How To Eject Tape from a Dead GL1
 

I'm needing to eject a tape from my GL1 that just died. Wondering if anyone has a suggestion on how to get the tape out.

Around the record button there is a switch that will put the camera into standby mode, even if the main power is turned on. Try flipping this switch to the other position.

Well, that's a given but I have a suspicion that it's one of the three fuses inside the unit that isn't user accessable. But also, what my have caused the fuse to blow if in fact it is a fuse. Not too many people work on these cameras besides Canon Factory Service.., But thanks for your suggestion.

The backup battery is an internal rechargeable, not user replaceable, and it mainly stores settings and date/time. Not likely to cause the camcorder not to power on.

Most common cause is the Standby/Lock level position, but you said that you have already checked that issue.

Alternatives include the power switch operation/position or something preventing good battery contact.

Blown fuse is for protection of circuits in the camcorder, and possible causes include an over current caused by a short, component failure, or an improper connection of a power source to the camcorder (wrong voltage, wrong polarity, etc.) But that covers wide range of things and is of little help to yor problem.

And yet that is your single best option to take, short of replacing the camera.

tape removal
 

you have to take the cassette cover off and on the chassis in the lower right corner there is a post kinda looks like a battery with the sticker removed it is called the capstan motor. There are two pieces of solder on top you have to apply power to them and then the tape will come out, just be careful because the ribon will not go back in you will have to do that by hand.

Just get a bigger hammer

ken