Modifying an old Sony video8 camcorder?

[Bandersnatch]

I have an old Sony camcorder (video8, CCD-F455E Pal) which is suffering from the dreaded "triangle of death" but I've discovered I can still use it as a webcam if I connect it via a tv card. The only problem is it shuts off every 5 minutes. This is a normal function of any video camera or VCR when set in record mode but paused, it's to stop damaging the tape or the mechanism. What I'd like to know is if it's possible to modify the camera to stop it shutting off after 5 minutes? I don't care about damaging the camera by cutting wires or removing a component for example as it's of no other use to me.

[Steve Stepoway]

Well, I can't speak to that specific camcorder, but others (Canons and Panasonics) I've used don't auto-shutoff if you simply don't put a tape in them. Have you tried that?

Steve

[Bandersnatch]

There's no tape in it and it still shuts off. The only way I could stop it shutting off is to put a tape in and record - which I can't as the tape mechanism doesn't work too well.

[aedipuss]

some old canons would stay on without a tape if you left the tape door open.