Does anyone know where I coud find a service manual (like a shop manual) for any modern 3-ccd camcorder? I'm finding manufacturers and shops to be a little twitchy about selling them to non-authorized repair facilities.

Thanks!

What brand?

Preferrably Panasonic, but any will do. I just need a good detailed overview of what the guts look like, how they physically interconnect and how they break down.

I doubt you'll find much online (for free) other than a user manual.

If you just want to see the guts then checkout my post on 3CCD innards.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18495

and see also..

http://service-manuals.net/

I found this service manual but I'm not sure what type of cam it is other than a 1/2" CCD B&W. (PDF format)

http://www.hitachi-denshi-uk.com/industrial_video/megapixel_cameras/pdf/kpf100a_service_manual_complete.pdf

This one is 3CCD but industrial (PDF format)

http://www.hitachi-service.net/HV-D30/HV-D30.htm

Thanks Tommy, that first link is a great resource. It's amazing that a few members are able to identify a RISC processor from those views.

Is anyone out here that is either a service technician or has access to these manuals? if so, I'd be interested in buying one, particularly for the Panasonic DVX100 or GS100K, if specifics are available.

It might be worth a try to go to a local mom and pop vcr/tv repair shop and see if they can order a manual for you for a small fee. In the past I had a camera worked on at one of these places and was able to buy the manual through the shop.

I should do that. I went to my "official" panasonic repair shop and their response was "Ah, no."

I'm sure there are other shops around.

Ouch, Sony wants $63.50 for the DCR-VX1000 service manual.

The item number is 997381411. Price is USD63.50, plus shipping and local taxes.

You may place your order using the link below or call (USA)1-800-488-7669

http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/web/index.jsp

Tommy,

I looked at that link and typed in DCR-VX1000 for the model search, and found no service manual.

From the link you supplied, how should I be looking?

Thanks!

Search with the part # 997381411 on the top right hand side of the link. Just make sure to click the line below that says Part # instead of Model # before you click search.

You also might want to give the 1-800 # a try as it appears the service manuals are not found by during a search for a particular cam and they might have newer 3CCD cams (VX2100 - PDX10).

I just found someone who will give me the DVX100 shop manual on cd. Thanks to everyone for your research and suggestions!