Canon L-1 Hi-8 camera

jayhink wrote on 8/13/2004, 6:28 PM
Hi everyone -- I recently picked up an old Canon L-1 and I want to get the thing serviced and get it a general going-over.

I wanted to ask the group if any of you could suggest an outlet that I can take the camera to or send it to. Is it best to send it to Canon for inspection? Or is there generally places locally that it can be serviced? Also ... what is a rough estimate of the price for a general inspection?

I think it needs some work on the heads (video recorded on it plays back fine through the camera itself, but tracks poorly in all other Hi-8 players). There seems to be a glitch in the nat audio, but I'm not sure. Otherwise, everything looks and seems good.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Jason Hink
Roseburg, Oregon

Comments

winrockpost wrote on 8/14/2004, 6:50 AM
Canon does not work on the L1 any more. Maybe call some authorized dealers and find one that will check it out.
Good luck
Catwell wrote on 8/14/2004, 8:57 AM
I just had my GL-2 serviced by Video Tech in Seattle. Check out www.videotech.com. They were good and fast. This was just a basic cleaning and checkout so not major work but they really seem to know what they are doing. And they do a lot mail order stuff.
B.Verlik wrote on 8/14/2004, 3:18 PM
It may be a nice camera from it's time, but I think I'd rather have a Digital 8, than a Hi-8. Don't they make Digital 8s that will play Hi-8 and reg 8? The picture from my Sony Digital 8 is so much better than my Canon Hi-8, mind you my Canon is a cheaper model. My Sony is a middle of the road model and I think it plays Hi-8 but haven't tried it yet.
farss wrote on 8/14/2004, 3:24 PM
Yes,
the Sony D8s play 8 and Hi8.
Bob.
Caruso wrote on 8/14/2004, 9:32 PM
I'd be curious to hear about this L-1. Was it a pro model (if there was such a thing in Hi-8), prosumer, what?

Caruso
oneTman wrote on 8/15/2004, 9:57 AM
RE: Someone to fix L-1
I used ACR in Kokomo, IN and had good results getting my L-1 fixed. Do a web search for them or the number is - 888-999-1591 or 765-453-7911.

RE: pro level or prosumer - definately a "prosumer model", the L-2 was the more professional unit. Good results have been had out of my L-1 - I still use it as a secondary unit.
Hope this helps,
Scott
vicmilt wrote on 8/15/2004, 12:00 PM
I'd say don't waste your money fixing it.
No matter what you pay, you're going to end up with a 7 year old - 2 generation old (ancient technology) camera, amature camera.

I'd say spend an extra couple of hundred and get something state of the art.

wcoxe1 wrote on 8/15/2004, 5:50 PM
I would say that if there is any real work that needs to be done, such as real alignment, adjustments, etc., you are looking at $500.00.

If there is ANY board that needs replacement, plan on $1,000.00.

Although this was a fantastic Pro type unit in its day, it is a museum piece now. Put your money into a DV or Mini-DV camcorder now. The xtra $500 will move you from consumer to Prosumer.

Try selling it on eBay and cut your losses..

By the way, I have a really FANTASTIC Canon A1 Digital, in really Tip Top condition, with extra battery, all kinds of extras, nice water proof case, etc., for sale. $399.00 to first taker. Just ask.