OT: how to clean the head on a MiniDV camera?

TheHappyFriar wrote on 6/26/2005, 8:09 AM
I don't like cleaning tapes, I prefer the hand on alcohol & q-tip approach. I've done this to decks a lot but never to a camera.

Is there any tricks or can I just jump right in & start cleaning (I'm getting some dropouts & i'm using brand new tapes & it's not my HD because another camera works, so I'm assuming it's the heads)

Comments

p@mast3rs wrote on 6/26/2005, 8:11 AM
Other than cleaning tapes I am pretty sure the other way to clean them is have it professionally cleaned at a pro camera shop or the manufacturer. I am sure if I am wrong, someone will jump in here and correct me. :)
GlennChan wrote on 6/26/2005, 10:05 AM
From what I've read, you should NOT use a Q-tip because the lint will get on the heads and screw things up.

Use a "chamois" instead. Sorry, no idea where to buy them.
Spot|DSE wrote on 6/26/2005, 10:13 AM
Most professional video outlets have chamois headed rods, but unless you know exactly what you're doing....you might want to leave this to the factory. Once a year or so maintenance at the factory is a good idea anyway.
(Glenn's right, never use a q-tip because the cotten fibers can get into the head(s))
If you're cautious about use, a dry tape cleaner is pretty useful as well, but it does grind the head, so use should be sparing and not too often.
johnmeyer wrote on 6/26/2005, 3:32 PM
I've cleaned a lot of heads, including those on my miniDV. As Spot says, chamois is mandatory. No cotton swabs -- ever. Hold the chamois absolutely flat so the edges do NOT dig into the head. Gentle pressure. Don't put too much head cleaning solution on them -- you're not trying to rinse the head, just clean it.

Head Cleaning Tips

Head Cleaning Technique (this is a long page -- search for "head cleaning technique").