Same tape different decks? at DVinfo.net

Rick Jimenez · January 22nd, 2004, 02:29 PM

I've heard over and over to only use the same brand of tape in your camera to prevent head clogging. My question: if I take the tape from my camera and play it in someone else's deck can the tape itself get "contaminated"?

My situtation: I take some of my tapes to school where the students use whatever brand of tape they prefer, so the decks being used are fed every tape out there. Is it possible that I can damage my camera if i put the tape back in it after it has been in the "public" deck?

Thanks for any info.

Ken Tanaka · January 26th, 2004, 10:39 PM

Rick,
I'm not sure that anyone really knows with certainty. It's logical that if there's contamination (accumulated gook) on a deck's heads some of it might become deposited on the tape. However, because the tape is the element in motion I would imagine that it's far more likely that the tape would contaminate the heads.

But, again, I just do not know. Just speculating.

January 22nd, 2004, 02:29 PM	#1
Rick Jimenez New Boot Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 8	Same tape different decks? I've heard over and over to only use the same brand of tape in your camera to prevent head clogging. My question: if I take the tape from my camera and play it in someone else's deck can the tape itself get "contaminated"? My situtation: I take some of my tapes to school where the students use whatever brand of tape they prefer, so the decks being used are fed every tape out there. Is it possible that I can damage my camera if i put the tape back in it after it has been in the "public" deck? Thanks for any info.

January 26th, 2004, 10:39 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Rick, I'm not sure that anyone really knows with certainty. It's logical that if there's contamination (accumulated gook) on a deck's heads some of it might become deposited on the tape. However, because the tape is the element in motion I would imagine that it's far more likely that the tape would contaminate the heads. But, again, I just do not know. Just speculating. __________________ 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