GL2 chewing up tape? at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XL and GL Series DV Camcorders > Canon GL Series DV Camcorders
Register FAQ Today's Posts Buyer's Guides

Canon GL Series DV Camcorders
Canon GL2, GL1 and PAL versions XM2, XM1.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old March 9th, 2005, 10:02 PM   #1
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 166
GL2 chewing up tape?

Hi, I have a GL2 that's chewing up and spitting out tape IMMEDIATELY.

Basically, I've been using Panasonic Pro Quality tapes for awhile, and then was forced to use the regular consumer grade Panasonic tapes for a couple of shoots. Still worked fine though.

Then I was forced in a pinch to use Sony tapes (the red trim ones). This illicited a check the tape response/warning flashing on the screen. The result? I ejected the tape only two find the tape mangled with the actual ribbons inside splayed about.

Fine, I ran my tape head cleaner, standard procedure. Still, same problem. Keeps on spitting out these Sony tapes little shop of horrors style.

Ok, so I swtich back to the consumer Panasonic tapes again on the next shoot, and all is fine again.

I get back, re-run the tape head cleaner. Go off and shoot my sister's wedding with my normal stock of Pro Quality tapes.

Fine, no problems.

Now, when I get back. I'm forced to use the the consumer Panasonic tapes again. Now, this one gets the chewed up and spit out treatment.

Plop in an extra Pro Quality tape I have lying around, fine, no problems.

My camera does not have excessive wear on it, so this is a bit disconcerting.

Again, no problems using Panasonic PQ tapes whatsoever.

Is this because Panasonic PQ tapes are dry lube, while Sony and the Panasonic consumer version are wet?

How would I get this problem fixed? How much would it cost to get fixed? And what exactly do you think is the problem? Like I said, it's not really a problem for me as long as I make sure to use my stock of PQ tapes; BUT, I do plan on selling my GL2 within the next few months so you can see why I don't really want to send it into Canon for servicing.
Eugene Kim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 9th, 2005, 10:07 PM   #2
Retired DV Info Net Almunus
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 6,943
You need to send the camera to Canon service. It has nothing to do with your tapes. Nobody here can help, nor is this a problem you will be able to repair for yourself. The tape transport needs to be replaced or adjusted.
__________________
Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission.

Hey, you don't have enough stuff!
Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really!

See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com
Ken Tanaka is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 11th, 2005, 05:44 PM   #3
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Indiana
Posts: 37
Of my 7 GL2s, 3 have been sent to the factory for exactly the same issue. This is a long-known issue with the tape transport. Let me suggest that you never use the camera to rewind tapes. Invest in a $15 rewinder found on ebay or elsewhere.
Hank Freeman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 11th, 2005, 08:28 PM   #4
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 166
Thanks for the response. I rarely use the GL2 to rewind though I have done it before in a pinch. I already have a tape rewinder, fast forwarder.

With that said, how much did Canon charge you to fix this problem?

Thanks.
Eugene Kim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 12th, 2005, 01:47 PM   #5
New Boot
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Rochester, MN
Posts: 21
400$
__________________
Chris Dornack@hotmail.com
Chris Dornack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 12th, 2005, 05:09 PM   #6
Trustee
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Deep South, U.S.
Posts: 1,526
Welcome to the world of Canon. Get image, not so great tape mechanism. I sent my GL-1 back for this same problem 2 times and tape alignment issues three times. Now I have a DVC-30. No problems.

Regards,

Mark
Mark Williams is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XL and GL Series DV Camcorders > Canon GL Series DV Camcorders


 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:45 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network