Trouble transferring from Sony Digital8 camera

[deesto]

I have a Sony Digital Handycam DCR-TR7000 video camera, in which I use Hi8 tapes. It worked very well for a few years. However, every time I've tried to use the unit during the part month, it beeps and gives a moisture/condensation icon, and it won't work at all. Oddly, the unit hasn't been outside or exposed to moisture; this seems to be an infamous defect in these units that develops over time. I've tried every remedy I have found so far (including removing the battery, recharging, placing it in a Ziploc bag overnight), and the only thing that has worked (sadly) is taking a hair dryer and very briefly and gently warming the unit with the tape tray open and battery out. I realize how bad this is for an electronic unit, but it truly is the only thing that gets the thing to turn on. However, even this works only sporadically and for a few minutes, not long enough to transfer or even view view content.

Just wondering if anyone's had a similar experience or could suggest some alternatives to getting the video transferred to my PC before this unit implodes. I have a few tapes left to transfer, and being that they're all family videos, I'd hate to lose them. I've read rumors of some sort of Digital8-to-VCR tape adapter, but it almost seems more likely to catch a glimpse of Nessie in her loch than to find one of these adapters.

Thanks!

[Jester700]

One option is to get another one used. Digital8 models go for $100 on the bay all the time.