Is it okay to use permanent marker straight on Mini DV tape exterior, as an alternative to applying the stickers and writing on them - or is there a danger that the chemicals in the marker may cause problems when inserted into camera shortly afterwards?

Why would you want to do it though?

they're cam originals for a feature length film... it's more permanent... I'm only fishing to see if it matters either way

anyone?

112 hits, no thoughts? Too stupid a question??

Apparently no one has thought of doing this, except you. Be a pioneer and try it. Then you can report your findings and we'll all know if we should be so bold. Myself, I'll stick to the label method (it's never failed me in 25+ years) until someone bold and adventuresome like yourself, posts about an alternative.

Graham.

You live in a climate that is rather on the cool side, compared to others. I would be some what hesitant to do it in a very warm to hot enviorment, due to the fumes that markers put out. Put the marker close to your nose and you will smell the ink. Some of those marker pens have ink containing acetone. The stuff just loves to eat acetate. Think about that in a closed container such as a camera transport. I couldn't say that damage would be done. But, why take the chance.

Thanks Robert. It's Tokyo I'm shooting in - I'll avoid it, I think.

When we take a virgin tape out of the wrapper and stick it in a camera (even to stripe) we write the date on it on the clear window with a sharpie (brand) permanent marker so that we can see their age. - We recycle tapes so we change the stickers around but always have the mark of the age of the tape. We have never had any problems from it, we do this on both MiniDV and SVHS. We are a small TV station in Juneau, Alaska.

I personally mark all my tapes with a 3 digit ID number scratched into the window with a knife and written in red on a dab of whiteout on the spine next to the record tab. And i'v never had any problems as a result either.

Never actually gave it any thought wether it woudl have any adverse effects. definaly a good question.. hmmm..

- Mikko

thanks for your reply. I'm not going to do it as there is slight risk.

I've been using sharpies on DV tapes since the VX1000 came out. I've never had a problem.