How to lubricate Sony TRV 530?

[BarryTheCrab]

After several searches I now ask for help.
I just picked up a TRV530 D8 camcorder and I feel the mechanics are a wee bit slow and could benefit from a proper lube job.
The test tape actually stopped a couple of times, which is better than how I started, no picture at all!
So I cleaned the head and waited and did a reset and had a beer. I think the beer helped.
Any leads would be appreciated.
Merry Christmas

[latreche34]

You can't just put lube in it and hope for the best, You have to identify the problem and narrow it down to the faulty component, It may not be a lubrication problem, it could be a belt, an idler, a tension problem, a pinch roller....etc. After the fault has been identified and addressed it wouldn't hurt to give it a happy ending of a proper lube job. If you can't do it just get another camcorder and sell this for parts. Parts are always needed in this hobby since new ones are not made anymore.

[lordsmurf]

Underlube, never overlube. Under just needs wee bit more. Over is a mess, and can ruin things.

Lube isn't really that common of a problem. Other things are. As stated, process of elimination needed to locate the exact problem. Don't just start randomly "fixing" things -- unless this is some sort of academic exercise, the equipment isn't important. I do dumb things myself, on purpose, but with unimportant gear (or "hail mary" gear; football term here).

[BarryTheCrab]

There actually was no picture on the fold out screen, at all, just menus. Heavy sigh.
So...I did a reset, cleaned the head and some shiny spindly things and a rubber thing and hit the whole compartment with a few soft blows of air. Following came the C:31 etc error. Yay me!
So... I unplugged the camera, waited, gave it a smack on its misbehaving bottom. SUCCESS!
Nice image, TBC, NR, ok.
I still think a minor lubification would be helpful. Maybe it’s been idle for a long period and needs to stretch it’s legs.

[dpalomaki]

I don't know the TRV530, does the service manual speak to where/how to lube?

There are different lubes for different places. Many will dry out over time and become gummy or stiff.

[BarryTheCrab]

I browsed the service manual but did not find anything like that.

[dpalomaki]

FWIW: In many cases there will be a separate service manual for the tape transport mechanism. This usually named on the cover of the overall .product service manual.