I have just had the tape transport mechanism replaced on my HDR-FX1 for the second time. The first one failed when the camera was about a year and 3 months old. This one lasted from Oct 2006 until Feb 2009. It is a $350.00 repair for the part and the technician time.

The motor(s) die in the unit. The repair facility said that rewinding tapes is the culprit. They suggested getting a tape rewinder.

Can anybody suggest a good one to get. I am in the Chicago metro area so getting one should be easy. I found several on line. Who has the good one?

You can buy it at ebay Digital Video Mini DV Two Way Tape Rewinder Re Winder | Hybrid Car Seller (http://hybridcarseller.com/index.php?s=Digital+Video+Mini+DV+Two+Way+Tape+Rewinder+Re+winder)

The other option is to buy another consumer camera and use it as a winder as well. That's what I am doing in any case.

Stelios

I wouldn't trust ANY of the small rewinders. Go with a cheap camcorder. I've had tapes ruined on several occasions by three different models. DON'T DO IT!!!!!

Bruce yarock
Yarock Video and Photo (http://www.yarockvideo.com)

There's a good reason a camcorder makes different tones when rewinding - the controlling electronics sense the location of the tape and, as it gets nearer to the beginning, slows down the rewinding (changing the sound). This is essential to avoid damage to the join between the tape and the hub.

I wouldn't go anywhere near that 'digital' winder.

Or you could get a Firestore and record direct-to-digital, and never rewind the tapes unless something BAD happens and you lose your backup.

DV tape rewinders DO wreck tapes, lotta things wrong with them as mentioned, including the little plattens the tape pack sits on are never at the right height.

They wind the tape pack out of alignment with your DV cam tpt guides. Causes tape edge damage when you load and run your tapes. Use a high time DV cam.

Cheers.