HELP!! Does ANYONE know how to remove a tape from an old, broken, Sony camcorder???

[FourScore]

It's urgent that I get this tape out. It was for a school project. The camera broke while downloading the video onto my computer and now none of the power functions work, including the tape eject. I could keep working with another camera, but I need the tape. How do I get it out?

I posted this in the Photography forum, but no one is there tonight. Any ideas?

[Greyhound]

1. Don't know which model you're talking about, but look very closely,

you should find a tiny hole just big enough for a paper clip to fit into. Push the paper clip into the hole hard and that should release the door.

I hope this helps.

[FourScore]

2. It's a really old hi8 8mm model.

The model number is tr940. I do not see a tiny hole. I am okay with breaking the camera to get to the tape, but I am afraid I will damage the tape in the process. There are weeks of work on that tape.

[HopeHoops]

4. Well, I found the manual online, but I didn't see anything about manually ejecting a tape in it.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-documents.pl?mdl=CCDTR940®ion_id=1

You have to click on the words "Operating Instructions (primary manual)" to download the PDF - someone scanned it. Sony has the manuals online as well, but they are in Spanish. The biggest concern I would have with breaking the camera is that the tape may be engaged with the read/write head(s) and you could destroy it in the process.

Is it just that the thing won't turn on? If the battery is fucked that could be the problem, even if you try to run it from the power adapter. The manual said something about using alkaline batteries. You might try that.

[Suich]

3. Have you tried googling the make and model?

That's how I found out how to change the belt on my 40 year old turntable.

Good luck!

[SoCalDem]

5. Call Sony & try to get a customer service human..

You may have to go through Phone Robot hell, but eventually you may get a human, who could guide you..Good Luck:)