Poll: Does your GL2 make a lot of noise when loading/unloading tapes?
 

I took a look at a used GL2 and really liked it, in fact LOVED the couple of minutes of low light video I got to shoot with it.

The only thing is, while it was very quiet when recording and playing, it made a lot of loud whining electric motor/servo/gear noises when loading and unloading tapes, and also when I'd rewind a tape (only when I first pressed rewind, once it actually started rewinding the tape the noise was gone). The noise was much louder then the rest of the operating noise, and at first I thought it was the sound of electronic death, but everything performed flawlessly and the owner said that it's the normal noise for GL2's and it's been like then since new. It's the only GL2 that I've ever used so I can't compare to another one.

I did a search here and found several threads about this noise so I'm thinking that maybe the owner is right and I shouldn't be worried. I'm hoping some GL2 owners could chime in here on whether they have THE NOISE or not.

Thanks,
Michael

If you can, go to a camera store that carries it and let the sales person show you how the camera loads unloads tape. If the same noise then OK. I just never paid attention to that part for I have not been in a situation where it was a problem.
Yours,
Tom

I was in Brandsmart last night, they have a GL2 on display, but of course it didn't have any power. I might see if I can borrow a battery and go back to Brandsmart to test the display.

Mine is noisey while loading/unloading tapes and makes the sound you described. I think it's normal.

Yeah mine does too, no big deal.

Gl2 noise
 

Yes, Mine is very noisy when loading/unloading tape and rewinding etc...
Glad it's normal...
Len

noise
 

Yes, mine too is bit noisy! I got used to it now!

All 3 of my old GL2s were noisy when loading and unloading...big difference from the Sonys which are quiet in this regard.

Most tape mechanisms are noisy anyway, but the GL2 is quite bad on that, although it's something that never bothered me.

My GL2 is noisy when it comes to any tape operation except play/record.

XL-2 Noise upon powering up
 

I just un-packed my new XL-2 and when I turn it on, there's a noise in the lens housing - is this normal? The first camera I bought did the same thing and they, canon, sent a new one to no avail. I'm new to the community, looking for the posting icon.

Sorry to change the subject.

SH

Janssen Herr
 

Yes my XM2 makes a fair bit of noise when loading-unloading a tape. But not much more than any other mini-DV camera which I have used- VX 1000, VX 2000, XL2.

www.janssen.herr.com

Thanks guys, I guess it does look like it's a normal issue with the GL2/XM2. I really don't mind the noise, I just wanted to be sure that it wasn't a sign of impending faliure.

I have just replaced an old XM1 whose zoom control had died for the second time with a new XM2.

The new machine has a tape transport which is obviously far more robust. It is a lot noisier when loading or unloading tapes, but a lot quiter when the tape transport is running - particularly so on fast rewind.

Tape loading is also quicker, as is switching from standby.

I was told by the supplier (a chain of shops) that Canon recently recalled all XM2s that they had in stock and replaced them with new stock.

Same with my XM2. Noisy when (un)loading the tape.

(It is exactly the same as with my old Canon MV550i)

I got to play with a display GL2 in a store tonight that actually had power and confimed that it made the same exact loud noise when loading and unloading tapes so it really does look like a family trait. Like I said, I don't mind the noise as long as it doesn't mean a breakdown is on the way so I'm happy.

all my canon camcorders are a bit noisey while loading and unloading tapes. compare this to the sony hdv fx1 its the same.

I hate to tally in late but... I hate the noise the GL 2 makes also, wait until it is at a point when you need to change tape and it is real still. Everyone and everything will hear you. Bad in a church or outdoors viewing wildlife. Always start witha full tape. Not all Canon cameras make this noise my ZR200 makes little or no noise.

My XL1s makes a noise in the lens when powering up also. If you take the lens off and try and look through it like a 35mm, you'll see that you can't. I think Canon built this in to protect the CCDs when the camera is off. The noise, I believe, is the mechanical "shutter" that's blocking the lens.

Anyway, back on topic, all Canon cameras I've ever used has really noisy tape mechanisms. A while back a friend of mine had the Elura series with a very noisy tape, I have the XL1s with a noisy tape, and I know someone with an XL2 that sounds the same.

My Sony VX2100 is much quieter in that regard