Reuse tapes?

[Norman Willis]

I’ve re-used tapes, but I don’t ever trust it. Also, it does not automatically mark the breaks in between the tapes, so I end up with one long capture, instead of smaller ones.

Personally, I just wouldn’t do it, unless it was test footage, or something that was not that important to me.

I hope that helps.

[Scott Francis]

Hello,

I do not re-use tapes, but I am shooting HDV and dropouts can be REALLY costly! I re-use tapes that I am sure I will not use again for family holiday tapes, random shooting and such that are in DV format instead of HDV. Interlaced frames are the issue for me, if there is one dropout in HDV I loose half a second. With DV it is not as much of a problem. Another item, give them to the client! That way it saves you storage space and puts storage in there court not you, and also you are not throwing them in the landfill!
Hope this helps!

Scott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions

[Gilles Gagnon]

Thanks Norman and Scott,

Good info. Seems that this is the verdict… Don’t use them!

Now I understand why I’ve seen some minor “skips” in my last few tapes which I re-used. From your replies, that was probably because of the tape. I thought perhaps it was my camera.

I won’t take the chance and ‘ll spend the extra few bucks and buy tapes every time I shoot.

Thanks again!
Gilles

[Scott Francis]

I use JVC ME60 I think, they are like $2-3 dollars at B&H and you can get a bulk discount. I have had good luck with them. I had to get my FX1 repaired before (tape heads and mech) and I was using Maxell, the repair center said to use ANYTHING but those (Maxell)…the do not provide enough lubricant. Also, be sure to use a head cleaning tape when you switch tape brands. Obviously we need to use some types that clients may give us with material already recorded. These are just some of these basic rules help with dropouts and better recordings!
Hope it helps!

Regards

Scott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions

[Gilles Gagnon]

Thanks for the tips Scott!
Gilles