Switching tape brands

Jared Meyer

Jared Meyer

Veteran
Hey everyone-

I've had a dvx100a for about 5 months now and I've used several different kinds of tapes - I've used 7 Panasonic tapes, 2 Maxell and 2 Sony.

I just found out that this is a very bad thing for the heads. Argh. I feel like such an idiot. Do I need to run a cleaning tape through? Or get it cleaned professionally? The camera has only seen about 10 hours of usage, but at least 3 different tape brands have been run through the deck.

Is this something I need to worry about? Or can I just start using the pro Panasonic tapes regularly now?
 
I think your mistake was using the Sony tape, which uses a wet lube vs the dry lube that the others use. Best to use the cleaning head tape......minimal.......like between 5 and 10 seconds. Stick with a dry lube......better yet......stick with Panasonic.

Marlene
 
Got it. I'll assume then that 5 seconds with the cleaning tape will "reset" the heads and prep them for use with the Pan. tapes...

Thanks Marlene, I appreciate the help.
 
I'm not a tech.....so the length of time to run the cleaning head tape is only my opinion. You might be wise to wait and see if you get some more responses to this post. I just know for sure that using the cleaning tape is mildy abrasive on your heads so you really don't want to overuse and never reuse (don't rewind). I can't say with any authority that 5 seconds is enough. Did you run a search? Because I'm sure this topic has been discussed in some length. Check before you do anything, just to be sure.

Marlene
 
I was using sony's, then switched to Panasonics. I used a head cleaner for 10 seconds before I used the Panny's. Haven't had a problem.
 
Thanks guys for the tips. Much appreciated. I went ahead and ordered the Pana. cleaning cassette and 10 of the MQ's from B&H.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top