Old VHS-C camcorder repair.

[reensmcgeens]

Sorry if this is in the wrong section.
Recently, I have found my parents old camcorder that they used to film events in our childhood with. When I charged the battery, it held, but upon powering it up it does not stay on for more than a few seconds. I even tried it with the wall unit going directly into the camera. I noticed that there was a tape stuck in there and would not eject....but I got it out without breaking anything or leaving bits of the tape in there. For the few seconds it powers on, I noticed I can zoom the lens in and out, but nothing happens on the viewfinder. The camera must have been made around the mid 90's and is a Realistic Model 150 Compact MovieCorder VHS-C. What do you think is causing this, and can it be fixed? I can post a video of what is happening if needed.

[aedipuss]

vcr techs are few and far between these days. it would cost more than it was worth new just to have it looked at. if you are just looking to try and play old vhs-c cassettes look for a normal vcr and a vhs-c adapter that will play the small tapes in a normal vcr.

[reensmcgeens]

Thing is, I am really into the "look" that the camera records. Plus, it'd be a nice peace when someone asks to say that it was my parents. The main reason I want to use it is for art purposes. But thanks for the advice!

[aedipuss]

you could cay the same thing about an 1971 ford pinto too.... sorry to rain on your parade but it was a cheap radio shack unit to begin with.

[orsetto]

It would be very expensive to repair, like $150-200 expensive, if repair is even possible and you could find a tech who had a clue.

As aedipuss suggested, get one of the adapter shells to play the old tapes in a normal VHS VCR. These look like a normal VHS cassette but have a lidded compartment where you drop in the VHS-C tape, then slide the lid shut to load the tape in the larger shell. You can buy generic lid-operated adapter shells for $10 or so, theres no need to blow $30 for the "automatic" battery-motorized versions.

Keep the Radio Shack camcorder as a sentimental conversation piece, but forget about repairing it. If you want a VHS-C camcorder that will give you the old "look," check ebay and Craigs List for a Panasonic or Quasar VHS-C camcorder listed as "still fully functional." These were the most reliable of the VHS-C cameras, they sold like crazy, so many used ones in decent shape are still available and very cheap. I used a Panasonic PV-L550 for a lot of family stuff and it was great.

Much as I despise the current trend of doing absolutely everything with a cell phone app, you can probably also duplicate the VHS-C "look" in cell phone videos using a "vintage video" app for Android or iPhone.

[lordsmurf]

I'd use Video8 (8mm tape) instead of VHS-C.
It'll have similar style for "art purposes". And it'll be less hassle to use, in most cases.