Bringing Camera in for Service

Daygola814

Well-known member
I called this store (they are certified by Panasonic to service and repair) and I explained the problem with my DVX to the guy there and he told me I might have to replace the pinch rollers on my camera. I only have 60something hours on it. I just want to check with people here because after 60something hours, replacing the pinch rollers doesn't sound right. Definitely cleaning them... but not replacing them. Anyway, here's the problem. When I stop recording, sometimes I'll hear this sorta crunching noise like the motor is searching for something. It seems like it rewinds and fast forwards for a brief moment of time trying to find something. When I start recording again, I end up recording over the end section of what I already recorded. The thing is... it doesn't always happen. Last Sunday I shot and I didn't have any problems except once near the end of the shoot.
I bought the camera last May so I should still be under warranty. Does anyone have any advice for me or advice as to what to look out for so that 1. I do not get ripped off for servicing and 2. I might have a better understanding as to what is wrong.
Thanks in advance,
Paul
 
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess that it always happens when you're shooting hand held, right? If that's the case, then it's probably a case of the tape door sensor thinking that you've opened it. Try shooting with your left hand supporting most of the camera's weight and see if it helps.
 
I never realized it but yeah, it has ALWAYS happened when shooting handheld.... the thing is on Sunday, I did it hand held as well but the shoot was a lot more physical since it was an action scene. There was a lot more running and at one point I had to fall to the ground with the camera in my hand. But I did not experience any problem until the 2nd to last shot. Do you think tilting the camera (making the tape door face downward) is causing it or just the fact that there's pressure on the tape door?
Thanks!
-Paul
 
You're not alone with this problem. I've heard a few people talk about this. I think it's a case of your right hand actually causing the top of the tape door to pull away from the closed position ever so slightly. This triggers the sensor to reload the tape, as it thinks you've just put a tape in. Supporting the camera more with the left hand could help avoid the problem.
 
wow

wow

This board is amazing. Thanks! I really appreciate the help. I still should probably clean the heads and tape transport though. Anyways, I'll test it out and see if there are any more problems. Thanks again! :thumbsup:
-Paul
 
By the way, the fact that you sorta "knew" I was shooting handheld amazes me. haha I love this board.
Thanks again!
 
If you dropped the camera you might have a popped connector inside. Common problem, but it requires to open the camera and reseat the connector properly. Do not try it at home, if the problem persists, get a service centre to check it. The pinch roller solution is silly, I don't even know how a pinch roller looks like for a DVX camera, we haven't changed one yet.
 
I've never dropped the camera (thank God). But with that said, I stupidly do not own a case for the camera. Now that you say that... I'm probably gonna order one tonight. I do transport this camera a lot after all.... As for the pinch roller solution.. I was a bit confused myself because that just didn't sound correct. If anything, I thought it would be the motor if anything. Thanks for the reply. If the problem persists, I'll bring it in. I'm just skeptical about bringing it to the place I called though... haha.
Thanks!
-Paul
 
very good info on this thread!! somethign i wil pay attention to down the road!! i usually shoot sticks, gear head or flying it.. i rarely handheld... but this is great advice....
 
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