My tapes are starting to play back at a super-distorted slow speed

Most Reel-to-reel tape decks will slow down as they approach the end of a tape, since the momentum that had built up will have a hard time stopping at the end without stretching the tape (which will distort the sound upon playback)

It may be the tape(s) themselves. Pre-recorded cassette tapes are usually no problem for most players, but many user-recorded tapes were of the C90 or C120 variety. These cassettes use much thinner tape in order to get the recording time. This can cause the tape, after many starts and stops and partial fast-forwards and rewinds to get tight on the reels. This will cause the tape sensor to think that the tape is at the end of the reel when it is not. Sometimes rewinding from end-to-end will help, but not always,

Press the speed button (or something like that) to cycle through the possible speeds. If only two they will be normal and extended (sometimes called super). Sometimes there are three: normal, long and extended. Some recorders let you set the speed on the same menu that you use to set the recording time.

yes, one nice overhaul will fix..(this can be done by you if you are daring...when u open take apart you will find a metal strip like band..I had used a bandaid for brakes the gauze side) you need new brakes (just like a car it is run down) on the reels in order for it slow & stop when it suppose to...or you can search and find a good old fashion repairman..(sorry I dont know of none)...for dragging, before playing all open reels fast fwd to one end then rewind it back to the beginning now hold the blank reel with that little bit catch tape try to tighten full side tape by going slightly going the other way not trying to stretch nor pop the tape.....now press play

motor belts are cheap. try replacing the belt that drives the wheel. this become distorted specially when the unit has not been use for quit long time. if you think its not about belt, clean up the rubber that touches the tape when played, also the tape head with 70% alcohol. hope this help.

Here is an option....use " Hammer " and fix the Rest Of Camera.

If you are recording the tapes in a slow speed, then I would suspect that the tracking pulse is not being recorded properly. Since this is a new VCR, return it for an exchange. One of the recording heads is bad.
Dan

This is a proper maintenance job. I know exactly what you are talking about and your comment about pausing and then it works sometimes confirms in my mind at least, that this is an issue with the mechanism for turning over. It happens through general use, but can be prevented by conservative use of the pause button when playing back. In my experience, the pause button is used rather than switching off, when logging....dont know if this is true on your end but I hope it helps in some way.

Get it to a shop. The error is a drum servo related problem. Don't force the mechanism or you'll be out even more...accordianman

What's happening is that the tape in the cassette is being chewed on one side by the camera's tape transporting mechanism during playback, hence the distorted image and sound. The mechanism might be damaged (misalignment) or just dirty. Try not to play other tapes on this unit because they will become permanently damaged. The best way is to find another camcorder (if cleaning does not help). Note that some old cassettes of long recording time will exhibit this behavior more often because of thinner tape used.