Digital-8 Camera Died - Help!

[douga]

I've had a Sony Digital-8 camera for almost 9 years now, and it finally died. The only problem is - it died right after vacation! I was able to capture 1 tape to my computer before it died on me, but still have about 3 more I need to transfer over. It's now giving me a 31:30 error and won't accept any tapes.

Any thoughts on how I can get the video off these last 3 tapes? Does anyone know of a place that rents Digital-8 cameras where I can get one for a day and finish transferring the video over?

I searched online and the only info I saw on how to fix the camera is to hit it, which I tried with no luck. I don't want to pay to have it fixed since it's really time for a new one anyone, but I just need a way to get this last video off the tape.

Thanks

[redwudz]

Find a used one on E-Bay? Or contact a transfer house and have them do the transfers.

And welcome to our forums.

[lordsmurf]

What red said --- Those are the only two options.

[edDV]

Here is a list of error codes for Sony Digital8 camcorders.
http://www.camerahacker.com/Sony/DCR-TRV350_Self-Diagnosis_Display.shtml

"C:31:30 FG fault when starting capstan. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning."

I've never had that error but a hard processor reset may fix it. I've used this technique several times to revive a Sony camcorder from an error state.

Remove the main battery and the small button battery and set aside for a day or so.

Then reinsert the button and main battery and verify settings are back to factory defaults. Date and time etc. will be back to manufacturing date. If it still shows current time and date, remove the batteries and wait longer.

[douga]

edDV - what do you mean by the "small button battery"?

[edDV]

edDV - what do you mean by the "small button battery"?

Most Sony camcorders have a small "watch" type battery that holds settings. The function is similar to the "cmos" battery on a computer's motherboard.

Most Digital8 camcorders have a battery door under the LCD display.