Been fine ever since. I love my XL-1s. Have done about 13 short films with it plus many, many other spots. Can't wait to gear up for the feature. Best $$ I've spent.

MrG

I looked up this old thread because my second XL1s just started eating tapes tonight (during rewind). The conditions surrounding my cameras do not support some of the theories I've read, not that it matters, but here they are, for any statskeepers out there:

First camera purchased on 8-31-2001. It's been the workhorse and hasn't had this problem yet. *knock on wood*

The second one was purchased 1-7-2002. It sees medium action--enough that this problem could have shown up a long time ago.

I've used nothing but Sony premium tapes, and live in a dry climate. I'm thinking there's no rhyme or reason--that it just happens to some and not others.

Off to Canon repair it goes! I'm not giving it a chance to tick me off again.

BTW, any chance of salvaging the tape? It's crumpled around the 30 minute mark (60m tape) and the stuff I want is near the beginning. Home repair, take it somewhere, or toss it?

Got my XL1-S back from Canon today. According to the service order-

"Replaced slide chassis assy, idler gear, drive gear assy., performed tape bath adjustment, cleaned head, tape path checked, all GWO."

All that plus my yearly maintenance wound up being $273.73, and I got it back in 5 buisness days. Not too shabby for being out of warranty.

As for the damaged tape...you CAN salvage the footage. Flip the tape upside down, pop open the top, make sure you stick something in the little indentation in the middle (so the tape moves freely) and, using a pencil, rewind the tape far enough that the damaged section won't go through the heads on the camera when you insert it, and you should be able to get any footage at the beginning of the tape back without much difficulty. Just make sure you don't try and play the damaged part again.

BTW- Even while it was eating tapes, I found that when I used Panasonic Master AY-DVM63MQs, I had no problem. That's the only thing I'll ever feed it from now on...

Not bad! Considering a general cleaning/service cost me $252.00 last month, that's not bad at all.

Thanks for the tip on rewinding my damaged tape. I'll give it a try.

Hi folks, sad times. My new XL1S, which could aptly be named "Jaws," also has a voracious appetite for tape. Sadly, in post production it chomped its teeth into master footage for a DV drama-film for which I am now currently out of funding. And here I thought I was sitting high and dry with all of the principal photography completed! The digested tapes are 60 min. pro Panasonic, and are the only brand of tapes run through the camera. In fact, only 12 tapes were ever used in the camera. The problem occured about 4 seconds into rewind function. Like the experience of others, an EJECT, REMOVE TAPE signal came up and upon ejection I discovered a stream of master video ticker tape. I've sent the camera off to Canon but am feeling very blue. This is not the first problem I've had with the camera. I've also had great difficulty with the lens with respect to focusing. The usual system of zooming in, adjusting focus and slowly widening out yields a slip in focus. Canon suggested I clean the contact points between the lens and the body of the camera, which I did, but to no avail. So, I'm lamenting my purchase and hope that when the camera returns the Cold War will be over. P.S. on a brighter note, I thank you all for your insights, experiences and comments in the various threads. I've learned so much and feel connected to a collection of very special people. Cheers.

Martha, clean the heads once or twice and give Fuji a try. If your cam still has an appetite, time to take it in for an inspection.

All the people I know with XL1 cams and who use Fuji, don't have any problems.

Hi Martha,

Sorry about your experience with the tape. I share your "blues" because my second XL1s just seems to be problem prone. It hasn't eaten any more tapes--yet, but ruins footage sometimes, even though it's been to Canon repair recently. I never use it on event (one take) shoots anymore.

As for the drift in focus, it wasn't until I'd been hanging around this forum for nearly two years that I read about the stock lens being pretty much useless. I'm still saving up for a manual lens.

Best wishes for a problem-free completion of your film!

Frank,
Seems like you've been running an informal survey on camera-specific tapes for quite some time, so I trust your findings; think I'll experiment with my problem camera and switch it to Fuji. I'll be careful not to mix tape brands between the two cams. Thank you for the reminder. I'd switch both right now but just stocked up on Sony's and they seem to work fine with the one camera.