Error code c3123 - Televison & Video

This can be caused by several problems including the transmission gear in the tape mechanism not engaging properly or a defective clutch in the take-up spool and can usually be repaired fairly inexpensively. However, it's not a user serviceable problem and will need to be repaired by a qualified service technician.

My name is Rick and I'm a professional repair technician with over 20 years in the business and have repaired many of these. I

This is one of the most common problems on sony camcorders. It is caused by the loosening or loss of the rubber roller inside the tape drive mechanism. Try tapping the top of the cam when the tape is inside. If this doesnt work, open the tape deck and look inside to see if you can spot a single rubber roller inside. If not, then the roller has worked itself loose or gone AWOL missing..:(( However, fear not...the solution for this is to go to an office supply store and obtain one of those compressed air cans used for dusting off keyboards and such. Amazingly, the plastic tip on the compressed air can (where the air comes out) can be used as a replacement for this rubber roller. It fits the metal spindle that formerly held the roller perfectly and allows the cam to function without the rubber roller and without the dreaded C31:23 "your camera is dead and useless and will no longer function" evil Sony message... Check out this link for a discussion of this problem: http://wvstephens.blogspot.com/2008/05/sony-handycam-c3123-3123-error-easy-fix.html

The camcorder has to have it's belts cleaned or replaced. This is a highly intricate proceedure and should be done proffessionally.Thank you, Dana

This seems to be related to the black rubber roller inside the camera, either falling off or losing the bushing and getting too loose. It's an easy fix once you figure out where to look I just fixed this problem by referring to this link:
http://wvstephens.blogspot.com/2008/05/sony-handycam-c3123-3123-error-easy-fix.html

His solution says to use a compressed air straw to make a new bushing. This was too small for me, but I looked around and found a little extension straw that was the right diameter. This seems to be a common problem with a lot of Sony camcorders. Google Sony C31:23 for more info.

This is one of the most common problems on sony camcorders. It is caused by the loosening or loss of the rubber roller inside the tape drive mechanism. Try tapping the top of the cam when the tape is inside. If this doesnt work, open the tape deck and look inside to see if you can spot a single rubber roller inside. If not, then the roller has worked itself loose or gone AWOL missing..:(( However, fear not...the solution for this is to go to an office supply store and obtain one of those compressed air cans used for dusting off keyboards and such. Amazingly, the plastic tip on the compressed air can (where the air comes out) can be used as a replacement for this rubber roller. It fits the metal spindle that formerly held the roller perfectly and allows the cam to function without the rubber roller and without the dreaded C31:23 "your camera is dead and useless and will no longer function" evil Sony message... Check out this link for a discussion of this problem: http://wvstephens.blogspot.com/2008/05/sony-handycam-c3123-3123-error-easy-fix.html

I had the same problem, but then I found this site: http://www.pechorin.com/m/2004/11/16/FIX_for_Self_Diagnosis_C3122-226151.html
It sounds crazy, but just turn off the camera give it one or two firm smacks and then turn it back on.

Error code C31:23 indicates a failure with the tape drive mechanism. Most likely a sensor has failed and must be replaced. I can repair this for a flat rate of $125.00 including parts. Contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Thanks,Frank
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C:31:23 on a DSR-25 indicates a supply reel problem, most likely caused by a defective cassette housing. Best repair solution is to send it to an authorized Sony repair center.