1991 Sony 8MM Camcorder real wierd problem --need expert help

[Ron G]

Hi---

I have an old trusty Sony 8MM camcorder (1991) which (very suddenly)
seems to have dirty heads, many lines showing up in previous good
recordings. It used to take really great pictures, until just suddenly
lately.

The sound is all distorted, unintelligible.

What's odd, is it suddenly happened after I recorded a wedding, and it
still looks like the camera (Sony 8MM) has gone into LP playback and not SP.
The camera, as designed, will record only in SP, but play back in either LP
or SP. Somehow, the infrared remote control "Commander" got turned on during
the wedding, and it sure seems like it now plays back in LP.

The manual says LP playback would leave lines in the picture and make
the sound unintelligible.

Old recordings, previously perfect, now play back distorted picture and
unintelligible audio.

I tried a dry cleaner 8 MM tape on it, per Sony Tech Rep instructions,
but it made the video present many more lines now, and sound is still
totally unintelligible.

I sent it to Sony main repair in Pennsylvania, ($48 shipping cost), and
they sent it back, saying that parts were no longer available for it (1991)
and as such they could not repair it.

The Sony Manual, mine, plus the Sony Tech Reps Sony use for diagnosis,
mention this problem, but give no clue to them or me, how to cure it. Not
too good of a manual.

How best to *really* clean the heads as a last gap measure? They say no
wet cleaners, but I hope I can at least get it playing enough to upload the
8MM to VHS tapes, to save them

Anyone have any idea how to accurately determine if it is playing back
in LP or SP? If I press the Sony remote commander control module, it shows
LP. When I first start the tape, or any previous good tape, it flashes LP
for a second. I have watched movements like walking on the tape video, it
almost looks like normal walking speed, but distorted enough picture that I
do have some doubts.

Anyone know anything on this problem?

This has me stymied, and up against the wall!

Thanks a whole lot in advance-----

Best---
Ron

 

[Sofie]

Ron G:
TAKE it to a local repair shop for a "hands on" repair evaluation or
estimate. The symptoms you described might be caused by loose roller
guides or pins..... when replaced or repaired will need a video path guide
and head alignment with the proper tools, alignment tape, procedures and a
tech with the necessary experience and knowledge. Some shops might have
the parts needed to do the repair.
Again, TAKE it to a shop so you can make a repair decision with facts
instead of internet or telephone guesses....... and be careful trying to
"really" clean the heads, they are fragile and expensive.