Hi everyone,
I would really appreciate your help on this issue. I have an old Hitachi VHS camera from the 1980s, and when I turn it on, the viewfinder works perfectly, but pressing the record button does nothing. It used to work; the camera used to make noise when I turned it on, presumably pulling out the tape from the VHS, but now it doesn't anymore. Playback also doesn't work. If anyone has any ideas on what might be the problem, that would be greatly appreciated!

 

Vhs system used a light bulb/led in the centre of the cassette holder, and light sensors at each end of the tape tray, if this is not working the video assumes there is no tape inserted., failing that you will need a service manual.

 

Thank you Dodgydave for offering your help! But I don't think that's the problem. I took the camera apart and took a video of its operation. It only works without a tape inserted, which I really don't understand. If anyone could shed some light on this issue, I would greatly appreciate it

Here's the service manual
https://elektrotanya.com/cgi-bin/do...0&file=hitachi_vm-2000a_technical-data_sm.pdf

 

You might want to consider what it’s worth if you succeed. My guess would be next to zero. Could be wrong, but worth a look?

 

You might want to consider what it’s worth if you succeed. My guess would be next to zero. Could be wrong, but worth a look?

It's worth a lot to me

 

So find the tape in switch and see if its faulty or bypass it to test.,