Camcorder: Sony CCD TRV67
Hello. I'm looking for any advice about getting this camcorder repaired. Any experience with this type of trouble? Idea of a cost? How do I find a reputable service shop? Are free estimates common? Would it be worth it compared to a new one? That sort of thing.
This camcorder is more than a few years old and seems to work fine except it has a mind of its own. It likes to turn itself on whenever it wants. I'll have it set to off (or charge) and after a while, it will switch back to camera mode (which is ON). The mechanical lever itself didn't move, mind you, but the circuitry obviously switched over. Anyway, sometimes it will do this other times it will behave and stay off.
And, BTW, it has to stay off in order to charge. So this makes charging impossible. It charges a bit and then turns itself on and drains its power and then repeats. I know it's doing this because a bell goes off every time a mode is changed on this model. Sitting on the charger, it changes modes so much, it almost plays "Tubular Bells", it dings so much. Come to think of it, that tune is fitting, being it seems to be possessed.
Also, when I manually place it on standby (or Camera mode) and I'm waiting to hit the record button, it might switch to a pause mode. Or when I have the record button hit, it might switch to standby or pause... all on its own.
I imagine switches or circuitry is dirty... or there's a ghost in my machine. Any thoughts? Technician or exorcist?
I sincerely thank you for your time.
Samantha