Get tape out of dead camcorder

[mickseven]

I have an old Sony TRV29 camcorder which finally died. When connected to a power source (AC or battery) there is abolutely no response from the camera. Unfortunately it died with a tape inside. I'm sure this camcorder is not worth repairing, still I'd like to get the tape out without destroying it (and possibly the tape as well). I've been carefully poking inside but can't seem to find the catch that would open it. Does anyone know how to do this. Thanks.

[ozymango]

I have the bad feeling that the tape is probably loaded around the video head drum, somebody correct me if I'm wrong on this model; that is, when you insert a tape, it "preloads" around the video drum and the transport path so that the tape will start recording immediately when you hit the REC button. Which means that getting this thing out with powering up the camcorder will be a bear -- when you hit the EJECT button, that "unthreads" the tape from the transport mechanism, then pops it out. So you not only have to get the door open, you've got to disentangle the tape from where it's wound around a bunch of little tiny posts and gears.

So that's a long answer to your question, short answer is, "No, you can't get this tape out without either damaging the tape or damaging the camcorder. Or paying somebody $$$ to do this for you."

I feel your pain, I've got an old dead Beta deck with a tape inside that I just can't bear to either toss, extract, or destroy, so it's been sitting on a shelf in the garage for the past 4 years. But one day I'll get it out!!!

[SCDVD]

Try to get a copy of the service manual (not the user's manual). If you surf for "Sony TRV29 Service Manual" you can probably find it. Some places will charge you a few dollars to download it. There is generally a procedure in the service manual for removing tape from a "dead" camera. It usually involves opening the camera and applying a specified voltage on a pin or connector. If you aren't comfortable performing open camera "surgery", take it to a camera service shop but be prepared to pay some bucks for it.

Here is one place, you can probably find others as well.

http://www.user-manuals.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Sony+TRV29+Service+Man...98772dabec198b

[mickseven]

Thank for the replies. I was going to rent a camcorder to capture my 8mm tapes and brought the old one in with me. At the shop they plugged it in and it powered up just long enough to hit the eject button and get the tape out. Don't know why it didn't work for me at home. As soon as the tape came out, I got the up arrow signal which, according to the manual, means it's service time. Not worth it on this machine. Thanks again.