topic Re: Assistance with Canon ZR850...cassettes not playing in Camcorders

Assistance with Canon ZR850...cassettes not playing

Mbouv31 — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 20:44:52 GMT

Using a Canon ZR850, trying to convert minidv cassettes to my computer (MP4 format). When I insert a cassette, the screen makes a loud beep, says REMOVE THE CASSETTE. A small red arrow flashes in the top right corner above the tape time, and a red cassette with line through it flashes in the lower left corner. I re-inserted the cassette numerous times...Same result. Why won't the cassettes even play?

Re: Assistance with Canon ZR850...cassettes not playing

rs-eos — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 21:01:06 GMT

When were the cassettes last played? If they've been sitting for years, that could lead to issues. Could also be the equipment if it's been sitting for a long time without use.

Re: Assistance with Canon ZR850...cassettes not playing

Mbouv31 — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 21:17:36 GMT

yes to both questions. years.

Re: Assistance with Canon ZR850...cassettes not playing

shadowsports — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 17:10:37 GMT

Greetings,

What Ricky said is all true. A old, or weak battery might cause this as well.. Do all tapes refuse to play or just one? If you have an external power supply, I'd try with it. Less than $20 on Amazon, but keep in mind that it won't solve a hardware problem or issue with a individual cassette.

Re: Assistance with Canon ZR850...cassettes not playing

Mbouv31 — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 21:50:33 GMT

I have 7 tapes and none seems to play. I've been trying with the camcorder plugged into a power source with the power cord, since the batteries have been dead for many years. I tried with battery in and camcorder plugged in, still same response. I did watch one tape about about a week ago and it seemed to work, now it doesn't. everything else on the camcorder seems to be working, like setting date and time etc. Any other suggestions? or do I need to take it into a camera repair shop to have it looked at? Hoping to not have to spend a lot on the camcorder just to transfer the tapes since I haven't had a need for it, nor do I anticipate using it much as we just use our iPhones at this point.