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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
GL2 Tape Transport Problem Re-visited

vidguyz
User

Apr 27, 2005, 2:45 AM

Post #1 of 4 (1518 views)
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GL2 Tape Transport Problem Re-visited	Can't Post

Hi all -

Well, I spoke with CanonUSA today regarding a different issue (checking up on some authorized dealers for future purchases) ... and, well ...

Me: Hi, I just bought a 2nd GL2 recently, my first one being a few years old now and I was wondering if they fixed the tape transport problems plagueing earlier GL2's.

Canon Rep: Hmm, didn't know the GL2's had a tape transport problem.

Me: Well, I've visited quite a few video related -and- GL2 specific forums and there does indeed seem to be an issue with the tape transporter .. and these comments come from users the world over.

Canon Rep: Well, never heard of it - so, how may I help you.

Me: Well, if you never heard of it (slight snicker) - then I guess you can't help me. I do find it amazing that you never heard of an issue that seems to be so prevelant.

Canon Rep: (curtly now) How may I help you ?

Me: Again, ma'am, if you never heard of it, then I guess it's not a problem, eh ?

Canon Rep: How may I help you ?

Me: You've helped me fine, thank you - have a nice day.

----------------------

Amazing - I know of 3 people personally who had to take their GL2's in for this problem, I've seen posts here and elsewhere that this problem exists. THinking that the problems with the tape transport that I hear of are probably only a fraction of the occurences out there - I'm very surprised that Canon is not acknowledging it.

Wait, I digress - I shouldn't be surprised that such a large company would not acknowledge this problem.

So, off to the service center my older one goes for this very non-problem that many GL'2 users are NOT having Shocked

(I've got the 4 year extended warranty, so it's shipping costs only) .... and, despite the stonewall I got from the rep, I'll most likely continue buying Canon cameras because I truly believe the company puts out one hell of a product line.

In life, you have to pick and choose your battles - and I'll leave this one be - and be thankful that I've got the 4 year extended warranty on both my Canon's.

Sketch

Waldemar
Enthusiast

Apr 27, 2005, 2:53 PM

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Re: [vidguyz] GL2 Tape Transport Problem Re-visited [In reply to]	Can't Post

Your conversation doesn't sound very surprising. Most company reps I talk to when calling to customer service really don't have any knowledge of the products their employer makes. They just read off of FAQ sheets. It is impossible to get to speak to technical reps anymore.
G5 1.8. Final Cut/QT Pro/iMovie/Still Life. GL1. XL1-s

vidsmith66
Novice

Apr 27, 2005, 7:41 PM

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Re: [vidguyz] GL2 Tape Transport Problem Re-visited [In reply to]	Can't Post

Had an interesting chat with one of Canon's Authorized service center techs a few years back (problem with the xl1's and xl1s's giving us garbled footage, dropouts, etc. when using sony tapes) and he said that the company's line was that there was a problem with the lubricant in the camera breaking down the emulsion layer on the tape and to use either "canon" certified media or never use sony tape with this series of cameras. When asked about his honest opionion about the dependablity of canon videocams his answer was (quote) "never buy one"! When I asked him why he stated that the Canon series was the a. most problematic camera design every recorded at his facility and b. also the most expensive to maintain and repair. His final advice was to spend the extra $2000 to $3000 and get a real broadcast capable cam as the repair and maintence cost would work out about the same anyway. Recently I spoke to the same tech about similar problems with the gl1,2 series and his reply was to check to see why canon only makes lenses and not camcorders for pro broadcast cameras! Food for thought I guess...

vidguyz
User

May 8, 2005, 11:14 PM

Post #4 of 4 (1434 views)
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Re: [vidsmith66] GL2 Tape Transport Problem Re-visited [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well I didn't want to hear THAT Crazy

.

I'll have to defend CANON somewhat, since I started this thread.

I've really nothing to compare it with, but all the images I've seen from other 'like class' camcorders, I've got to give CANON GL2 the thumbs up for best video output, bar none. Again, this is for 'same class' camcorders, pro-sumers models I believe they're called. As far as service/cost, I know of some equal horror stories from SONY and PANASONIC ... so, I'll go by the only measure I've got so far - and that's the actual output - and GL2 wins in that dept.

Ahh, now I remeber why I bought the first GL2 -and now I'm on my second. Can't wait to see what they have to offer in true HD since SONY just belted out a nice looking body.