Sony CCD-TRV12 picks up a VERY DIM image

[CompGee]

I have a Sony CCD-TRV12 Video8 camcorder that is giving me trouble. The internal display and CRT work just fine, but the actual CCD itself is passing a very dim image. The internal CR2025 battery was dead, but otherwise fine. I also have tried all the auto exposure settings, and nothing worked. The only way I can get ANYTHING picked up is if I aim it at a bright light source(CFL light). How can I fix this? Thanks.

 

[kenrivers]

Nothing related to night shot is turned on, is it? If it is the CCD the repair could be costly. If you are comfortable taking it apart and can find a used one for parts you could attempt the repair yourself.

 

[CompGee]

there is no nightshot button/setting/whatever, right? or is there a settings menu?

 

[kenrivers]

I just looked at the manual and there is no night-shot mode. Sorry about that. Have you tried cleaning the video heads? The information below is from the user manual.

"To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. When X appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen in CAMERA mode or playback pictures are "noisy" or hardly visible, the video heads may be dirty.

(a) Slightly dirty
(b) Dirty
If this happens, clean the video heads with the Sony VS-25CLH cleaning cassette (not supplied). After checking the picture, if it is still "noisy", repeat tile cleaning. (Do not repeat cleaning more than 5 times in one session.)
Caution - Do not use a commercially available wet-type cleaning cassette. It may damage the video heads.
Note
If the V8-25CLH cleaning cassette is not available in your area, consult your nearest Sony dealer."

User Manual