Have a cc275 that looks just like the cc285 at the top of this box. It Says record in the viewfinder but when you try to play back there is just static or snow. Worked fine beforew purchasing a smaller camera. I really like this camera.

If you have not already tried it, use a wet or dry tape in an attempt to clean the video head, I recommend the dry tape because it is easier on the mechanism. The other option is to use a store bought blank tape and run it on sp mode the fastest speed and let it run through. If you still have trouble, buy a swab kit with cleaning fluid from Radio Shack, open the door so you can clearly see the video head. Now dip the swab in cleaning fluid and put swab against the head "gently" use the other hand "top part" to manually turn the head one or more times around for a deep cleaning and allow several minutes to dry, this a good opportunity to clean the rollers and other parts with Q-Tips and fluid to finish the job. If none of these work it probably indicates a bad video head.