Anyone else out there had problems with the inner tape door not wanting to open or may know what causes it not to eject. This has happened to me several times now. Yesterday I had to flip the thumb switch back and forth several times to get it to move upward, for a minute I didn't think I was going to. The exact description is the outter door opens and the inner door fails to move at all.
Thanks
Donny

Hmmm. Well, if you are sure that your battery had a charge on all occasions (remember, no battery, no open) it sounds like time to visit Canon's service department. There's some type of actuator on the outer door that signals the tape transport to position for loading/unloading. Not something you'll be able to repair yourself.

I've just purchased a new XL1s to replace my XL1 and I've encountered this problem a couple of times. I am very concerned as I have a three weeks of shooting in front of me and I really need this problem fixed.
I see that this post was almost a year ago - I presume you found a solution.
Or should I just return/exchange the camera.
thanks
Eugene

Dates on post are a little confusing, the post date is on the left at the bottom, the date a person joined the group is what you see near their name, the post was just a few weeks ago. I have quality tapes (sony) and keep my batteries charged all the time, I have encountered the problem about three times and so far have just lived with it by closing the outer door and flipping the switch back and fourth until it motors the tape up.

I had the same problem with my XL1 in May 2000 when shooting wildlife in Russia. The situation was even worse, because the inner door never opened and I lost great chances to shoot. I sent the camera to Canon and the the hole system transporting the tape had to be changed. Even after that the inner door sometimes refused to open.

I got my new XL1s few weeks ago and so far everything has gone fine...

Timo

thanks for the prompt replies guys
I think I'll exchange the camera at the store I purchased it, while I still can.