The cassette holder wont come out.
When i turn on the cam...DEW keeps flashing...and then shuts after 10 seconds. It tells me to eject the cassette but...how am i to do that if the cassette holder wont open.
-Sabree-

Try turning the camera on and pushing the eject button immediately.

Let the camera dry out for a few days to see if it really is dew.

See what the manual says.

Try calling or e-mailing or going to the Sharp web site and see if they have information.


Rich

A cheap fix for the DEW Problem.
This is such a dandy little instrument when it's working properly. Be cautious though, the camera has a DEW Indicator which shuts the camera down completely if there is excess moisture present in the mechanism. Only one problem, there is a defect in many cameras in the VLZ line where the DEW Indicator shuts it down when there isn't excess moisture, and the recommendation that you open it up and let it dry for a few hours just doesn't reactivate the camera.

For months I was completely frustrated with the eratic operation - Sharp was no help - I then went on google and typed VL-Z3U and the word DEW, and got to a web site where I found that I wasn't the only one with the problem, and that many many others experienced the same situation with the VLZ -1, 3 & 5 models. Finally one person in the forum found the answer - the solder joints to the DEW Sensor were "cold joints" which means that the solder joint is defective - is not a sound joint. This means that with temperature variation, the solder joint can separate and break the circuit.

There were two fixes offered: 1. Take a fine soldering iron and remelt the solder joint (it is easily reachable when the tape cover is open. 2. Remove the small memory battery, which evidently controls the dew indicator along with keeping the time and date.

I first tried removing the little battery, and voila! the dew indicator went off and I was able to use the camera. I then got up the courage to tackle the solder joints - just a brief touch with a small soldering iron remelted the bad joints - I was delighted that it was so simple - It helps if you have a bit of experience using a soldering iron and a steady hand. I replaced the memory battery and have had nothing but joy from the camera ever since. I know I probably voided the warantee, but Sharp wasn't going to honor it anyway - who cares - at least the camera works now.

Now if Sharp had only paid attention to the people doing the soldering - but that's no longer a problem for me, but it may be for those not handy with a soldering iron.

Be happy to elaborate if anyone else has a problem with the DEW indicator shutting down the camera. I have a picture of where the dew indicator is and which solder joints to remelt and make good again.

Alan ataplow@bigfoot.com

I seem to have the same problem with my 2 year old camcorder. I already removed the little backup battery, but when I insert the big battery it still says dew.

Real sh**, because I wanted to edit some shots I took in Switzerland.

Can somebody please help me in solving this problem?