Head cleaning? at DVinfo.net

Marco Leavitt · March 15th, 2005, 09:17 AM

I find that I need to use a head cleaner way too often, so I suspect it's time to get the heads professionally cleaned on my GL1. Do I have to send it to Canon, or can I just go to a professional electronics and video repair and service shop? There's one near me that has a real good reputation. We've got a shoot coming up soon, and I really would like to avoid having to send it to Canon.

Graham Bernard · March 15th, 2005, 09:38 AM

How often? What makes you think you shoud clean them? g

Marco Leavitt · March 15th, 2005, 09:45 AM

Lately, and this is very recent, it can't read a tape at all unless I clean the heads every time. It has also destroyed data when I've played tapes in it without cleaning the heads first. In the past I've only needed to use a head cleaner a couple of times a year.

Ken Tanaka · March 15th, 2005, 11:12 AM

I suspect that it's time to have the camera cleaned and adjusted by Canon Service, Marco.

Mike Donley · March 15th, 2005, 12:22 PM

I, too, would recommend you send it to Canon. Not only will they clean the heads, but they will adjust the alignment which can be very critical for mini dv equipment. Note: If the alignment is out by a quite a bit, tapes that previously played in the camera may not play properly in the camera after alignment.

For the New Jersey Service Center, it always cost me $272 for cleaning and adjustment, including shipping the camera back. Apparently that is the standard, minimum cost. However, for that price they will also replace misc. parts if necessary.

Marco Leavitt · March 16th, 2005, 12:11 PM

Curses!

March 15th, 2005, 09:17 AM	#1
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Head cleaning? I find that I need to use a head cleaner way too often, so I suspect it's time to get the heads professionally cleaned on my GL1. Do I have to send it to Canon, or can I just go to a professional electronics and video repair and service shop? There's one near me that has a real good reputation. We've got a shoot coming up soon, and I really would like to avoid having to send it to Canon.

March 15th, 2005, 11:12 AM	#4
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I suspect that it's time to have the camera cleaned and adjusted by Canon Service, Marco. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

March 15th, 2005, 12:22 PM	#5
Mike Donley Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 96	Adjustment, too. I, too, would recommend you send it to Canon. Not only will they clean the heads, but they will adjust the alignment which can be very critical for mini dv equipment. Note: If the alignment is out by a quite a bit, tapes that previously played in the camera may not play properly in the camera after alignment. For the New Jersey Service Center, it always cost me $272 for cleaning and adjustment, including shipping the camera back. Apparently that is the standard, minimum cost. However, for that price they will also replace misc. parts if necessary. __________________ Mike Donley

March 15th, 2005, 09:38 AM	#2
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	How often? What makes you think you shoud clean them? g

March 15th, 2005, 09:45 AM	#3
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Lately, and this is very recent, it can't read a tape at all unless I clean the heads every time. It has also destroyed data when I've played tapes in it without cleaning the heads first. In the past I've only needed to use a head cleaner a couple of times a year.

March 16th, 2005, 12:11 PM	#6
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Curses!