Panasonic NV-VZ1A (VHS-C) motor grinding loudly for rec./playback

[juni-mp4]

Hiya! Just picked myself up a Panasonic NV-VZ1A Camcorder off FB Marketplace, taking VHS-C tapes.


Tested to be working & capable of recording video & audio (although fairly distorted, but this may be a capture card issue), as well as playing back through said video & audio through a USB Capture card in OBS.

However, either the motor or one of the cogs (I suspect) is grinding overtime when recording & playing back, seems to get louder & faster when you pick up the camera & slip it into your hand/move it around a little. See attached video (Video of Camcorder Noise.mp4) for a live example of recording & playback for further diagnostics. The VHS-C video recorded during this testing session is also attached, Exported VHS-C Recording.mkv.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I could fix this? I'm aware it's probably a long shot, but thought it might be worth asking here to learn a bit from you all! ^^ <3

Comments from the owner are below:

"Old vintage retro silver Panasonic NV-VZ1A vhs-c analogue film cassette video camera. Seems to work ok (records, plays with good sound, colour lcd screen and black and white viewfinder both works etc), but makes loud buzzing noise when working. Needs a service.
Sounds like a loose plastic cog or gear or something needing lubrication."