Question : is it safe for the heads of a canon xl1 to rewind and replay tapes?
I recorded like 4 1-hour tapes on my canon xl1, I’d rather use a dv deck to play and capture them on my computer, but I don’t have a deck. Somebody told me it was ok to use the camera itself, but I’m afraid it will wear out the heads if I do this often, although this is the first time I’m doing this at this level of hours. Any advice anybody? Thank you very much, God bless.
canon xl1

Best answer:

Answer by Rugratzzzzzzzzzzz
Most people use the camera to play back/capture the video, Its not going to make any difference to you, unless you can afford the cost of a dedicated player, another option (as long as you don’t record in LP is to get a consumer camera and use that to play the tapes.

As long as you keep the heads clean and not re use tapes too often you will be fine.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665192187

although no longer available at Sony you should be able to get one if you do a little searching

RR