FX1 tape record problem at DVinfo.net

Michael Liebergot · March 21st, 2009, 05:31 PM

The other day I was shooting with one of my 3 Sony FX1's and noticed that the recorded tapes can only be viewed in fast forward or rewind. When the tape is played in ANY camera I only get a blue screen.

Luckily this was a B-roll camera for this shoot, but still sucks.

Is this a tape head alignment problem during recording?

Wacharapong Chiowanich · March 23rd, 2009, 03:28 AM

Something is definitely wrong with the tape drive and/or head movement mechanisms. Normally, on any tape-based camera, the playback or record head retracts while the tape is being rewound or fast forwarded. Or perhaps the electrical contacts underneath the playback controls located on the camera's handle have somehow been messed up, causing the switch from playback to fast forward/rewind or vice versa.

Wacharapong

Michael Liebergot · March 23rd, 2009, 08:14 AM

I have just contacted Sony as well as Armatos, and who knows how much Sony will run me. But speaking with Armatos they said that there is most likely a 90%+ chance that teh tape assembly might have to be replaced. And I was quoted over the phone a cost that will be approximately over $500. Ouch.

Sony charges $511 flat to start off with for their repairs.

Someone mentioned on another post that I might be served purchasing an extended warranty on the camera first and then send it in. But Sony will only sell a warranty within the first year of purchasing the camera, so that was a no go.

Greg Laves · March 23rd, 2009, 11:23 PM

I would try a head cleaner tape before I sent it in. Then record something new and see if it plays back OK. It could be just a partial head clog.

Tom Hardwick · March 24th, 2009, 03:18 AM

I've experienced this - nothing in play mode but it's there in FF. The tape was recorded in a Canon HV20 but neither my Z1 nor FX1 would play it - though it was fine in the Canon.

Try a head clean as Greg suggests, then a camera reset, then a rec / replay to see if things have improved.

tom.

March 21st, 2009, 05:31 PM	#1
Michael Liebergot Trustee Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,505	FX1 tape record problem The other day I was shooting with one of my 3 Sony FX1's and noticed that the recorded tapes can only be viewed in fast forward or rewind. When the tape is played in ANY camera I only get a blue screen. Luckily this was a B-roll camera for this shoot, but still sucks. Is this a tape head alignment problem during recording? __________________ Michael www.lvpvideo.com

March 23rd, 2009, 08:14 AM	#3
Michael Liebergot Trustee Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,505	I have just contacted Sony as well as Armatos, and who knows how much Sony will run me. But speaking with Armatos they said that there is most likely a 90%+ chance that teh tape assembly might have to be replaced. And I was quoted over the phone a cost that will be approximately over $500. Ouch. Sony charges $511 flat to start off with for their repairs. Someone mentioned on another post that I might be served purchasing an extended warranty on the camera first and then send it in. But Sony will only sell a warranty within the first year of purchasing the camera, so that was a no go. __________________ Michael www.lvpvideo.com Last edited by Michael Liebergot; March 23rd, 2009 at 11:41 AM.

March 23rd, 2009, 03:28 AM	#2
Wacharapong Chiowanich Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Posts: 400	Something is definitely wrong with the tape drive and/or head movement mechanisms. Normally, on any tape-based camera, the playback or record head retracts while the tape is being rewound or fast forwarded. Or perhaps the electrical contacts underneath the playback controls located on the camera's handle have somehow been messed up, causing the switch from playback to fast forward/rewind or vice versa. Wacharapong

March 23rd, 2009, 11:23 PM	#4
Greg Laves Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 640	I would try a head cleaner tape before I sent it in. Then record something new and see if it plays back OK. It could be just a partial head clog.

March 24th, 2009, 03:18 AM	#5
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	I've experienced this - nothing in play mode but it's there in FF. The tape was recorded in a Canon HV20 but neither my Z1 nor FX1 would play it - though it was fine in the Canon. Try a head clean as Greg suggests, then a camera reset, then a rec / replay to see if things have improved. tom.