RCA Video Cameras - Popular Questions, Answers, Tips & Manuals

Question edited into written English with punctuation. The lens isn't black, the viewfinder is black. Connect it to a television or computer and see if playback and live recording is working. In that way you know the optics and the electronics are working. The viewfinder is a small LCD display screen with a magnifying glass in front of it. Take it to your local camera shop, they will know someone that still repairs these camcorders. I was hoping to find a free PDF manual as I wondered if there is a switch or a setting to turn OFF the viewfinder? https://www.google.com/search?q=RCA+CC604+VHCS+Camcorder+manual ..

The 950 is here, but no 949. https://www.google.com/search?q=manual+for+RCA+PROV949HB+Camcorder ..

Hi, You can first check for any debris in the video tape player and double check that no settings are stopping the tape from playing (ie a stuck rewind button) . Otherwise, please use the services of geeksquad/bestbuy to refurbish your vcr player. You might also check out BandH (?) video to see if they can refurbish your video tape player. Thank you.

Probably an age related issue. A repair is possible but not ecconomic.

I don't know anything about the vhs camera - other than they produce superior quality, when they work ok. It would be reasonable to assume the tape transport mechanism would be the same as in a vhs video recorder. I remember an engineer telling me there is a post or protrusion containing a light source and sensor that sometimes fails. The purpose of this is to detect a cassette has been properly loaded into the machine and if it isn't working the machine won't work or only partly work. I think the camera is worth saving but I strongly suggest such specialist equipment should be entrusted to a suitably experienced professional specialist.

Do you have a model number? I found a manual for the RCA Pro8, Pro807, from Voxx here: https://voxxintl.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/225487888-Information-and-Owner-s-Manual-for-the-RCA-PRO8-Model-PRO807-Camcorder . The direct link to this manual appeared as https://sc.voxxintl.com/docs/common/PRO807/PRO807_OM.pdf in my browser history. I hope this helps. Cindy Wells

Possible causes: the sync signal head is not recording, there is a mismatch between the capstan motor speed and the video head speed, or one of the sync circuits has a fault. Typically, if the picture rolls up or down, it's a vertical sync problem. A horizontal sync fault or tracking mismatch will cause the picture to tear sideways. Try cleaning the sync head (one of two heads separate from the video head drum; the other is the audio track head), but don't be surprised if doesn't solve the problem.

The vhs camcorder has very complex mechanics and hold many traps for the inexperienced. I suggest you begin by obtaining a standard vhs recorder and remove the cover to expose the interior and then study it. You will find the engineering and interior geography of your camcorder similar. The round shiny barrel-shaped thing contains the record and playback video heads and the sound head is separate and looks like a larger version of what can be seen in a standard audio cassette recorder. The interior must be extremely clean, the drive belts in good condition and the clutches and rubber rollers also in good order.

I am sorry to say that it appears you may have answered your own question, the "hundreds of hours" is the clue. Consider the possibility that your camera is worn out. Sorry.

It appears to have a built-in USB connector, use that.

Poor signal strength.

It is over 18 years old - the probability is that some of the electronic components have deteriorated to such an extent that it is no longer usable.

Without power, you can do nothing

This is extremely old technology - replace it, as parts and service will not be available.

Why not get a professional video company to do it for you ? Quality will be better than any domestic setup could achieve.

it is possible that the movie format on your camcorder is not one that is recognised by your TV

It's at least fifteen years old - no spare will be available. Replace it.

At seventeen years old, it is well beyond the expected lifespan of any domestic camcorder. Replace it.

I understand you have a problem. What is not clear from your description, however, is the actual nature of the problem. Please can you state it more clearly. Thank you.

Won't say what ? Hello ? Goodbye ?