Maxel Mini DVM60SE Cassettes?

W

William Volcjak

Member
I've always used Panasonic Mini DV Cassettes (initially the AY-DVM63PQ and most recently the AY-DVM63AMQ) with my DVX100A camcorder. Recently our procurement person ,in order to cut costs, ordered some Maxell Mini DVM60SE cassettes.

My gut is telling me not use the Maxells but I need to be diplomatic in turning them down. I'd appreciate any comments.
 
People say that if you use a different type of minidv tape to make sure to run a cleaning tape through the camera before you switch. Usually the case has been people switching between a Sony minidv and a Panasonic minidv. I ran into that problem with my VX2000 many years ago where I switched tapes and it clogged up the heads. Just be sure you run the cleaning tape and/or let the procurement person know that you only want to use Panasonic tapes. If they really want you to use the Maxell then they should be cover any costs if the new tapes result in damage. In the end, it is your camera so don't do anything you don't want to.

Best,
Andy
 
William,

I have a DVX100B that I purchased last spring. I generally use Fuji tapes in it but have also used the Maxell tapes. I have interchanged the tapes without running the cleaning tape through the camera and have had absolutely no problems whatsoever. Panasonic, Fuji and Maxell all use dry lube and are compatible with one another. It is Sony that causes the problems, as Sony uses a wet lube.
 
William,
I'm afraid I cannot answer that. I have used Panasonic, Fuji and Maxell tapes and I honestly cannot tell any difference in them. All three give excellent service as far as I can tell. My advice is to try them out and see for yourself.
 
W,

You could always do a search on the board here. The issue of switching tapes has been discusssed many times. In general, the conclusion has been do not switch between brands and certainly never go to the Sony wetlube.

If I recall correctly, in several posts there was consensus that Maxell was not up to the same quality level as Pana or Fuji and that they had more drop out issues.

One thing you should remember is that it's better to run the "master quality" tapes because they almost never have dropouts. Are the Maxell's master quality?
 
Standard play. As opposed to Long Play or Extra-long Play. SP gives you the shortest recording time, but the best results: the tape moves slower through the transport needing more tape damage to cause a drop out versus LP or EP.


Jason
 
Hmm,
I have never had any drop outs with Fuji or Maxell, and only one incident of a drop out with Panasonic.
 
I suggest that tell your procurement person that they can cut costs for tapes and pay for head-cleaning and replacement sooner or order the correct tapes and give a longer work life to the camera. Part of the job is educating those who make purchases who are usually ignorant of everything except cost. This is a bit harsh, but when your heads clog in the middle of job due to the wrong type of tape, you can refer the matter back to the procurement department.
 
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