Clearly there are way too many of these failures for a world class electronic goods manufacturer. But as an owner of a GL2 that hasn't exhibited this problem yet, I wonder what my own odds are?

Only Canon knows the actual scope of the problem, but let's estimate. If 100 GL2s had been sold per day worldwide for two years, that would be about 70,000 in the field. I think I've seen maybe 15 or 20 distinct complaints here and at camcorderinfo.com combined. Let's say only one in ten afflicted owners find their way to these sites. That would imply that the odds were 300 to 1 in my favor. I can live with that.

If anyone else is interested in this game, how would you change my parameters (number of GL2s in the field, number of distinct internet complaints, percentage of victims who have reported on the internet), and what odds would result?

Fred,

I have had the same thought several times but never came forward with it. I use my gl2 almost daily and not in pristine conditions. I hope the odds fall in my favor.
There is no doubt canon knows what the problem is!!! But what are the margins of error they are willing to work with is perhaps higher than we would like.


dale

And is there any hint that they have fixed the problem in more recently manufactured units? I would like to know that. I've had mine since last Christmas, and I wonder if it's part of a new production batch.

Probably no scientific way to narrow it down.

i no so many people with this problem. the only way to get it fixed is by sending it of to canon. this is a problem with all canon camcorders

I thought I would share my experience with the GL2 and Canon's service.

I bought my GL2 in August, 2003. It has had fairly light use, no abuse, and has given me no problems apart from asking me a couple of times to run a head cleaner. But like other users, I've been disturbed by the "remove cassette" stories.

So I decided to send the camera to Canon (the Irvine, CA center) for routine maintenance. On the repair order, I noted specifically that I had experienced no problems.

When they returned it to me (after one week), I noted with interest that they had replaced the "slide chassis," which I suppose is some part of the tape transport, and which might be involved in the "remove cassette" problem.

The charge for the service was $240, which seems to be a sort of flat rate.

I think that it is worth repeating that Canon has addressed the "remove cassette" matter on their website:
[url]http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2112&fcategoryid=227&modelid=7512[url]

Cheers,
Arthur

Now, if they would address it by actually fixing the problem in any remaining GL2's going into production. Hopefully.