Check rec tab keeps popping up when i turn on my camera and it prevents my from recording any thing. its a Panasonic 3ccd pv-gs500 how do i fix this.

you are prohibited from recording on thips tape. This is because the red tab on the side of the tape that faces you when you are inserting the tape inside the camera has been put in 'SAVE' position . to be able to record o the tape you need to use your fingernail to slide the red tab to the 'REC' position.

to help you understand this issue:
Tape and recording protection
The write-protect switch (right) prevents accidental erasure. .
To prevent the recording on the tape from being erased, there is a small write-protect tab that can be moved to one of two positions, labeled "REC" and "SAVE". Comparing the sliding tab to a door, the tape is in the "REC" position is when the "door" is open and the "SAVE" position when it is closed. (Not all tape cases have markings for this information!) The tape can only be recorded on (or recorded over) when this tab is in the "REC" position. This is an improved version of the VHS write-protect tab, which prevents erasure after it has been (permanently) broken off.

A nice easy one. Eject your tape and look for the record lock on the cassette. It's usually a small plastic red tab which you slide to one side. The record will then work.

It's put there to stop you mistakingly record over the top of something you want to keep. Just make sure it's nor something you want to keep before recording over it :-)

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Cameras-Camcorders/Camcorders/Other-Camcorders/model.PV-GS500

here u can downlaod...

you have the number wrong, its GS500, not 50D! here is the link! http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Cameras-Camcorders/Camcorders/MiniDV-Camcorders/model.PV-GS500

go here for entire manual free download. http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Cameras-Camcorders/Camcorders/MiniDV-Camcorders/How-To-Guides/model.PV-GS500.H#ts

of course, the first thing to check is the record protection tab on the cassette tape. other than that, check inside the camera to make sure a small piece of tape label or plastic isn't stuck in the mechanism, perhaps keeping the record protect sensor switch from operating.

I had the same problem but without the needing cleaning message on my Pana PvGs12, weird as it sounded, I stopped it but left it on and gave it a whack on my palm and then tired playing it again and it fixed it. But I have heard it may also need professional head repair and that it may be out of alignment too? Try switching from doing it in the camera mode and or in the playback mode. I'd also try the reset button.

your iris is probably stuck - a cleaning here ( puerto rico ) starts at $ 50 so get an estimate before committing to repairs ;

I have the same problem with mine and trying to figure what is the problem. Like you I've used it minimal times and it sat for a while and now I can't record anything. I hope some knows how to fix it without it costing an arm and a leg.

Important Notice
Digital 3CCD Camcorder


Panasonic has discovered a premature component failure with a limited number of PV-DV953 (2003 Model) and PV-GS200 (2004 Model) 3CCD camcorders, which may cause an abnormal camera picture (incorrect color reproduction, reddish, noisy image, etc). This anomaly is limited to a specific range of serial numbers listed below.

If your camcorder demonstrates the specific symptom and falls within the serial number range, Panasonic will repair the camcorder free of charge.

Please call the following toll-free number for assistance in receiving a free repair:

Panasonic Call Center: 1-800-973-4264


Model # Serial Number Ranges

PV-DV953 (2003) E3Hxxxxxx, F3Hxxxxxx, G3Hxxxxxx, H3Hxxxxxx, I3Hxxxxxx, J3Hxxxxxx, K3Hxxxxxx, L3Hxxxxxx and A4Hxxxxxx
PV-GS200 (2004) C4Hxxxxxx and D4Hxxxxxx