Head cleaning question at DVinfo.net

Chris Obonsawin · September 1st, 2003, 08:47 PM

Hi all.

I just got my VX2000 and I'm asking for advice on how often to clean the heads and what is the best product to use.

Thanks a lot.

Mike Rehmus · September 2nd, 2003, 09:09 AM

Use the cleaning tape that came with the camera or buy a new Sony cleaning tape.

Don't use for more than 5 seconds at a time every 50 hours of use or when the heads are dirty.

Don't mix tape brands. I recommend you use Sony tape which will NOT cause head problems. Others have good experience with other brands but once in a while, someone experiences problems with head clogs even thought they have not switched brands of tape. I've yet to hear of a Sony tape user complaining of clogged heads. That's not to say one cannot get dirt on a head from time-to-time regardless of tape brand.

Jeff Donald · September 2nd, 2003, 10:55 AM

Follow the directions printed with the cleaning tape. Some tapes are formulated to be less abrasive, but require longer playing times. I have both a Panasonic and Sony cleaning tape and both recommend longer than 5 seconds. Never exceed the times printed with the cleaning tape.

Chris Obonsawin · September 2nd, 2003, 06:28 PM

Thanks for the info. I only intend to use Sony tapes, as it seems to make sense to use the brand made by the manufacturer (somewhere there's a factory that makes ALL the tapes and just slpas different labels on them :-)).

I was curious about the head cleaning as my experience has been that tape machines get cleaned too often, so I wanted some real life experiences before I risked my camcorder. Thanks again, I appriecate it.

Frank Granovski · September 2nd, 2003, 08:30 PM

Here are some info links regarding miniDV tape:

http://www.dvfreak.com/tape.htm

Since you are in Vancouver, you can find good deals on tape at London Drugs and Superstore. Just check their weekly advertising.

Chris Obonsawin · September 2nd, 2003, 08:36 PM

Thanks Frank.

Bob Anderson · September 3rd, 2003, 09:13 AM

The cleaning tape manufacturer recommends a 10 second pass with the tape. Less time may be less effective. Note that just running a regular tape in cue FF or RR for a while clears most transient head clogs.

September 1st, 2003, 08:47 PM	#1
Chris Obonsawin Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 27	Head cleaning question Hi all. I just got my VX2000 and I'm asking for advice on how often to clean the heads and what is the best product to use. Thanks a lot.

September 2nd, 2003, 09:09 AM	#2
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Use the cleaning tape that came with the camera or buy a new Sony cleaning tape. Don't use for more than 5 seconds at a time every 50 hours of use or when the heads are dirty. Don't mix tape brands. I recommend you use Sony tape which will NOT cause head problems. Others have good experience with other brands but once in a while, someone experiences problems with head clogs even thought they have not switched brands of tape. I've yet to hear of a Sony tape user complaining of clogged heads. That's not to say one cannot get dirt on a head from time-to-time regardless of tape brand. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

September 2nd, 2003, 10:55 AM	#3
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Follow the directions printed with the cleaning tape. Some tapes are formulated to be less abrasive, but require longer playing times. I have both a Panasonic and Sony cleaning tape and both recommend longer than 5 seconds. Never exceed the times printed with the cleaning tape. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

September 2nd, 2003, 08:36 PM	#6
Chris Obonsawin Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 27	Thanks Frank. __________________ Chris Obonsawin

September 2nd, 2003, 06:28 PM	#4
Chris Obonsawin Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 27	Thanks for the info. I only intend to use Sony tapes, as it seems to make sense to use the brand made by the manufacturer (somewhere there's a factory that makes ALL the tapes and just slpas different labels on them :-)). I was curious about the head cleaning as my experience has been that tape machines get cleaned too often, so I wanted some real life experiences before I risked my camcorder. Thanks again, I appriecate it.

September 2nd, 2003, 08:30 PM	#5
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Here are some info links regarding miniDV tape: http://www.dvfreak.com/tape.htm Since you are in Vancouver, you can find good deals on tape at London Drugs and Superstore. Just check their weekly advertising.

September 3rd, 2003, 09:13 AM	#7
Bob Anderson New Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: MA Posts: 15	The cleaning tape manufacturer recommends a 10 second pass with the tape. Less time may be less effective. Note that just running a regular tape in cue FF or RR for a while clears most transient head clogs.