Woman Destroys Stupid F*cking Camcorder

Precious Memories Left Uncaptured

from JoeUser Forums
I think I may have broken my DVD camcorder.

It's a Hitachi DZ-BX35A and it worked great until I took it camping a couple of weeks ago. I did take it out on the beach, so it may have sand or something. Although I certainly tried to keep it clean and dry, so I was not aware if it got any sand/water in/on it.

When I turn it on I get an almost never ending DISC ACCESS message. The camcorder makes loud spin-y sounds and after an eternity it will show the normal screen as the disc is recognized. Then it gives me a "CANNOT READ DISC. CHECK DIRT/CRACK/BOTH-SIDES CONTRARY/INSERTED CORRECTLY" error message. The disc is fine, and if I try new discs I get the same message. Then it shuts off.

The still photo function (SD card) still works fine.

I have gone over my manual and tried a few different things (including reset) and nothing seems to be working.

The thing that's really pissing me off is that the DVD I was recording had an important Cub Scout ceremony, video of the baby, and our camping/beach trip on it, and now I can't finalize it, so I've basically lost that video. I can replace my camcorder, but I can't go back in time and replace those lost videos.

Ugh. Technology is the bane of my existence. Any ideas anyone?
6,346 views 9 replies
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
The thing that's really pissing me off is that the DVD I was recording had an important Cub Scout ceremony, video of the baby, and our camping/beach trip on it, and now I can't finalize it, so I've basically lost that video. I can replace my camcorder, but I can't go back in time and replace those lost videos.


Unfortunately, I have no advice, but I did want to sympathize -- losing photos and videos always sucks. In fact, it more than sucks. I'm sorry--and hope that someone can offer some advice that fixes it so you can finalize your videos.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
My best guess would be a bit of corrosion due to the high humidity and salt of a beach environment.

If you take it to a repair shop they should be able to fix the problem or at the very least recover the data for you.

Technology is great...when it works.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top

Unfortunately, I have no advice, but I did want to sympathize -- losing photos and videos always sucks. In fact, it more than sucks. I'm sorry--and hope that someone can offer some advice that fixes it so you can finalize your videos.

My thoughts exactly.  I hope you get it working again and that you're able to salvage the stuff you want

Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
I agree. Probably moisture rather than sand. Take it into the shop--sure they'll help.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
I remember when I was a kid and my mom had this big bulky 8mm thing with a light on it that was bright as the sun. Funny to see those old movies now and notice how everyone is squinting in them.

I hope you get it working again and that you're able to salvage the stuff you want


Me too!

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

You could get canned air and blow out the disk area.  If it is still damp, or their is some dirt in there, then that should clear it up.  I would think that the repair center has dealt with people needing to close out disks.  They may have a way of doing it for you, or there may be a way to do it if the camera needs to be repaired.

 

Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
You could also take the disk to a place that sells Hitachi Camcorders. I have one of those Sony CD-Mavica digital cameras and I can finalize the disks in any Sony CD-Mavica. I can also finalize it with Roxio software. I imagine that would be possible with a DVD too.
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
Thanks, everyone.

I read somewhere that sometimes these cams do that spin-y thing as a built-in way to dry themselves out. I think it is still *just barely* under warranty, so I may call the company today.

I will also call around and see if there is a place to does repairs around here.

JJ: Thanks for the tip. I guess the video is not totally lost even if I can't fix the camcorder.

Some piece of shit it is, I can't even take it near the beach.