Switching tape brands. Screwing up Heads.

F

filmfan222

Well-known member
Hey guys. Ive been using my DVX100 for about a year now with limited hours (under 50). I recently read that you should stick to one brand of wet or dry tape to prevent head damage. I used TDKs for awhile and switched a few times to whatever was laying in the bag, but now that Im ready to commit to a tape brand.

what do I have to do to make sure the camera doesnt gum up or have head problems when I switch to Sony's DV Master series tapes??

Should I use the out of the box head cleaner first?

Thanks!
 
Re: Switching tape brands. Screwing up Heads.

wow man.. you're looking for troubles ;)

run no more than 5 SECONDS of the supplied cleaning tape, then pick one tape of your choice (preferably one of the two recommended Panasonic AY-DVM63MQ or PQ) and stick to it!!!
it's sometimes a pain, cos they're both not always on shelves everywhere.. but imo, that worth your investment.
 
Re: Switching tape brands. Screwing up Heads.

So theoretically if I run the cleaning head for 5 seconds, it should cause the least amount of damage, and then when I switch to MQs (or PQs which is better?) I should be ok? BTW I have not noticed a single dropout from switching tapes, but I wanted to just conform to avoid future trouble by sticking to one tape brand.

Charles Wood
 
Re: Switching tape brands. Screwing up Heads.

I've had my camera for more than two months and had used 2 different brands of wet tapes with no dropouts at all. Then everyone on the forums got me worked into a panic that I must switch to dry tape or my 100A would explode.

I ran a Sony head cleaner for 10 seconds and now have bought a bunch of Panasonic MQ tapes which I began using this weekend. Used the camera for about 5 hours and haven't had a single issue.

Don't be scared, just move over to the better tapes for good, run the head cleaner once before you switch and you should be fine.
 
Re: Switching tape brands. Screwing up Heads.

My camera came from the factory with a DVM60EJ tape. Thats what I've been using ever since, with no problems what so ever.
 
Re: Switching tape brands. Screwing up Heads.

sorry if i made anyone scared.. didn't mean to.
switching tapes is not a guarantee for screwing up heads in the first 10 - 50 hours... sticking to one brand will keep the heads in the best condition for a longer time.

MQ considered to be better.. it has dry lube (vs wet in all other types) and it's a little bit more expensive than the PQ. farther more, someone said that the PQ also have dry lube.. a fact that strangely was hard to confirm.. so... i dono.
 
 
Re: Switching tape brands. Screwing up Heads.

I've been using the Panasonic AY-DVM63MQ's for over a year. I have two DVX100's and usually shoot six tapes per shoot. Have never had a problem. It's a great tape. If you want a great price, check out Peak Media (Phoenix, AZ) 480-968-2653. Ask for Francine.

eric :)
 
Re: Switching tape brands. Screwing up Heads.

You know this topic needs an expert opinion. I have talked to Panasonic sales reps and Sony slaes reps about tapes and wet/dry lube and no one can give me a straight answer. The info gleaned from these conversations was, use a High Quality tape to avoid dropouts (duhhhhh).

I would welcome someone taking a crack at explaining wet/dry lube, or is it a non topic designed by the marketing department. Lets hear it.

Gordo
 
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