Optura Pi is eating tapes

I had a similar problem with a Cannon Optura PI and had to send it in. It was better, but I still have problems on occasion. If your intent is to transfer all the tapes to media, I would suggest purchasing Toshiba's DVD Video Recorder/Video Cassette Recorder. Model: DVR620KU. I use a VHS-C Cassette Adapter to play my VHS-C tapes in and the dubbed them to a DVD. Works great. Unfortunately, there is no 8mm/VHS Adapters, since 8mm, Hi8, miniDV are different formats with different technical characteristics than VHS. These formats were never developed with the intention to be mechanically compatible with past or current VHS technology. Your best bet would to borrow a HI-8 Camcorder and then dub your tapes to DVD's using the Toshiba machine. Here is a link to the Toshiba machine. http://www.testfreaks.com/dvd-players-recorders/toshiba-dvr620/
Good luck

Link to user manual

No you can't turn off this feature

Nathan Petersen June 17th, 2005, 04:03 PM Is there away to turn the auto power off off. I dont think there is, just thought I'd ask, thanks. Don Palomaki June 17th, 2005, 08:47 PM Not on the original XL1. It will drop into STANDBY from PAUSE if there is a tape in the transport after around 5 minutes. If there is NOT a tape in the camcorder it will not not drop into STANDBY but will remain operating as a camera. Xander Christ June 17th, 2005, 09:25 PM Canon suggests that the only way to keep the XI from shutting off is to use the AC adapter as the power source, not the battery. I haven't tried it, so I don't know if it's true. Don Palomaki June 18th, 2005, 07:33 AM True - in that when using the battery, the camcorder will shut down when the battery runs out of available charge. However, using the A/C adapter does not prevent the XL1 from going into standby if a tape is in the camcorder. Nathan Petersen June 18th, 2005, 04:52 PM Canon suggests that the only way to keep the XI from shutting off is to use the AC adapter as the power source, not the battery. I haven't tried it, so I don't know if it's true.

No it still does it with the AC adapter, Im not even using the battery. It makes no sense to have the auto power off when shooting indoors while using the AC adapter, its just stupid. Don Palomaki June 19th, 2005, 05:59 AM Again, the key point is having a tape in the XL1. After about 5 minuts it goes into Standby mode (not the same as turning the power off with the dial). This is a carryover from pure consumer camcorders - to save battery and reduce damage to tape and head wear from a camcorder left in pause mode for a long time.

Pro users complained, so the XL1s had an option to disable this feature so that only the tape transport (VCR portion) is turned off after 5 minutes, the camera head continues to run. link to above thread

These camcorders are not repaired because of the low cost of replacing them.

Tape mechanism malfunctions can be due to many factors. A bad gear is the most likely cause and can be repaired fairly inexpensively. However, it’s not a user serviceable problem and will need to be diagnosed by a qualified service technician.
My name is Rick and I’m a professional repair technician with over 20 years in the business and have repaired many of these. I’m semi retired and work from home with little overhead so I can keep repair costs low. If you decide to have the camera repaired, please click HERE for a directory listing that suits your needs.

If this response has been of any help to you, please be sure and give a positive vote for me on FixYa.com .

This looks like AC power getting into the camera, keep the cut-down power pack well away from the camera.

yes i think; if you can find a good tech he should be able to make the mechanism alignement and clean out debris could be in the mechanism but he can charge you more because its as been open..
and clean the mode switch all that can be done with out parts replacing beleive me i know! because i fix a lot of camera and cam corder
hope that will help you..
regards Alan...

Once when this happened to me, I took it to a repair shop and they said it just needed to be cleaned. (Optura PI tape won't eject)

Try a cleaning tape. Buy a good quality cleaning tape (Panasonic makes one) and remember: cleaning tapes are abrasive so don't overuse it! Overuse can result in the need to replace the rotating drum assy in the camcorder. I'll bet a cleaning tape takes care of your problem.

unit need to be cleaned or have parts replaced if they got bad enough.
only, only, only use the more expensive JVC tapes. They keep their tension far better than cheaper brands. Also, they won't rub off their oxide coatings on the heads as easily, avoiding the 'clogging' of the heads (which thereby requires constant cleaning-further damaging the heads).

you can use software to capture it on your computer and burn a DVD, or there are services that will do it for you for a reasonable price. Windows Movie maker will do it if you can load it on your computer. If you are not familiar with the technology then just use one of the services. Most large cities have them or you can us an online service.