Strange VCR Playback Issue

[ejk71]

I own a JVC HR-VP59U, I know it's not a top of the line model but the quality has served me well since 2001. Within the last year, it no longer will play. When I press the play button, all it does is fast forward, but when I turn it on it's side, the tape does finally play properly. I have opened the unit and everything appears to be ok inside, no dust or obvious malfunctions.

I really want to archive all of my home movies once and for all before the tape badly degrades. (About 40 tapes total) All of the VCRs on the market today are worthless so I know if anything, I'll have to buy a higher end used model. Any idea what the issue could be?

(Not sure if this is the right forum but figured it would fit either here or Restoration)

[edDV]

Any VCR service shop should be able to fix this. It probably needs cleaning and lubrication anyway.

[themaster1]

Seems to me it's a mechanical problem but it's just a guess.

I know jvc vcr's tend to misalign with the time so perhaps that's a side effect of misalignment.It's rather odd though.
Make sure when you insert the tape that it's parallel with the front opening if i can put it like that.Open the vcr, insert the tape and observe its position/behavior in a dark room (no sun lights) because vcr have light sensors and the tape may be rejected/not played and the vcr will shut down.You may try various tapes E120,E240 (because of the weight).I'd begin with E120 as it's lighter which means is more prone to get wrongly positioned imo , not by much but still enough to be troublesome. If it's misaligned, i believe you will have to deal with the left side of the tape, you may have to push it a bit further inside,gently, with a finger or two.That's what i did on my vcr on several occasions.