Jon, "cleaning frequently" is relative. Why clean the heads if they don't need it?

The "wet type cleaning" that's referring to is cleaning systems that use "liquid from a bottle--a solvent" as part of the cleaning process. I've seen these and would never suggest such a system for a video camera. The Sony, JVC, and Panasonic cleaning tapes are "dry" because no fluids are used in the process.

Jay

Jay,

You are, in fact, the MAN.

Or at least someone I can blame if the JVC Cleaning Tape gunks up my XL2. ; )

Thanks Jay,
I was actually just quoting from the manual - as an earlier post asked where it was stated thusly in the manual. Sorry you didn't catch that.

I agree that 'frequently' is certainly a relative term - It is unfortuanate that the manual and other Canon resources don't tend to elaborate on such details.

As far actual relative need of cleansing, there are numeous posts and threads throughout the forum that offer more insightful information.
-Jon

Do you hit play or record when you use the cleaning tape?

You hit "Record" to clean the recording heads.

Jay

What? The Canon cleaning tape instructions says clearly: "Press the PLAY button ..."

The record button magnetizes (i.e., records on) the tape, and can't see any reason how that would improve the cleaning effect.

I've told this before, but a friend of mine borrowed (back in 1998) my XL1 and recorded the whole cleaning tape at once for he thought it was an ordinary tape. I was bit nervous whether the video heads were damaged, but the camcorder is still working just fine although the nominal 1500 hours of the heads have already been exceeded some time ago. (The Canon maintenance told once that the video heads last about 1500 hours.)

Thanks Lauri! we need to feel we're getting the right info here. I thought it was the Play button..... thanks for jogging my memory.

Lucinda

I stand corrected!

Jay

I had no idea that there was a dry and wet head cleaner tape option available. Good info. I will check the Panasonic web site for my DVX-100A or make a call to them.

I encourage all of us to use these resources. We "paid" for them when we bought their equipment. Yes?

Many happy shoots,

Stephanie