Should I fix my Canon A-1 Hi-8?
bk...@att.net
I have a Canon A-1 Hi-8 camcorder (A1A model) that is in cosmetically
great condition, but does not seem to record from the lens.
I took it to a local repair shop, who charged me $29 (cheap, I guess),
but was unable to precisely determine (or didn't want to tell me) what
was wrong with the camera. They said the deck works OK and that the
outputs work when hooked to an external deck or TV. I checked and I do
indeed get a picture through the viewfinder. They wanted a minimum of
another $100 to repair it. While I know that is not a bad rate, I do
not have a battery or ac adapter for this, so I would be looking at
spending $200 or more before I could actually use it in the field.
Is this camera worth it? Does this sound like a problem I can fix (I am
comfortable soldering all but the smallest joints, and know how to use
my dig multimeter), or should I sell it As-Is Non-Working and use the
money for something else? (like a SVHS-C or other older pro or prosumer
camera)
Opinions/Info requested. Thanks!
Bill
John Amato
Hi Bill:
If I were you, I would get it fixed. I have never used the A-1 but from what
I've read in several issues of Videomaker and Camcorder magazine, it is a
great camera... a bit outdated but if the repair shop can bring it up to
factory specs, you will have a nice camera.
Make sure the repair shop is extremely reputable... this is definitely NOT the
time to try to shop for a bargain though... I have found that the larger, more
well known (but expensive) shops seem to do a better job and stand behind
their work.
BTW... if you have the work done at the shop you took it to, they may apply
the $29. you've already spent to the total cost.
Good luck,
John
John Amato
Web Development
Dreamscape Online
BAYCITVIDGRP
In <HV3e1.164$Yb.44...@newsfeed.dreamscape.com> jo...@dreamscape.com
(John Amato) writes:
>
>Hi Bill:
>
>If I were you, I would get it fixed. I have never used the A-1 but
from what
>I've read in several issues of Videomaker and Camcorder magazine, it
is a
>great camera... a bit outdated but if the repair shop can bring it up
to
>factory specs, you will have a nice camera.
>Make sure the repair shop is extremely reputable...
Avoid Video Tech services in Seattle
WA...they are not a Canon authorized
dealer...they screwed me over on my
L1 and refused to repair it right
the 3rd time they tried.
That's VTS of Seattle...they have a
www page...Wayne Vokey is the
mastermind of unrepair for a price.
400 bucks for some work on microphone,
not authorized and a cleaning...
stay away from Video Tech Services
in Seattle WA.....
he's screwed others who
let me know by e-mail....
bill conduit
etc.
Paul Grohe
On Thu, 04 Jun 1998 14:22:29 -0400,
in the newsgroup sci.electronics.repair,
bk...@att.net
from AT&T WorldNet Services thoughtfully posted:
> I have a Canon A-1 Hi-8 camcorder (A1A model) that is in cosmetically
> great condition, but does not seem to record from the lens.
>
> I took it to a local repair shop, who charged me $29 (cheap, I guess),
> but was unable to precisely determine (or didn't want to tell me) what
> was wrong with the camera. They said the deck works OK and that the
> outputs work when hooked to an external deck or TV. I checked and I do
> indeed get a picture through the viewfinder. They wanted a minimum of
> another $100 to repair it. While I know that is not a bad rate, I do
> not have a battery or ac adapter for this, so I would be looking at
> spending $200 or more before I could actually use it in the field.
>
> Is this camera worth it? Does this sound like a problem I can fix (I am
> comfortable soldering all but the smallest joints, and know how to use
> my dig multimeter), or should I sell it As-Is Non-Working and use the
> money for something else? (like a SVHS-C or other older pro or prosumer
> camera)
FIX IT!!!
I have one - and it is a *V-E-R-Y* nice camera. One of the best
optical paths available (nice, big lenses).
My only complaint about it is the short battery life - about 20
minutes with auto-everything. If you go totally manual and
lay-off the power zoom, you can get up to 45-50 minutes (about an
hour if the tape is just left running).
You are right about the adapter and battery. The Canons of that
era used a "power module" that slipped into the battery
compartment. There are no external power jacks on the camera. You
will need the original power supply (not cheap), or whip one up
yourself (or run off batteries).
1800mA batteries are available from Batteries Plus (BP718A1) for
about $40. Don't even bother with any battery less than 1800mA
(ie: the $20 600mA ones from drug/discount stores). A couple
batteries and a universal charger will run you about $150.
If you gut a (cheap) battery, you can use the shell as a "power
module" by running some zip cord between the shell and an
external 6V power supply. The camera runs off 6V at about 2A max.
I have also seen third-party 12V "car adapters" or "battery
eliminators". A "module" at one end, and a cigarette lighter plug
at the other.
I would say fix it, and if it is successful, buy a minimum of
three batteries for it.
Good Luck!
Cheers,
Paul Grohe
---------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Grohe National Semiconductor Corp.
Associate Apps Engineer Santa Clara, CA. USA
http://www.national.com
NORTH AMERICA EUROPE
1 (800) 272-9959 +49 (0) 180-532 78 32
mailto:sup...@nsc.com mailto:europe....@nsc.com
Usenet Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed are mine, not NSC's
---------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Slone
> 1800mA batteries are available from Batteries Plus (BP718A1) for
> about $40. Don't even bother with any battery less than 1800mA
> (ie: the $20 600mA ones from drug/discount stores). A couple
> batteries and a universal charger will run you about $150.
>
I bought a couple of BP718XTs (the Bescor version of what he's refering to
as far as I know). They last for a decent amount of time in my L2, but for
real power you should really get a Lead-Acid battery pack. You can get a
10 Amp-hour pack with a smart charger for under $100 and it will power the
A1 for hours on end. Try B+H...That's where I got mine from!
Regards,
-Lee
--
Lee Slone
<http://www.nanospace.com/~lee>
Remove the "NoSpam" in my adress to send mail!
Bill Mattos
Canon零 A-1 Digital is very similar to the A-1 that it replaced; same
great picture but with a variety of digital effects, such as overlap, a
variety of slow shutter speeds, etc.
If, after you consider the total cost of the repair to your A-1, plus the
cost of batteries, charger, etc., you may very well be approaching $400.
My A-1 Digital needed new capacitors and a general tune up two years ago
after 9 years of heavy us. I had the work done at an authorized Canon
repair facility in Mountain View, Calif. Although the cost was a little
over $300, it was well worth it as the camcorder is performing like new
once again.
If the newsgroup ad below that was posted a few days prior to yours is
still current, and the camcorder and gear is as advertised, it零 a helluva
deal. You - or anyone else interested in one of the greatest camcorders
ever made - ought to consider it if it零 still for sale.
> **************************************
> For Sale: Cannon Hi-8 A1-Digital Camcorder --$400--
> **************************************
> - Perfect Condition / All Manuals
> - "Prosumer" Grade camera
> - Includes
> Camera
> Remote Control
> Carrying Case
> Several Batteries
> AC Adaptor / Charger
> Manual
>
> - Features
> Hi-8
> 1/2 inch CCD
> .5 lux min illumination
> TTL autofocus
> Video/Audio In/Out
> Svideo In/Out
> 10x optical zoom/ 20x digital
> Digital Freeze / Fade
> External Mic Input w/ Level control
> 2 position handhold - Eye level, Waist level
>
> If interested please contact
> Chris Green
> email: cgr...@parentline.com
> phone wk: 281-583-5266 x121
> hm: 281-580-3174
In article <6l6ok3$n...@bgtnsc03.worldnet.att.net>, bk...@att.net wrote:
> I have a Canon A-1 Hi-8 camcorder (A1A model) that is in cosmetically
> great condition, but does not seem to record from the lens.
>
> I took it to a local repair shop, who charged me $29 (cheap, I guess),
> but was unable to precisely determine (or didn't want to tell me) what
> was wrong with the camera. They said the deck works OK and that the
> outputs work when hooked to an external deck or TV. I checked and I do
> indeed get a picture through the viewfinder. They wanted a minimum of
> another $100 to repair it. While I know that is not a bad rate, I do
> not have a battery or ac adapter for this, so I would be looking at
> spending $200 or more before I could actually use it in the field.
>
> Is this camera worth it? Does this sound like a problem I can fix (I am
> comfortable soldering all but the smallest joints, and know how to use
> my dig multimeter), or should I sell it As-Is Non-Working and use the
> money for something else? (like a SVHS-C or other older pro or prosumer
> camera)
>
> Opinions/Info requested. Thanks!
>
> Bill
SKI333
Bill Mattos wrote:
>
>
> If the newsgroup ad below that was posted a few days prior to yours is
> still current, and the camcorder and gear is as advertised, it¹s a helluva
> deal. You - or anyone else interested in one of the greatest camcorders
> ever made - ought to consider it if it¹s still for sale.
>
Maybe,but multiple leaky smd electrolytic capacitors is a common
problem on these models as they age. While the seller states it is in
perfect condition,unless he has had ALL those caps replaced,the buyer
may end up having to have the same repair you did,possibly spending $300
as you did sometime in the near future.
bk...@att.net
Everyone: Thanks for all the input! I think for now I will just
carefully disassemble it and check for leaky caps and other obvious
damage. If it looks good (with no leaky caps) and I still get vid and
deck power, I will probably get it fixed sometime in the future (or sell
it to one of the many many people who offered to buy it!).
Of course, if the DV prices continue to drop I may just go straight to
DV when I can afford it, and not bother with SVHS or repairing the A1.
In any case I should have a Hitachi VM-E56A next week that will be a
decent replacement for both the A1 and the two "field" units I have been
using (a JVC C7U and a Panasonic 220).
Bill
SKI333 wrote:
>
> Bill Mattos wrote:
> >
>
> >
> > If the newsgroup ad below that was posted a few days prior to yours is
> > still current, and the camcorder and gear is as advertised, it零 a helluva
> > deal. You - or anyone else interested in one of the greatest camcorders
> > ever made - ought to consider it if it零 still for sale.
Video Services
The A-1 "will" have leaky SMD Caps.....many of which you cannot detect with
the necked (or clothed} eye.
It should have approximently....200 to 250 SMD's
Rex
Video Services
VIDCRAZE
hi bill,
i may be interested in buying that a-1 digital for parts 200.000 is alot to pay
for repair, it is a good camera, please contact me by e-mail or phone tell more
about the camera, do you use it alot? is it in good condition. let me know
thanks 716 -663-6060
george rochester, n.y.