Realistic Compact Moviecorder Model 150 Repair

[IrateSpoonbill]

Apologies if this is in the wrong section, I am new to these forums. A few days ago I got gifted a Realistic Compact Moviecorder Model 150 to be able to record VHS-C. Everything works fine but the belts are melted into a liquid and I have no clue what I need to do to access the pulleys. I've tried to find answers online to no avail, I simply get directed to old catalogs.

This being a gift I've been wanting to fix it but since I can't find the way to replace the belt I've been growing fairly frustrated. Has anyone here serviced this camera or anyone similar to it? Thank you in advance.

[GAhere]

Welcome to the forum!

I will preface this with I have not worked on this model of camcorder..

Camcorder designs can be pretty tricky to get into the mechanical section and will require a lot of patience, small tools, skill and perhaps some luck with the position of the sun, moon and stars.

Precision screw drivers will be essential as most all of the screws will be very small.

Most everything will be in layers, to get to the belts you are going to have to figure out what layer can be removed without causing a lot of work in retiming the entire mech. Sometimes you might get lucky and there may just be enough space to carefully wiggle the belts past obstructions. If you must take apart the layers, take good photos of each step, these will assist you in reassembly.

The bad thing with Radio Shack was they didn't make their own equipment so service manuals may not be available for your exact model. The upside though is it may have been JVC, Hitatchi, Panasonic or other popular brands back then and if that is the case one of those brands service manuals might be available and helpful if you can figure out how to cross reference the models..

One service manual source is https://www.servicemanuals.net/en/camcorder-video-camera-service-manuals?orderby=5&pag...d&pagenumber=1

Note, I have not used that site but it does seem to list a lot of camcorder brands and models..

Be aware, not much value in those units, lots of Realistic model 151 and model 152s on Ebay for $35-$75 as asking prices, whether they sell for that or not is a nother ball of wax.. On top of that VHS-C was not known for being robust or trouble free so the belts may be not all that is wrong with it..