Posted by P.C. Ford on 04/25/06 06:43

On Mon, 24 Apr 2006 19:38:45 +0100, mv@movingvision.co.uk wrote:

>>
>>Thought I would add my $0.25.
>>
>>I've been using Panasonic tape in my PD 150. Panasonic is by far the
>>most used tape by professionals here in Seattle.
>>
>>I recently took my camera to the repair shop to replace the heads. (My
>>"partner" had put 750 hours on the drum and 4500 thread count by using
>>the camera as a deck.)
>>
>>Anyway, the repair guy said that Sony tapes were best for Sony
>>cameras. Kinda makes sense to me. He said the camera was set up to use
>>Sony tapes and will work best with them. Certainly makes sense to me.
>>I used Sony tape in the beginning but since everyone used Panasonic I
>>started using it too.
>
>
>I don't buy that Mr. Ford.

You don't have to.

Here's a few points.

1. Regarding the "best" tape:

I have read to
a. buy Panasonic tape. Common around here.
b. buy Sony tape for a Sony machine. (Recommended by independent
repair shop.)
c. always use the same brand of tape
d. always mix tape brands. (Adam Wilt)

Lots of opnions. Probably means that there is not a clear answer for
this one. But I will use Sony from here on out.

2, Regarding time on camera:

As I mentioned, my "partner" had put 750 hours on the heads by using
it to edit. Thread count was 4500. He has a G5 (with the 23" screen)
but prefers to edit using two cameras. Does not want to learn to use
the Mac. It is insane to use a camera like this. He will not be using
the camera any more.

Also, a cleaning tape was used frequently; repair shop suggested every
100 hours.

The repair shop guy said.... (Oh, by the way, this is a professional
level shop, the television stations in Seattle and the University take
their gear to this shop.) ...that a 150 head could fail anywhere
between 350 and 2000 drum hours. My guess is that the heavy editing
use caused a premature failure. I had dropouts on two tapes. He could
not get drop outs in the shop. He said the only way he would guarantee
that there would be no dropouts was to replace the heads. I have an
important client that has people come in from all over the world to
shoot. If there are drops, it is not possible to just come back on
Thursday. It can take weeks or even months to reschedule a shoot.

I realise that there are many opinions regarding this stuff. I have
made my decision regarding head replacement and tape; I am happy with
it. You may agree or disagree; I presume you will be happy with your
decision.

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