picture but no sound when playing minidv cassettes

[gensol]

I have inherited some family minidv cassettes but no longer have the camera. I think it was a Sharp camcorder and I am trying to view the cassettes using the adapter accessory inserted in my VCR, which is connected to my tv with RCA cables. However, all I get is sound but no picture. All the cassettes play with the same problem so I assume there is a problem with my setup.
I would appreciate some advice please. Thank you.

[hech54]

all I get is sound but no picture

So is it "picture but no sound" or "sound but no picture"?

[aedipuss]

if they play in a vcr they sure aren't "miniDV". it must have been an old analog vhs-c cam. try getting another adapter they are cheap and don't always line up properly with the heads.

[gensol]

Sorry guys, the post was supposed to read "sound but no picture". You are probably right about the camera being an old analog VCR so please excuse my ignorance also. I hope the answer is just trying another cassette adapter. I will try to source one. How likely is it that these tapes have just deteriorated to the point where the picture has become completely destroyed? They are about 20 years old but have been stored away from heat and light.

[intracube]

You are probably right about the camera being an old analog VCR so please excuse my ignorance also. I hope the answer is just trying another cassette adapter. I will try to source one.

The original tapes could also be S-VHS-C. Can you see any logos on the cassettes to identify them?

If you've got a standard VHS VCR, it might explain your problems.

How likely is it that these tapes have just deteriorated to the point where the picture has become completely destroyed? They are about 20 years old but have been stored away from heat and light.

Not likely. I've got loads of tapes from the early 90's that play without a problem. Even if the tapes have started to degrade, you shouldn't completely loose the picture.