Canon Hi8 destroying casettes?
 

Hello,

Im relatively new to Hi8 videography and have been using a canon UC7500 with great results. However, recently a bit of sand may have gotten in, and I do believe I have got most of it out, and that not much got in in the first place. Nevertheless, since then it hasnt been working at all. When I try and record/playback to digitise it starts flashing an “eject” on the viewfinder. When ejected, the tape has been taken out of the casette. Is there any way to fix this?

Thanks!

BTW, I believe the UC7500 is Video8 only, not Hi8 capable.

Probably could be fixed, but almost certainly not something that can be resolved through web site posts. Even a wee bit of sand or grit can play havoc with the tape transport internals; anything from friction material to mode detection switches. It might be possible to clean it out with a combination of gentile applications of vacuum and compressed air, but that could just as likely make it worse. It will probably require a qualified technician to disassemble and service the unit. Given that it came out in around 1998 finding parts and/or service would be problematic, and a skilled technician would be costly.

You may well be better off seeking a working Hi8 (for s-video output) or a Video8 capable D8 camcorder.

dpalomaki basically said it ahead of me.

These camcorders are precision, complex mechanical devices. They need care. They need maintenance. One small grain of sand can become caught between tiny gears inside and jam them up. Best to prevent dirt and sand entering in the first place. If you want to use obsolete recording formats today, before using them it's best to study up on them. Have you read the Owner's Manual where it talks about care of the equipment?