Mini DV head cleaning - Where?

Madman · 2nd May 2008

Hi all,

Have a Panasonic GS150 Mini DV video cam....

Suspect having problems with dirty head...

Cleaned many times already using tape head cleaner from Panasonic, but when playback, camera still showing snow most of the time.

Only once in a while (a few seconds), the actual recording shows.

Am I having a dirty head? Or is the head dead?

Any suggestions for cleaning? Any suggestions on where I can bring the cam for servicing?

Hope someone can help...

Larry

Madman · 3rd May 2008

Anyone?

jaegersing · 3rd May 2008

Hi madman. Just a couple of basic things to check.

First, rewind the cleaning tape before using it, in case it has already reached the end (it's quite short).

Second, use a new tape to shoot some test footage.

If still no good, you should take the cam for servicing.

daxdigital · 12th May 2008

If problems persist, maybe it's high time you get it to the service shop for a check-up (and possibly a costly head replacement!)

ywh · 4th June 2008

Madman,

I differ from Jaegersing's opinion (no offence Richard) but cleaning tapes should never be reused. If the tape has been used to the end, use a new one. In your case, I would send the camera to Panasonic to see what they can do. To avoid such problems in the future, just makek sure that you use the same tapes (same brand and type) in the camera.

I use Panasonic AMQ tapes only and they are good. You can choose the cheaper grades, just dun mix brands. My cleaning tapes are also Panasonic.

khtee · 4th June 2008

I have similar problem as you or even worst. The LCD playback display is totally snowing. Initially thought that the recording and reading heads giving problem. But I needed it the next day so I try using the cleaning tapes for at least 4-6 times and you know what..... the video playback is back. I suspect I have left it out of the dry cabinet for a few months.... and the heads get oxidised. The best is send to panasonic for servicing and cleaning.

oriki · 13th April 2009

sorie folks for bringing up an old thread..
any idea how much does the head cleaner cost?
or how much will replacing the recording head cost?

mine is JVC.. overall the camera is still good cos seldom use.

thanks in advance.

jaegersing · 13th April 2009

Originally Posted by oriki

sorie folks for bringing up an old thread..
any idea how much does the head cleaner cost?
or how much will replacing the recording head cost?

mine is JVC.. overall the camera is still good cos seldom use.

thanks in advance.

I bought a Panasonic cleaning tape at Mustapha a few weeks ago for $5. Great value considering the electronics shop at Changi airport is selling the same tape for $26.

oriki · 21st May 2009

Originally Posted by jaegersing

I bought a Panasonic cleaning tape at Mustapha a few weeks ago for $5. Great value considering the electronics shop at Changi airport is selling the same tape for $26.

hey thanks for replying!
will head down there soon.
thanks again!

2nd May 2008	#1
Madman Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 141	Mini DV head cleaning - Where? Hi all, Have a Panasonic GS150 Mini DV video cam.... Suspect having problems with dirty head... Cleaned many times already using tape head cleaner from Panasonic, but when playback, camera still showing snow most of the time. Only once in a while (a few seconds), the actual recording shows. Am I having a dirty head? Or is the head dead? Any suggestions for cleaning? Any suggestions on where I can bring the cam for servicing? Hope someone can help... Larry

3rd May 2008	#2
Madman Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 141	Re: Mini DV head cleaning - Where? Anyone?

3rd May 2008	#3
jaegersing Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,135	Re: Mini DV head cleaning - Where? Hi madman. Just a couple of basic things to check. First, rewind the cleaning tape before using it, in case it has already reached the end (it's quite short). Second, use a new tape to shoot some test footage. If still no good, you should take the cam for servicing.

12th May 2008	#4
daxdigital Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 70	Re: Mini DV head cleaning - Where? If problems persist, maybe it's high time you get it to the service shop for a check-up (and possibly a costly head replacement!)

4th June 2008	#5
ywh Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: West Posts: 224	Re: Mini DV head cleaning - Where? Madman, I differ from Jaegersing's opinion (no offence Richard) but cleaning tapes should never be reused. If the tape has been used to the end, use a new one. In your case, I would send the camera to Panasonic to see what they can do. To avoid such problems in the future, just makek sure that you use the same tapes (same brand and type) in the camera. I use Panasonic AMQ tapes only and they are good. You can choose the cheaper grades, just dun mix brands. My cleaning tapes are also Panasonic.

4th June 2008	#6
khtee Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 218	Re: Mini DV head cleaning - Where? I have similar problem as you or even worst. The LCD playback display is totally snowing. Initially thought that the recording and reading heads giving problem. But I needed it the next day so I try using the cleaning tapes for at least 4-6 times and you know what..... the video playback is back. I suspect I have left it out of the dry cabinet for a few months.... and the heads get oxidised. The best is send to panasonic for servicing and cleaning.

13th April 2009	#7
oriki Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 51	Re: Mini DV head cleaning - Where? sorie folks for bringing up an old thread.. any idea how much does the head cleaner cost? or how much will replacing the recording head cost? mine is JVC.. overall the camera is still good cos seldom use. thanks in advance.