help with JVC camcorder please!

[jars104]

Hi all

New here and wondered if anyone could help. We've a JVC camcorder which, whenever we turn it on, says the lens cap is still on. Doesn't change if we use the screen viewer or the eyepiece thingy.

We can't play the tape inside either!

Make/model

JVC GR-DX97EK

Wondered if anyone had had similar probs.

Thanks Bill

[Mr Lazy]

It's probably faulty I'm afraid, these sound like typical symptoms when a MiniDV camcorder is on it's last legs...but there are one or two things you could try:

- You don't say if you actually get a picture? I assume not (as normally this error comes up when the camera detects no light): with the camcorder turned on and in camera mode, shine a torch into the lens, do you see the lens iris move (ie. trying to auto-focus/adjust apeture)? If it doesn't move, the CCD is probably faulty.

- Try using it whilst plugged in to the mains.

- Try taking the battery out, leave it for 10 mins, try again (without the mains plugged in).

- leave the camcorder in the same room (make sure it's a dry room at a normal temperature) for an extended period of time (a few hours at least) in case it has experienced a sudden temperature change

[GaryB]

The Lens Cap problem is a known issue and should be covered by JVC. The playback problem isn't part of that so won't be covered:

JVC UK » Support Centre › Notice to Customers › CCD Failure/Lens Cap Warning Error

[Mr Lazy]

Interesting, thanks. Hmmm...I have a second hand GR-D20 sitting the cupboard which I only use for capturing, I don't get the lens cap error but I think the CCD may be faulty. Wonder if it's covered. I guess they'd ask for proof of purchase. Anyway I think there is a problem with the focus mechanism too (it clicks) so probably not worth the hassle. It's very good of JVC to cover this sort of thing outside warranty, but I bet they don't say yes to every case.

@ OP - silly question time, but you have tried playing back another tape, right?