Changing Master Tapes

E

enrico

Well-known member
Currently, I'm using Panasonic Pro Master tapes (AY-DVM63AMQ), and I was originally told when I bought my DVX100B camera, that if I'm using those tapes, I shouldn't switch tapes, or else it could harm the camera's tape heads. Is this true?
I have to use someone else's (regular) tapes for editing now.
Does anybody really know if this is true, and what I should do?

Thanks.
 
if i'm not mistaken...i think it's not true (any thoughts guys? maybe i'm wrong) as far as i know as long as you're using the same brand you are safe. There are actually some other panasonic tapes which are made mainly for 3ccd camcorders you can also use those. Just stick to panasonic tapes to make sure.:cheesy:
 
different brands use different lubricants that can build up on your heads when using multiple tape brands. I'm not totally sure, but using different tapes from same brand should be fine. you can look up lubricant types on the manufacturer website, should be in the product info.

correct me if I'm mistaken, but if you are using your camera as a capture deck, you really shouldn't. in the least, get a cheapo mini dv camera.
 
I just picked up the footage for editing, and it's a Sony tape I'm exporting from DVX100B camera into FCP. Like I said, I've always used Master tapes, period. I need to know for sure before inserting the footage tape. I believe this is a common and possibly serious issue! Anybody know about it?

thanks
 
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Sony uses wet lube. Panasonic used dry lube. Mix the two and you can get mud on your heads. If you absolutely have to do it, clean the heads before using the Sony tape and then clean them again before you put a Panasonic tape back in there.
 
A it turns out, I have to insert the Sony footage into my film, otherwise I wouldn't think of switching from the Panasonic Master tapes. Is cleaning the heads, both before and after, going to ensure the tape heads aren't damaged?

thanks.
 
enrico said:
Is cleaning the heads, both before and after, going to ensure the tape heads aren't damaged?
Click to expand...
It's your best bet. Whenever you get some extra cash, it might not be a bad idea to pick up a cheap DV camera to use as a capturing deck. It'll save some wear and tear on your DVX heads.
 
Thank you.

Would a head cleaning tape do the job (before and after switching tapes)? Or is something more serious required...as you can tell, I'm very nervous about damaging the heads here.

I appreciate your feedback.
 
I head cleaning tape will be fine. Only use it for about 5 seconds per time cleaning, though. Cleaning tapes are abrasive and could cause head damage if overused.
 
I looked for it for about 2 secs and couldn't find it, but there was an awesome article that has been in here for years about how to properly clean the heads on your camera. Maybe someone with better searching skills than I can dig it up and post the link.

Also, if I remember correctly...I believe that some of the consumer version MiniDV tapes that Pannie makes use wet lube. I may be wrong about that, but I do know that all of the Pro Tapes...i.e. MQ, AMQ and PQ tapes all use dry lube. I personally will not use anything other than that. The MiniDV head is a very sensitive thing and I try to treat it sweetly!
 
I agree. i just hope I'm not risking the DVXB heads at all. If I use/borrow a cheap camera for this one export, would that compromise in any way, the quality of the footage going into FCP, compared to the DVX100B?


Thanks for all the feedback!!!
 
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i got my download cam for a 100 bucks at the pawn shop ive had it for 4 yrs now just make sure its dv in/out for flexiblity purposes. the cheapo cam wont effect the quality of the video its just playing what you shot.
 
Use only Panasonic AMQ (or MQ) 63min tapes. If you've used something else prior, then use a Pany "dry" head cleaning tape first.
 
I think I'm going to try to get hold of a cheap camera to export this Sony footage, and leave the DVX100B solely with the AMQ (and MQ) tapes I've used.

Thanks for all this useful dialogue, and your help!

Another added note, the guy that sold me the camera, said he tried both the regular Panasonic tapes, and the AMQ or MQ tapes, and that there was little appreciable difference between the two (only that once you pick one, you shouldn't switch between them). Any thoughts on this difference, apart from price?
 
There will be no difference in quality between tapes. Being digital, it's all 1s and 0s. The difference between tapes lies in that the better tapes are more resistant to dropouts.
 
Why dont you just use their CAM to capture their tape and you wont even have to turn your CAM on.

Best,

Rob
 
Less dropouts is a huge deal... why film anything worthwhile knowing there's going to be more dropouts...the extra cash for the AMQ tapes is worth the insurance. Thanks again!

Re the last comment by Whzkid. I'm not clear what that's getting to. Does that mean to chain the cheapo camera with my DVX100B, and use the cheapo as a slave (to capture Sony footage) while my DVX does some quality adjustment...or am I reading too much into this?
 
Less dropouts is a huge deal... why film anything worthwhile knowing there's going to be more dropouts...the extra cash for the AMQ tapes is worth the insurance. Thanks again!

Re the last comment by Whzkid.
"Why dont you just use their CAM to capture their tape and you wont even have to turn your CAM on."

I'm not clear what that's getting to. Does that mean to chain the cheapo camera with my DVX100B, and use the cheapo as a slave (to capture Sony footage) while my DVX does some quality adjustment...or am I reading too much into this?
 
Just plug the cheap camera directly into your computer. The DVX won't be part of it. The quality will be the same as if you captured with your DVX.
 
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