Strange noise I dropped my Sony PDX10 camera today, and whilst it is all still functional it makes an unusual noise when it is in Camera mode with a tape inserted. The sound is the same as when you first insert the tape and the mechanism lowers it onto the heads, but it doesn't stop once the tape is in place and the camera shut. It feels like a motor is still running, or something is vibrating, even if the tape is not playing/recording. When the camera is in VCR mode it doesn't make this sound, but it does once you play, rewind or fastforward. It stops when you stop the tape but not if you just pause it. There is no sound if there is no tape. The noise is quite loud and gets picked up by the microphone making the sound unusable. I am filming in very cold conditions so I have also been having problems with condensation and I think the tape heads need cleaning, which I will do now. I'd be very grateful for any help, as I am on location without easy access to a camera repair centre. Also would like to know if you think I will damage the camera if I keep on using it before it is fixed?

sara muzio Feb 25, 2007

Thanks for the advice; the camera is worth a lot to me as it is my principal work tool and I will get it fixed as soon as I can. However since I am on a filming trip at the moment for another 3 days I would rather not stop using it altogether as this would mean abandoning the project. Any ideas of the potential risk??

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624 Answers

Unusual noises that start after a mechanical device is dropped are never good regardless of the device. I would suspect that something is physically bent or out of alignment and continuing to use the camera risks additional damage. As to if you should still use it that depends on how much its worth to you and if you plan on repairing it later.

Posted on Feb 24, 2007

Anonymous Feb 25, 2007

Since its making the noise when a tape is in that would imply the problem is with the tape drive mechanism. If that?s the case there is some risk of additional damage to the drive motors, read/right heads and the tape itself. Also if something is causing drag or affecting tape speed in some way you may wind up having issues with your recorded images as well.