Reparing the HV20.

[Straight Edge]

Before buying a HDSLR or other prosumer cams, I had the very reliable and amazing HV20 for some time. Of course, after years, she's broke down and I keep her for sentimental value. She isn't terribly broken. I think the heads need repairing as when I record onto a tape, it doesn't play back smoothly. Skipping and such. I've tried head cleaning tapes numerous times -- it doesn't work. So basically, I'm just curious if anyone else has any tips or advice on how to get her working again? Apart from sending her to a Canon joint. rogar-Smoke(DBG):

 

[Allan Black]

Huh hard to concentrate Yeah the HV20 has probably been the best all round vidcam, sorry to hear of your plight.
Are you running the same brand cleaner tape as the brand of tape you record on? If not try that.

And you might find a good HV20 on Ebay.

Tip. Always clean the top of the unit just before popping the tape tpt open.
I worked with mag tape for 40yrs .. dust and atmospheric micro grit is the real enemy of tape transports.

Cheers.

 

[Zephyrnoid]

Before buying a HDSLR or other prosumer cams, I had the very reliable and amazing HV20 for some time. Of course, after years, she's broke down and I keep her for sentimental value. She isn't terribly broken. I think the heads need repairing as when I record onto a tape, it doesn't play back smoothly. Skipping and such. I've tried head cleaning tapes numerous times -- it doesn't work. So basically, I'm just curious if anyone else has any tips or advice on how to get her working again? Apart from sending her to a Canon joint. rogar-Smoke(DBG):

No tips as my 4 year old HV20 is still fine. BUT when you do get an answer. I'll be looking for it. Amazing how much cleaner HV20 footage looks than all the garbled and hacked HDSLR stuff that people are overpaying for these days! 'course, lenses are an issue and obviously, the heads die eventually.

 

[Straight Edge]

Huh hard to concentrate Yeah the HV20 has probably been the best all round vidcam, sorry to hear of your plight.
Are you running the same brand cleaner tape as the brand of tape you record on? If not try that.

And you might find a good HV20 on Ebay.

Tip. Always clean the top of the unit just before popping the tape tpt open.
I worked with mag tape for 40yrs .. dust and atmospheric micro grit is the real enemy of tape transports.

Cheers.

Good tips! I've been using various brands of tape cleaner and various brands of miniDV tapes.... perhaps that is why she's not 100%.

And no worries on the concentration. I get lost there myself. Lol.

No tips as my 4 year old HV20 is still fine. BUT when you do get an answer. I'll be looking for it. Amazing how much cleaner HV20 footage looks than all the garbled and hacked HDSLR stuff that people are overpaying for these days! 'course, lenses are an issue and obviously, the heads die eventually.

The HV20 is a remarkable camera. I mostly shot (also directed and edited) this short film with it:

However, I own a hacked GH1 and I use the t3i a lot -- I must say.... damn good stuff. I definitely love the newer technology as well.