There is link below to a ongoing thread on www.DV.com forum. This tape eating problem that is happening to the XL1S is not just isolated to the XL1S. I know one thing, I have shot with many XL1 orginals since it first came out and owned 3 of them and have had many more loaned to me. Not once have I ever had a tape related problem either. Now the XL1S tape transport is all brand new and this problem has started. It doesn't take Columbo to figure this one out. I have to put off my XL1S purchase now until I believe it's safe to buy one.

I recommend that anyone wanting to buy the XL1S, don't unless you want to gamble. I would wait to see if Canon says anything. They are a good company and I suspect it will get worked out.

Michael Pappas
Arrfilms@hotmail.com

Here is the link to the ongoing thread:
http://www.dv.com/db_area/community/Forum2/HTML/002671.html

I have a XL-1S and have had no problems with it eating tapes.

But I'd be prepared to get it serviced after you buy it. Anything I buy anymore I halfway expect to send it back for service. If it's a flaw that got missed fine if they fix it fast and it works after that. And so far everyone has gotten their cameras back in good working order. It wouldn't have changed my purchase even if I knew there was a chance...it's not that big deal to me to get it back a week later repaired.

The first batch/lot of any new product shipped always has a few issues that Beta teting did not iron out. That was the case with the XL1, PD150, WINDOWS all versions, and the beat goes on.

Often best to buy when the third lot shipps.

Hello Don! When do you think a third lot would be? I am just looking for a guess....

michael pappas

<<<-- Originally posted by dpalomaki : The first batch/lot of any new product shipped always has a few issues that Beta teting did not iron out. That was the case with the XL1, PD150, WINDOWS all versions, and the beat goes on.

Often best to buy when the third lot shipps. -->>>

Your guess is probably better than mine given that you are closer to major Canon dealers who migh track these sorts of issues. With the XL1 most manufacturing problems (e.g., the lines) were identified and rsolved within a few months.

How do you tell what lot the XL1s is from? Mine is sofar OK works great but I was woundering. Did I get a good deal at $3250