How Do I Clean The Camcorder Head? « Videomaker Community Forums

nobody
Member

Hey Folks,

I know this has probably been beat to death, but I don't ever remember seeing a solid answer.

I need to clean the head of my Panasonic camcorder. From time to time I'm beginning to get three or four "frozen" line of video from my cam. I have NEVER cleaned the head and the camcorder has been a real workhorse.

I'm not afraid of the cotton swab and alcohol, but I'm not sure how to do it. I don't think it's wise to use one of those dry "scrape across the head" tape looking thingies.

I'm in need of some techie info, help please.

Changed like Saul,

Chris Folsom

http://www.pbsermons.org
TV Camden

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

Alcohol and a swab are generally the agreed upon method, although the casettes can be used safely if used very rarely. Alcohol cleaning fluid from an electronics store like Radio Shack is better than nail polish remover from your local drug store.

As to how to do it, wet the swab/Q-tip and rub over your cam heads. Do not use swabs that are so soaking wet that they are dripping all over the place. Follow with a dry swab. If dirty heads are indeed your problem, you should notice some coloration of the swab and brighter heads.

If you can see brown residue on your heads, you've really got some dirt. If alcohol doesn't completely remove it, then try a cleaning cassette. There is nothing wrong, per se, with these cleaning cassettes as long as you don't over do it. I think they say to use every 10-20 hours. 50 to 60 is more appropriate. You're not going to wear down your heads significantly by using them. But by all means use alcohol first and as regular maintenance. Unless you're using your cam every day for 8-10 hours, you shouldn't have to worry about degradation. If you do use your cam to that extent, you'll probably replace the cam before the heads need replacing.

All of the above subject to fine print special particulars which you can't see - like holding me to blame.

Phil

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

So it's better to clean your cam heads your self with a swab than to use a cassette. I know you said it's ok to use a cassette but is that what most professional do, clean the heads themselves. I'm kinda new to video so forgive me for sounding dumb.

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

Everything I have seen, strictly warns against using cotton swabs. The cotton fibers can snag on the sharp video heads and can even break them if pulled in the wrong direction. I have seen foam swabs recommended for use on video heads.

Probably the best thing to do is go to Radio Shack and get a video head cleaning kit that includes the foam swabs, cleaning fluid and instruction on how to use them.

Dave

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

Hey thanks Dave for you input!! I will check out Radio Shack out!!!

Posted 8 years ago #