A scratched camcorder video head can be severely detrimental to the operation of your video camcorder. While there is not a fail-proof method of cleaning or scratch fixing that can be performed, a careful application of a chamois tip cleaner and some Freon TF can help take out dirt, oils and, most importantly, buff over small scratches. It can also potentially improve the operation of your camcorder thanks to the added benefit of the removal of tape particles that can build up over time due to repeated regular use.
Instructions
1. Take a chamois tip cleaner and then soak it fully in Freon TF. Then, take the flattest portion of the tip of the chamois and add it gently to the surface of the entire width of the drum head. Hold the chamois tip in place. The chamois tip should easily cover the rotating drum head and the associated coils, but it should not at all be used to run or otherwise caress the tape head. If rubbing or working of the chamois tip back and forth occurs, it is likely that further head damage will occur.
2. Take your finger and rotate the drum head counterclockwise. Do not directly touch the top of the head with your finger. Whether clean or not, your finger will have oils that can be leaked onto and taken up by the surface of the head, which will only further your tape head problems.
3. Rotate the drum counterclockwise several more times with the chamois tip still applied to the surface as you do so. Avoid touching or applying any pressure to the pickup coils with your finger as you spin the drum head, as the coils at the drum head's base can easily be damaged.
4. Take the chamois tip off the tape head and examine to see how dirty it is. You will likely need to flip the chamois tip over and reapply the Freon TF, soaking the tip over again.
5. Repeat the application and counterclockwise turning process as before, but use the fresh side of the chamois tip.
6. Test your camcorder by inserting a new tape that has something recorded on it, and attempt playback and further use of your camcorder. Hopefully, the problem with the head will be alleviated. If not, a new camcorder or a camcorder video head replacement will be necessary. Head replacement is difficult, and this kind of procedure should only be attempted by a professional repairman.
Tags: drum head, your finger, tape head, your camcorder, camcorder video, camcorder video head, chamois cleaner