In general I'd try the basics first myself, like cleaning out the parts of the camera that are accessible in and around the tape transport, heads etc... Then if no luck, I'd look for a shop locally that's been there a while with a good rep.

I hate the feeling that once you ship something off you're at the shop's mercy, whereas someone local knows you'll yank it out of there in a heartbeat if you don't like the estimate. Local shops also depend on word of mouth so I've generally found much better service from them, plus you might find someone who's capable of component level repair rather then just replacing whatever off the shelf.

Is it worth it?... Far as I know the stuff on your camera leading to the tape are the same quality as you'd get with a comparible mini DV camcorder, perhaps even a bit higher as mini-DV cameras don't usually record the entire color range and that leaves room for shortcuts -- if that helps.

mikkie wrote:
"... mini-DV cameras don't usually record the entire color range..."

I've never heard that before. How is that the case? What colors doesn't mini-DV record?

Jay

the DV spec is essentially the same, whether you are recording the Digital Data that is your movie to MiniDV, DVCAM or Digital 8. (Panasonic has other higher quality permutations of the DV spec, not included here).

The quality of your product depends on the CCD's (one or three) and the lenses.
The fact is that virtually any/every DV camera is so far superior to the NTSC delivery system that you will use to view your videos, that it is a moot point.
My VHS dubs look exactly the same whether sourced with my Digital 8, my single chip MiniDV and my brand new PD-150. Now the PD-150 "gets" more image, especially in darker or higher contrast situations, but for home videos - you won't be able to tell.
I don't know about Canon, but Sony completely refurbished one of my VX-1000's for a flat rate of $250.
Since you can get a brand new Digi 8 for under $400, I doubt it's worth it to fix.
Personally I say forget about local electronic shops.
They (generally) have neither the tools, the parts nor the experience to fix a video camera - TV sets, yeah - VCR's - maybe...

This may seem like a radical suggestion, but i've got my armor on so i'm ready ...

RadioShack offers repair service for just about any brand of comsumer electronics. You an take the camera to any RadioShack franchise store and they'll box it up and send it to Texas for $45. This fee includes packaging and shipping both ways (i assume there would be an extra charge for heavy items like televisions), an inspection and repair estimate, and often basic labor such as cleaning. They'll call you with the estimate and you can approve it or not. If you don't approve it, they'll ship it back to you without doing any work. I've sent several items in which came back a week later with notes like "just needed cleaning/calibration, no extra charge". Overall i've been pretty happy with the service.

"I've never heard that before. How is that the case? What colors doesn't mini-DV record?"

Hi Jay...

Go to Adam Wilt's FAQ pages for more info then you'd ever want: adamwilt.com . He also had a couple of recent columns in DV magazine (dv.com) dealing with how camera engineers compensated for color and color perception problems, & the way they - I guess you'd say processed - the signal from the CCD.

Anyway, nerdy stuff I guess that I find interesting.

I sent in a hi 8 to be repaired and they (Nikon) called and estimated $350 to fix it. Told them to keep it and bought a Digital 8 Sony and love it. A couple of my buddies said the same thing about repairs unfortunately we live in a throw away society.

"Personally I say forget about local electronic shops.
They (generally) have neither the tools, the parts nor the experience to fix a video camera - TV sets, yeah - VCR's - maybe... "

No offense, but I've run a few service operations... If you've got a hi dollar camera, then folks experienced with it would be preferable, I agree, though I'd still try to find someone I can see face to face. Are the cameras that complicated? Not really, or else the Sony would have cost more then $250 - you pay for the CCDs, lenses, engineering, and name.

RE: tools, a transistor is a transistor, whether it's in your TV or GL1 or vehicle. Sure there is more specialized stuff involved in setting up a high end camera, but in most metro areas there's shops that have them, and service the local news folks, doc makers, corp etc...

RE: Parts... There's a bit of an aftermarket for some stuff, especially if it's something that often breaks, and may be a better design. Factory parts are available from the factory centers, often at a discount to the shop, but you may wind up paying more, that's true. Do the factory shops stock everything? No. Then again, if a 10 cent resistor goes out on a $300 board, why replace the entire board? Did something cause it to go bad, and can it be found - no idea. Will the same part go bad on a new board after x amount of time? Fair chance.

What to watch out for are shops that have a name, usually connected with a factory or brand, whom hire anyone they can get with minimum requirements that'll work for the lowest wages. The theory is that one or two sharp folks at these shops can *help out* their lesser skilled techs, and if something gets damaged in the process, hey, you're paying anyway. They often specialize in replacing boards rather then fixing them, as this is warranty policy in most cases - the manufacturer might remake or study or reuse the board. As far as service goes, their customers are attracted by the factory/brand name, and I've never seen one (though I'm sure such exists) where any sort of customer good will or word of mouth mattered at all.

Contrast this with the man or woman who can't make the mortgage payment if they start to lose customers. You are important. Is the average tech at a factory shop capable enough to open their own shop? Doubtful. Are there crooks? Sure - that's why you check out their rep.

I never thought of that but I know yo are right we have a local radio shack (locally owned to) and the guys there are great. Very helpfull.

No need for armour, unless you're hungry for canned meat ;?P

FWIW, Radio Shack is cool if you have a decent store to start with - I've come across several that won't even talk to you about service. Also, it was a few years back, but one of the PC magazines went and broke a bunch of PCs to see who had the best service - Radio Shack was not at the top.

Maybe it's just me, but I've always had really great luck, in 3 corners of the US anyway, with these smaller shops that've been there for years with a solid rep and solid clientele. They're generally not run by neat freaks, but never seen a tech who wasn't a packrat at heart. They might have even hand painted the sign for the shop, if it has one. They're generally focused on doing their job, fixing stuff, and keeping the customers happy. More important, they're happy at what they do.