Constant problems with camcorders. DISASTERRRRr

[lynch03]

This has happened to two cameras. You see I'll put a tape in and then review it, and I guess it's a bad tape because I heard some weird noise when fast forwarding and the next thing I know, the time-code is always at 0:00, and the camera detects absolutely NO footage when there is lots of footage. All I get is a blue screen when I hit play

I thought it was the cameras fault, so I got a new one. And that same tape was playing fine, until I was fast forwarding, heard a strange noise and now this camera has the time code at 0:00, and detects no footage when I play it.

What the hell is going on here?? Can someone please tell me how to fix it. Furthermore I have VERY IMPORTANT footage on this tape that keeps on screwing up the camera, so how am I suppose to get it off??

[edDV]

Is this DV tape?

The noise may mean the tape is creased or folded. Start transferring to the hard disk at 1x speed from the start until it stops capturing. Then stop and examine the tape.

If "VERY IMPORTANT" there are tape recovery experts that can unspool the tape and get it dubbed.

[lynch03]

I don't think that's the issue. The tape won't play at all. I have tried many. And all I get is a blue screen when I press play and the time code always stays at 0:00

[edDV]

I don't think that's the issue. The tape won't play at all. I have tried many. And all I get is a blue screen when I press play and the time code always stays at 0:00

Only this tape?
What else would cause noise during shuttle other than a tape mechanical issue? This often happens with VHS but I've never experienced it with 8mm or DV tape.

[lynch03]

This has happened to two dv cameras. Ever since that happened. I can't play any tapes. The tapes don't detect any footage, no matter what tape it is. time code is 0.00 all the time. What could be wrong?

[gadgetguy]

Does the tape physically turn when you press play?