DCR PC5E Error code C 21:00

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DCR PC5E Error code C 21:00

I have a Sony DCR PC5E that keeps displaying the error code C21:00 & showing a yellow symbol in the middle of the screen. Someone told me it was a moisture symbol, so I've tried leaving the camera open in a dry environment for several days, but it still won't accept a tape or stop displaying the code. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

cookie
Tue, 25 Apr 2006 00:40:04 -0700

I've got the same problem on my DCR PC9. I've tried following the owner's manual advice but to no avail. Have you come up with a solution yet?

Thanks,
ep

ep
Fri, 02 Jun 2006 21:45:19 -0700

Sony DCR-PC9 service manual

Russ
Fri, 09 Jun 2006 15:56:27 -0700

I have the same problem but have not been able to get it fixed. Have you found a solution?

Jones
Fri, 16 Jun 2006 15:24:22 -0700

solved the problem very easy in 5 seconds...
by remove all batteries (inclusive the very small one (maybe behind the screen shing).. then hit it very hard..
now the memory can't hold that there is an error and with the hitting things get better: got it from:
Re: Re: Re: Self Diagnosis C:31:22 Jim - 16th Jan 2005 9:33
If not they follow the above steps again except they disassemble the case and blow it out. When you whack the camera (I don't advise it) you are probably loosening the debris or condensation enough to get the camera going. The reason for the battery removal is to reset the camera so old error codes are wiped and to get them again the problem must recur. If you take the batteries out and put them back in with positive results the movement involved in doing this probably serves as well as whacking it (sometimes just turning it over a few times will work). I have in fact seen with my very eyes, repair people (independent not at Sony) take a camera in, wait until the customer was out the door, take the main battery off, whack the camera VERY HARD and turn it back on. This has worked so many times I am embarrassed to mention it. They then put the camera on the shelf for a couple of days and call the customer back and charge them for a complete (and expensive) cleaning. The camera was usually fixed before they got to the car. I would offer you some simple advice (from experience and observation) that you may take or not at your own risk. Understand that anything you do in an attempt to fix your own camera may result in complete failure and irrepairable damage to your camera, including anything I mention here. Just be forewarned. (continued in next post)

cheers mate!
just got myself a second hand one.. so got two of them now

david
Fri, 23 Jun 2006 07:32:17 -0700

Thank you David, this actually works! I had this error code for days, tried waiting and disconnecting the power, but nothing worked... A little wack (with the battery removed, solved the problems within the 5 seconds you mentioned, thanks man!

Kind regards from Holland,
Peter

Peter
Thu, 07 Sep 2006 14:06:38 -0700

Hi everyboby.
I have DCR-PC5E and i have the same problem with you.My Camera Sony DCR PC5E was displaying the error code C21:00.I tried to remove the batery but the camera still not worked.So i diside to open it.I remove the main board with all ribbons and i put them again.The camera now is working perfect......I know it is difficult but it is still working....

Nick \"Greece\"
Mon, 02 Oct 2006 03:10:45 -0700

THANK from France
its works very fine also on PC101

laucher
Thu, 19 Oct 2006 05:18:59 -0700

It really worked ! I had the same C:21 error and left the camera open for a week, this did not solve the problem. I just removed the batter and hit the camera twice hard with my hand. Now it works ! Thanks a lot for the hint, it just saved me over $300 and several weeks wait time !!!!!

Tuomo
Fri, 20 Oct 2006 09:18:49 -0700

I have had this problem on my camera for months i cant believe that worked. Incredible.

Ed
Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:48:10 -0800

Got the C:21 error on my HVR Z1. When the error first occured I tried ejecting the tape but it got stuck halfway and now I can't close the tape door or eject the tape.
I've tried removing the batteries and giving it a (fairly decent) whack but the error still reoccurs - even after a few days in a dry, cool room. And the tape holder is still stuck halway up. Any ideas? Or should I just take the repair bill like a man?

Jon
Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:37:39 -0800

Hi Folks,
I am from germany and I had the same C:21:00 problem with my Sony DCR-PC5E PAL Camera.
I coult not find any small battery so I just removed the normal battery, than switched ON to use all left electricity in the camera, than hit it in my hand as hard as I asumed not to broken anything, and it worked !!! Thanks allot for you help!

Carsten
Sun, 12 Nov 2006 04:52:39 -0800

You've GOT to be kidding me!!! My camera has been sitting in it's bag for over a year because I was contemplating getting it fixed or buying a new one. I am SO glad I googled the error code... this works guys!!! Amazing!!! Good luck!

Danica
Sat, 25 Nov 2006 19:28:36 -0800

I had an errorcode C:21:00 too. First I tried to dry (if there was really condesation water inside) with a hairdryer. doing that you have to be careful to not over haet the camera. Use a warm but not hot airstream. After doing that for several minutes I tried it again. But the errorcode reapeared. Than I removed the battery, but not the small behind the screen. Before an after drying the camera I did this too so I was quite sceptical if this would make any change. And than I smacked the bottom of the camera. Ang guess what, it worked. cool tip. smacking is great in any situation of life ? ;-) what?

floschuetz
Sun, 26 Nov 2006 05:50:07 -0800

Wha? This is the stupidest fix ever!!??
Mine had this error, I tried whacking it. Didn;t work first time, so removed the battery and gave it a real good smack on the bottom. It hurt my hand a bit, but fixed the camera!

BenS2k
Sun, 26 Nov 2006 22:55:49 -0800

This is where the Internet is brilliant. Had the same C21:00 error and couldn't get rid of it. Haven't used the camera for ages and was just about to go and spend £500 + on a new camcorder. Thought I would give the above solution a go and it worked. Cheers!!

Dave
Sun, 03 Dec 2006 01:07:17 -0800

WOW! I can't believe this worked!! My camera is almost 7 years old and I've been having problems with it for the past year. I got this error and the cassette door wouldn't stay closed with a tape in it..but it would close without one in it. I removed all the batteries (large and small round one)..smacked the bottom of the camera. Now it's working. Even the "beeping" sounds work now. I was also getting this strange C:31:32 error. That is gone now also. Going to record off all my tapes now so I have a copy..before this thing dies for good.

AndreaW
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 08:59:29 -0800

OMG..... duh. i Wonder if i will have to whack my psp soon too!? Maybe I should kick my playstation 2 when it cant read the dvd. haha.

Keith
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 14:46:14 -0800

...great /Also was so angry, about this fu... C:21:00 error-code. Already bought a new camera (DVD). But wanted to look at the old tapes and was spending really hours.

Amazing: Googled, found, tried, and work!

Oh happy day...

Siggi
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 10:44:01 -0800

Life saver - unbelievable results- a simple little smack and everything worked fine- wish it were this easy with my wife.

mwitt
Sat, 20 Jan 2007 15:47:08 -0800

It's unbeliaveble!, It worked!. I tought it was a kind of a joke, but since the flat charge to repair it from sony was more expensive than a new camera I decided I have nothing to lose, and did it! Internet is great!!!!! My handycam is a DCR-PC5 five years old and the error code was C:21:00. I've heard this kind of measure used to work with old radios from the 50's but I could imagine that would work with a Sony!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Saved me some money. Thank you all guys!!

Lauro Barbanti (Sao Paulo, Brasil)
Fri, 26 Jan 2007 08:40:49 -0800

I had the same problem with the DCR PC5E, I whacked it and it went but after i turned it off and on again i got the same problem but now its says error code: C:31:23. Is there any advice you guys have for this before I beat up the little bastard

Steve

steve
Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:02:47 -0800

This was the second time I had this problem on my TR7000E. The first time I had Sony repair it, took 4 weeks to repair and got a bill accordingly. Now googled for the error code, found this link and gave it a try. It worked instantly. Great. Feel rotten about the first bill though.
Jan

Jan
Sun, 28 Jan 2007 10:41:05 -0800

Hi, I had the same error. I just removed the battery, powercable, turned the camara on for a few secondes and put the battery back in place. Its working.

stupid error
Fri, 02 Feb 2007 12:38:54 -0800

Thank you David. David bedankt. Mijn camera doet het weer.

Ad van Wuyckhuyse (Holland)
Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:23:34 -0800

frustrated with looking for a solution and in cynical desperation I gave 3 big hits on the camera from the start. Hey Presto! Thanks. Of course that prevents me from buying a new toy......So thanks especially from my wife!

BIG HITTER
Sun, 18 Feb 2007 05:18:18 -0800

Sony video camera fix C 21 error condensation error!
OMFGZR it works! I couldn't believe what I was reading, but I had the same problem with error C:21:00.
It was like that for 2 days and I was about to take it to the shop to get it fixed. AKA whacked. Instead I whacked it myself and no difference. BUT, I persisted, talent will take you so far. Persistance in life will always end the winner.
KEEP WHACKING THAT BITCH! IT WILL WORK! MY PD-100 is the oldest SONY 3CCD camera and it worked - after hurting my hand and using a different battery numerous times. You have to believe - I managed to get it to work for about 5 secs, then I took out the battery again and whacked it more. NOW it's got the tape cleaner in it and no errors! YAY!
- Mr. Magoo

Mr. Magoo
Wed, 21 Feb 2007 01:01:40 -0800

Just SPANK it !!!!
OH,Oh, Oh.....my god, it is working , Haahaa...

when your DCR-PC5E GOT C:31:23

ENGLAND HULL

YONG
Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:35:03 -0800

Unbelivable!! Thanks!!

Ondog9
Fri, 02 Mar 2007 03:32:56 -0800

Amazing!!! Worked for me in San Francisco. Thanks!

Bob Evans
Sat, 03 Mar 2007 10:38:31 -0800

whaha my cam actually DID work again after slapping it :D thanx!!!

barf
Fri, 09 Mar 2007 13:13:01 -0800

hey !
thanks this thing helps a lot ! problem solved!
i had the same prob and i tried to do the 1hour thing writen in the manuel and it did not help . so i tried to whak it up and it actuly works !i think that all the PC5 have the same problem !

ELIE
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 23:26:02 -0800

Sony help me!!! my Hi8mm player C:21:00 error
Can you help me

Khasbat
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 09:14:32 -0800

This works for me. Thanks! Sony should do a recall for these DCR-PC5 camcorders. I missed some many important shots due to its failures. Every time when I needed it most, it failed on me. Next time when it happens again, I will give it a bigger smack. Tonight, I missed shotting my son's birthday party. I was so mad.

Ben
Sat, 14 Apr 2007 21:22:24 -0700

Thanks mate!!! Nice trick, it´s really works.
Lo intentaré traducir al español: Básicamente se trata de solucionar el error C:21:00 que aparece en las videocámaras Sony (la mía es la DCR PC5E PAL ) y que no deja volver a introducir las cintas una vez se han expulsado. Pues bien, se trata de quitar la batería y sin enchufarla a la corriente, dejar pasar unos segundos, y después darle un pequeño (gran) golpe en la base de la cámara. Sin miedo, yo la puse en la palma de mi mano derecha y le dí un buen tortazo con la izquierda. Lo suficiente pero sin pasarte, no la vayas a romper!!!
Una vez hecho esto, le vuelves a poner la batería y pones el interruptor en "ON", y si le has dado con suficiente fuerza: ya está! problema solucionado.

Jorge
Mon, 07 May 2007 04:15:23 -0700

It worked for me too, take battery out, turn on, smack!
I've missed out on lots of things I could have recorded over the last 2 years with the temperamental 'will-it won't-it' performance of this camera...

Mark Tyson
Thu, 17 May 2007 12:38:02 -0700

c:21:00 no longer exist after a smack! Man does it ever feels great to wack a technological appliance and it works right back after words!!!

sebY
Sun, 20 May 2007 19:56:30 -0700

Holy cow. That is amazing. Worked brilliantly. I can't believe that!

Karen
Sun, 27 May 2007 22:17:12 -0700

There was only 4 hits for "C:21:00 error sony" and I had to cache to find this one...you guys just saved me a week of aggrevation and around $300+/-

THANK YOU!!!!!

T. Fortone
Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:08:37 -0700

Just MAYBE when one gives it a tap on the bottom, it results in the reset button being actuated. NOTE THE LITTLE HOLE in the bottom market RESET.
--- Then stick a paper clip point gently in that hole and you can feel the button click. Watch the error code 21 go away. Voila!

Please do not strike the box again. owch

Greg M.
Wed, 27 Jun 2007 08:07:42 -0700

great tip!! my cam was in the drawer for 2 years!! just take the bat out and turn the cam on for 10 seconds, then put the bat on and evrithing back to normal

eli cohen
Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:37:14 -0700

This Whacking thing WORKS !!!!! THANKS A LOT
Remember that when u close the inner steel color case
press it little hard and rest is magic

Markus
Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:37:37 -0500

It worked, it worked. Take the battery out may be the key, smacking may be optional. Should let Sony know and investigate.

CCC
Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:50:56 -0500

If in doubt, whack it! Nice one, thanks for the tip, it worked!

brett
Sun, 22 Jul 2007 08:22:33 +0000

THANK YOU !!!!
This simple solution works perfect (take out the battery, turn camera on, slap it on the bottom 2-3 times)......
Saves me buying a new one.
Again: THANKZZZZZZZ
Camera model: DCR-TRV11E

Twan
Fri, 27 Jul 2007 05:37:49 +0000

YES - A couple of good smacks is all it needed - brilliant - I reset this camera (an HVR A1) many times using the reset button but this is the only technique that works.

Michael
Sat, 11 Aug 2007 04:36:40 +0000

hmmm... i will test it.. my cam have the error since 2 years or more.... I only must open the cam, remove all batterycells and smack the cam... put all batterys back and close the cam??? thats all? sure??

mcbigelo
Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:03:10 +0000

Brilliant, It WORKS on my DCR-PC5E!!! Guys, do it, just smack the bottom! Thanks!!!

GMC Venezia
Sat, 25 Aug 2007 05:19:55 +0000

worked on my sony DCR PC101! thanks so much for saving me the trouble of fixing it or buying a new one!

vic
Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:19:35 +0000

Amazing! I read the first comment and thought it was just a ticked off person but when I read onto the second and third, I figured it wasn't a joke. Well, it worked. Amazing.... So now, has anyone had the problem come back? and does any know what the real problem was (loose connection, etc....)?

Harold
Wed, 29 Aug 2007 01:42:39 +0000

I smacked my Sony HC-1.
Disappeared C:21
Amazing

PSD
Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:30:54 +0000

Thanks from bavaria! My Sony DCR-PC101E PAL was showing the same C:21:00 error (it was standing perfectly safe in a perfectly dry fotobag in a hotelroom...). After removing the main battery, switching ON I hit it two times with my hand. Now it works! Thanks for your tip!
Stefan

Stephen MacMeadows
Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:46:47 +0000

DCR-PC5E with same problem and incredibly it worked 1st time. I didn't even have to spank it that hard, just a small "pat". My wife was in range and I didn't want to hit the camera too hard, just in case she heard. Guys will understand.

I wonder which page this fix can be found in the Sony Repair Mans guide to fixing cameras?

Owen
Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Amazing! I got the C:21:00 error last year, just when I was about to tape my daughter's dance recital. Since then it has occur intermittently. I would leave it open for days and blow on the gears in attempt to dry the camera, but never know when or if it will work again. I am glad for this reliable and quick fix. I won't worry about missing those important moments.

Catherine
Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:03:33 +0000

Hola soy Alex y tengo una camara DCR PC5E.Escribo este mensaje para quien no sabe ingl�s.
Me salia el error este C:21 y el dibujito de la gota.Las cintas las escupia todas.
NO DESESPEREIS Y NO LA LLEVEIS A ARREGLAR OS COBRAR�N UN PASTON POR NADA.
Hice lo que aqui se dice y FUNCIONA!!!
Quitar la bateria, poner la camara en play para que descargue cualquier carga residual.
Cojer la camara y darle unos golpes fuertes con la mano por la parte de abajo, pero sin cargarsela! solo lo necesario. Y VOAL� funciona. La verdad es que tenia mis dudas pero realmente la tenia bloqueada, lo hice y funciona perfectamente. Gracias al foro.
Quise dejar mi huella porque ya que me han ayudado yo ayudo a otros que no sepan ingl�s.

CIAO!

Alex
Wed, 26 Sep 2007 06:05:33 +0000

Skitbra !

I wacked the camera and the errorcode disappeared !!!!!

:o)

Olov
Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:17:15 +0000

Thanks!!! This is the 2nd time something has malfunctioned on this camera (DCR-PC9E) - the first time, the tape drive wouldn't go back into the machine. $200 later, and it was fixed (no doubt the repairmen just whacked it like you've suggested above!) So when I got the error code earlier today, I thought I would start looking for a new camera. But luckily I found this site - cause when I removed the battery and gave it a whack, it worked!

Thanks heaps.

Melissa
Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:58:19 +0000

error 31:23 ,smack, it worked, thanks

keith thomas
Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:02:33 +0000

Thanks you all, because I was going to put my Sony DCR-101 into the repair shop tomorrow until I put in the error code into google and read all the comments on here and I tryed it and it worked first time.

Thank again

Billy

Billy Rennie
Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:23:59 +0000

I don't believe this, I rang Sony to have my DCR-TRV340E fixed (C21:00 moisture symbol)Quote $99:00AUS to look at it and tell me what's wrong then $99 p/h to fix,I googled C21:00 and found you guys,took out the battery turned the video on smacked it's arse put battery back in same code, removed battery and did it again code 31:23 appeared, took battery out again smacked it a couple more times until it hurt my hands placed battery back in and BINGO it really works THANKYOU,THANKYOU,THANKYOU one and all

Laurie

Laurence McCracken
Thu, 04 Oct 2007 23:20:27 +0000

Thank You!
I thought that you guys were insane at first and I had a totally different message and it wouldn't eject my camera so it did this and it worked MAN you guys rock!
Thanks again

Daniel Hair
Sun, 14 Oct 2007 21:51:50 +0000

Strange but true. Whacking worked on Sony TRV120. Thanks!

rad
Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:58:43 +0000

Sony pc-5. Whacked the bottom. Worked! Thanks!

PCNY
Wed, 31 Oct 2007 04:33:46 +0000

eyyy I�m very sad, I�m from spain..my english is very poor and I don�t understand completely the instructions...I have the same error in my camara. I�m very jealous because I can�t understand at all and my camara doesn�t work. Anybody knows the solution in spanish pleaseeee???!!!!
My camara (sony dcr-pc101E) the problem:a yellow drop in the sreen
I want my camara run....sorry about my english.
All the very best
Vir

Vir
Sat, 03 Nov 2007 13:00:19 +0000

Hello people,

have an DCR-TVR9E PAL Camcorder with error code 31 23 error with the tape not ejecting (the inner lid did not open) while the outer lid is opening. Blow some air in the open lid with the result of error code 23:00 appearing.

Smashed the camera from all around and played around with disconnecting/connecting the power supply and the ON/OFF switch and it f*#%�n' worked.

GREAT TIP! THANKS to the guy who posted it! Thanks to the internet & thanks to all the other happy and satisfied people.

Greets from GerMoney
Andreas

motorman
Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:36:16 +0000

Worked also with my old TR7000E saved my day - grrrrrrreeeeeeeeeaaatttttttttttt

Michael

Michael
Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:21:27 +0000

Same problem, same result after the whack. Camera is a Sony TR700. Got the C:21:00 error. I was advised years ago to remove the battery, remove the CMOS battery and short out the connection on the CMOS slot. It worked a few times, then stopped working.

So like everyone else, I googled, found this website and voila! I had to hit the camera hard twice on the bottom with the palm of my hand (hard enough that my hand hurt.) Camera appears to be working fine.

Like many others, it's nice to occasionally be able to deal with a frustrating technology problem this way.

ioioioioio
Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:20:10 +0000

that was awesome! thank you so soooo much!

hashi
Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:10:51 +0000

WOWWWW Worked perfectly for my PC4 too! Awesome!
INTERNET I LOVE YOUUUUUUUU

Paul
Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:58:04 +0000

UN-BE-LIV-ABLE. A Noble Prize for David!!!
It works. It works.

walter
Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:53:59 +0000

Can confirm that it worked for me. I think it is called "percussive maintenance". Percussive maintenance Genius.

Tom Raggett
Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:41:24 +0000

Vir,

La solucion es totalmente facil. Todo lo que hay que hacer es sacar la bater�a principal y encender la c�mara para utilizar el resto de la energ�a en el sistema. Golpear la parte inferior de la c�mara con la palma de su mano. Usted golpear muy dura, pero no dura lo suficiente como para da�arlo.
Es posible que tenga que golpear la parte inferior de la c�mara dos veces si no funcion� la primera vez. Realmente funciona.

Cheers.

Kevin
Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:42:02 +0000

you guys are the most genius guys i ve ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Thank you So Much~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

from Korea.

Jeon
Thu, 20 Dec 2007 02:13:35 +0000

I wish I'd googled this error code last night so I could have filmed my kids Christmas pageant! oh well. Thank you.

Jeff in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Jeff
Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:11:27 +0000

Indeed, I have got the Sony DCR-PC4E. Indeed the same moisture C:21:00 code. Removed battery, hit the bottom of the camera with my hand. Replaced the battery, turned it on and it works fine again!

corne
Sun, 30 Dec 2007 21:09:40 +0000

Thank you David!

I was laughing as I read your easy steps and I though NO WAY will this work? Well I was wrong. It did work! I have the Sony DCR-TR7000 Digital steadyshot Handycam. Not sure what the small battery thing is about? All mine has is the 1 battery in the back. Took that out, turned Camera over and gave it a good smack on the bottom, put battery back in, turned on and the error was gone. I've tried everything before this and I was going to give up. Thanks again!!

Bob

Robert
Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:08:47 +0000

I slamed it and a roller fell out ...Is there a inside diagram on the net?

Fat Cat
Thu, 03 Jan 2008 03:19:52 +0000

Great !!! Thanks a Lot, David

Cheers

From Spain

Carlucas
Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:25:22 +0000

I have to say, I too was a little sceptical as to whether this would work. Seemed like a huge gamble to whack my HDR-HC1. But man, it deserved it. That bloody C21:00 wouldn't go away, no matter what I did. So I hit it. Several times. Until my hand hurt. And I still can't believe that it worked! I worked for Sony for many years in product marketing (the engineer who designed the DCR-PC5 mechanism is a good friend of mine). I can't wait to tell him about this. He'll probably laugh and say "yes, this is special feature we included in design. It saves engineers having to spend time opening mechanism". lol. The Smackfix really did work!!!!

Cyrus
Sun, 06 Jan 2008 09:51:51 +0000

UNBELIEVABLE!problem was driving me nuts!........took the battery off and whacked the camera on the palm of my hand......worked immediatly.many many thanks for the info

steven
Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:18:06 +0000

I must be the unlucky one, C:21:00 on a TRV11 and no success with blow dryer. Tried the slapfix and several 3g-force poundings into various surfaces provided no results. If I was any rougher, I'm sure the casing would burst apart. Oh well, only spent $10 on it because it was already in that condition.

Josh
Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:55:48 +0000

Well, I'll just say what everyone else said -- it worked!

After removing the battery I hit the underside of my HC1 with my hand -- not even that hard, either -- then replaced the battery, and it works!

I'd suggest not hitting it too hard the first time. If a moderate blow doesn't work you can always hit it again. But like I said, it didn't require much of a blow to get it working.

Paul
Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:37:07 +0000

I too had the C:21:00 error code. As I wast attempting to smack the hell out of my Sony DCR-PC101 on the side where the hand stap is located, I noticed a little reset button.I
preset it and I no longer have the error code. Before that I tried airing out the camera.
for days. I hope this works for you all too.

George
Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:03:14 +0000

nevermind. the c:21:00: erro code came back
sorry.
Now I'm going to clobber that danged camera.

george
Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:08:21 +0000

Fred Flintstone could not have done it better. It realy works!
My camera has not been used for the last year due to this error code. My local repair shop said it would cost me at least 200� to repair. Buy a new camera they said.
Now I can start editing and transfering all my tapes to DVD's.

Arne H (Norway)
Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:29:47 +0000

Yippee!!!! My 101E had the moisture error code, could not get rid of it. So I was ready to spend over �400 and buy one of those new sony HD camcorders, which in my opinion are bigger in size and build quality is not nearly as good as my wee 101E.. Read this blog, went home, took the batteries out, gave it a whack and Brilliant!!!!! it works!!!!!!! Now I amd going to take it on holiday knowing that if the problem occurs again, just give it a whack or if you don't mind resetting the clock, press the small reset button....

Roy
Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:32:56 +0000

made my day, following the 'whacking' technique for clearing the condensation icon... skiing holiday here I come!!!

dave
Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:48:18 +0000

Hard to believe, but true. Removed the battery, whacked the camera and it popped back to life after a persistent C:21:00 message. Thanks!

Mike
Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:37:21 +0000

I have a Sony DCR-TVR340 Digital8 camcorder. I have code C:21:00 displaying. I have tried all that sony recommends and It did not work. I have tried taking out the battery and slapping it. That does not work. Can anyone help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Please

Larry
Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:46:16 +0000

You are incredible guys!
I just have fixed my camcorder exact same way. Thanks a lot!

Peter
Sun, 30 Mar 2008 06:30:48 +0000

WOW.... My DCR-PC101 NTSC has been sitting around for over 2 years with the dreaded C:21:00 error. I didn't know what to think when reading this thread, so I figured I would give it a go.. After all what did I have to loose? Holy Nikes! it WORKS! HA!

THANK YOU FOR THIS THREAD!

Dto-theC
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:49:19 +0000

HI...I had the C21:00 problem for one day and I was actually laughing at the solution provided ...but it work instantaneously...thanks David..you have been of great help..

Parag Gandhi
Sun, 13 Apr 2008 01:55:04 +0000

This is one of the funniest fixes I've ever heard of - but it works! nice one, thanks a lot.

Paul
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:40:35 +0000

Hard to believe but worked. I have the same C:21:00 problem for a day and i tried all the ways following the manual. Nothing helped. I come across this article and i tried the same. It worked immediately. Amazing !!!

Thanks david.

Surendra
Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:00:28 +0000

Excellent tip, worked great with my DCR-PC101E. Removed the battery, whacked it and problem was gone

Diceman
Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:55:21 +0000

Unbelievable. I have model DCR-TRV750E. I tap (like radios form 50-es) and I removed moisture (icon), and possible moisture inside. De facto - camera was in "knock-down". But after this action-works! Like in old times-you have to "brainless" camera.

Petar Kocovic
Sat, 03 May 2008 17:37:09 +0000

hurray!!. my sony HDR-HC1 was giving me the moisture error. leaving it open did squat. so i gave it a whack on the palm of my hand, not even a very violent one and it works. i am so glad i found this message. the sony CSR was telling me he had rarely heard of this issue. i asked him why it was one of the eight FAQs for the model if it is so rare.

thank you so much.

robby breadner
Wed, 07 May 2008 13:23:42 +0000

omg,DCR-PC5 recovered
FROM Japan

aasx
Sat, 17 May 2008 06:25:40 +0000

Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank Yooooooooooooooooooooooooooooou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fucky
Thu, 22 May 2008 13:41:25 +0000

David you saved my life...
I have the same C:21:00 problem for a couple of days, I ask a technician and he told me I had to came back with the manual. I was desperate and I could't imagine the solution was close at hand. You are a genius

serena
Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:20:02 +0000

David: I am not worthy. My boyfriend volunteered to smack the bottom of my Sony Handy Cam. I thought I was going have to shell out money that I don't have. You are wonderful!!! God bless the internet.

Very Happy
Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:55:54 +0000

Yes! It's fixed. How cool is this?!! I was getting the C:21:00 "condensation / moisture" error code on my Sony TRV56 analog camcorder. I thought it actually was condensation because the problem was intermittant over a few days. The tape door did not close with a tape inserted, but did close without a tape. I was ready to pay a repairshop $69 - $120. Instead, I took the battery out, and hit it a couple times hard with my palm. And presto!! It's all good for me.

Now if I could only fix the palm. darn.

Bill
Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:59:14 +0000

OMG! I have been soooo frustrated with my handycam. I had the error code flashing and also a tape malfunction. The last straw was that the tape wouldn't open and close! I was about to buy a new camera. THANKYOU for this AMAZING tip!!!!!! Yes, a GOOD thump does it!!

AUSTRALIA

ecstatic
Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:56:02 +0000

It works on my PC6... Strange....

julien
Sun, 15 Jun 2008 16:37:53 +0000

Cannot believe it! I have had the dreaded C21:00 code for over a year now. Had given up hope of it ever working again but decided to get it out and give it one last try at fixing it.
Googled the problem and it led me to this page.
I was worried about hitting the camera hard and the first time I only just tapped it really. But the second time I gave it a hard enough slap to hurt my hard and hey presto it worked!!! Still is awe really as i can now watch all my old movies.
Cheers David you are a star!

Richard
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:58:22 +0000

Sony CDR-8000E, fix worked wonderfully, exactly as described. Thanks a million !

andrasz
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:39:47 +0000

By my dcr-trv20e it worked too. very cool, thank you.

Mopf
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:44:05 +0000

AMAZING!!?
This Awesome Trick...... its worked
thank you
i'm from indonesia. any explanation??? how it worked????

luthfi
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:21:41 +0000

Great!! It works also in Valencia, Spain
It has happened to me 5 minutes ago; a fast search with Google and solved. Thanks a lot.

Fran
Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:37:25 +0000

I've had my dcr-pc5 for 7 years and love it. Recently got the c:31:32 error. Googled the code and found this site. Could'nt believe the solution given. I was not about to whack my camcorder. Looked for other sites for more "sane" solutions. Found none. Came back here. Removed the battery, kept the tape in. Gave it 3 smart whacks on the tape side, not the screen side. Inserted the battery back in. It worked! Amazing and funny!! Thanks!!!

yoth
Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:07:32 +0000

Bought my DCR-PC5E in November 2000 and have enjoyed 7.5 years of great service from it....until on holiday last week when I got the damn c31:32 error.

Missed out on several recordings whilst I had it sat "drying out" - not that it had gotten wet anywhere. All to no avail, brought it back to the UK with the condensation symbol still showing.

Then I found this website so with nothing to lose I tried the whacking approach SEVERAL times, but it didn't work for me. However as per Greg M's note above, tried pressing the reset button with a paper clip and HEY PRESTO!!!! OK so I had to set the date and time again but am well pleased.

I will now have to transfer all my unedited tapes to my computer just in case something else goes wrong.

Thank you all for posting your experiences.

Tony
Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:19:47 +0000

Well what can I say .....IT'S WORKING THANKZ... i can tranfer all the video's from my kids to DVD !!

regards form Holland

Klaas
Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:17:34 +0000

I got a PC5 with that C:21:00 error code. I remove the battery and hit it twice with my hand and...it works!! Thank you guy and at Sony they can charge you a lot...

Robert
Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:38:59 +0000

Thank you!!

Tape compartment would shut without a tape, but was sticking open when I tried to load a tape. Error code C31:30 was on screen. Main battery out; swift whack, and hey presto, it's all working again!

Elizabeth
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:55:49 +0000

funzionaaaaaa...DCR-PC4E errore C:21:00 persistente ...tolta pila e due colpi sul fondo macchina...RISOLTO....grazie a chi l'ha divulgato..in barba all'assistenza.

elio
Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:15:35 +0000

thanks.....worked great from ohio

denise
Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:40:23 +0000

I had the eject immediately icon on my sony ccdtr700 - moisture I guess. It wouldn't play, record, rewind or do anything. I thought it was toast. Tried this method and it worked like a charm. Many thanks.

Dobes399
Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:10:21 +0000

When I saw the initial recommended 'solution' I thought the guy was crazy. However, I figured my Sony PC5E is broken anyway, I might as well give it a try. I couldn't find the small battery, just the master battery. Removed it and whacked the camera hard. And lo and behold, the problem I've had for over half a year was resolved.

Can't believe it but thanks a heap!

Dan
Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:25:56 +0000

What a great solution. Sony must have lost thousands with everyone repairing their own camera. This is what the internet is all about, communicating great ideas.
So I not only Thank You for the solution but a big THANKS for sharing it. Its amazing how many people have benefitted from your advice. Well Done.

ps After all the aggravation this camera has given me, it feels so good just hitting it.

Keith
Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:43:17 +0000

HDR-HC1, moisture problem solved in a few seconds! hope the problem will stay away.....

Frank M.
Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:17:02 +0000

hello tks for your information, from colombia.

yorguin
Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:08:46 +0000

Sony digital 8 dcr-tr7000 error code c:21:00. Camera sat in closet for over two years, smacked it, put battery back, works!

John
Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:03:46 +0000

If this breaks my VX2000 im gonna cry, but i gotta try it. Had the thing for 8 years, but i guess it may be time to switch to HD anyways...

Kenton
Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:05:54 +0000

CRAZY! This actually works! Talk about a low tech fix.

[email protected]
Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:41:30 +0000

Could not believe it, but what can I say... It worked on my DCR-PC5E.

Marcus
Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:55:54 +0000

I thought you guys were kidding, BUT... Thank you!

Terje
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:07:00 +0000

Well, I had nothing to lose. I left my good camera 200 miles away and it's Christmas Eve. My PC5 has been showing error code c21:00 for months and I just didn't have the heart to throw it away. In desperation, after midnight, small kids and family Christmas, I took the battery out and hit the camera quite hard, twice. Put the battery back in and now it works fine. I had a Sony VHS machine 20 years ago that I dropped on the way to throwing it in the garbage...just for giggles, I plugged it in...it still works. Go figure. Thanks everyone, and Merry Christmas, 2008!

Tom in Canada

Thomas
Thu, 25 Dec 2008 07:17:15 +0000

Hit it baby!
I used google because my beautiful DCR-PC5e showed up this symbol for 12 hours and still doesn't work. I (and my wife too) thought you all were kidding, but 3 slaps after removing the battery it works. You all saved my day!!!

Dirk in Germany

Dirk
Thu, 25 Dec 2008 10:53:32 +0000

hi
i have sony hdr-hc1 , with that C:21:00 error code. I remove the battery and hit it twice with my hand and...it works!! Thank you guy

hoang vu
Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:02:08 +0000

This is realy surprising. My HDV HC1 give error code C:21. Removing battery. Two hits with my fist on the bottom. Battery attached and it works. Thanx from Germany

Videobertl
Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:20:17 +0000

Thank you, very much David. Icredible.Thanks from Bilbao.

Dani
Fri, 02 Jan 2009 20:16:04 +0000

I was also desperate with my Sony DCR-PC5E (C:21:00 error code). I did not find a small battery to remove but used the reset after having hit the video a few times. It worked! Thanks a lot! Andr� from Belgium

Andr�
Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:54:07 +0000

WOW! This really works people! I have a Sony Digital 8 Cam and it stopped playing tapes with and error code of C31:60

I tried everything until i came to this post. Turned off the camera, took the battery off the back (no internal battery behing screen)

Hit it twice nice and hard on the bottom where the eject button is and BINGO! Its working with nooo problems!

Toooo easy!

Dj Slique (Orlando FL)

Jerry
Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:53:12 +0000

it worked like a charm on my hdr-hc1 thank you!!

Luima
Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:33:05 +0000

I do have a HDR HC1E and it has been anoying, that I couldn't get it work. as time passed by it has gotten worse and worse. I just called the Sony repair center and told them that monday I will be bringing the camera to them. than I figured I look up to see if anyone else got the same problem. I found this site and the tip really worked. I turned it on and off at least 20 times to see if I get an error code, and nothing. amazing. you guys just saved me more than $500 bucks.

Roland

Roland S
Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:24:38 +0000

I had just finished taping an event and was in the process of take-down when I got this error.

The tripod I was using was the kind that as well as having telescopic legs could be raised an addition 2ft or so by turning a handle.

During takedown I loosened the brake and didn't grab the handle in time and that extended section dropped (with the camera attached).

After a very nasty thud the camera complained about moisture (C:21:00).

Got back to the hotel, googled, removed the battery, turned it on its side and smacked it gently twice.

Error cleared instanly. Thanks.

red
Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:00:37 +0000

Error code 21:
Moisture condensation has occurred. Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour to acclimatize

Rolf Simonsen
Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:27:47 +0000

Hurry it worked for too, thanks

sridhar
Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:42:57 +0000

error c21 en videocamara sony dcr- pc5e despues de aplicar un par de golpes en la base de la camara ha desaparecido el error.espero que no se halla desajustado o roto otra cosa pero lo cierto es que el error ha desaparecido.

juan
Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:54:39 +0000

That worked perfectly! Thanks!...

Greetings from Ukraine :)

Alexej
Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:54:55 +0000

That's great. It worked! I had to do a reset also. Wonderfull.

mo
Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:01:20 +0000

I didn't get to the slapping part. Just pushed the little reset button and all worked for hdr-hc1e. But now I know what to do if resetting won't help. I almost hope that it happens some day - so many happy people hitting their camcorders:).

wetsony
Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:22:00 +0000

Thanks, I have solved this problem for a short while by removing battery while in camera mode and replacing
the battery quickly. Slapping the camera worked great!! I have missed many shots over the years due to C21:00.
Thanks again!!

Tom
Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:52:43 +0000

This is great. It worked. Several times. But has anyone got a FIX for this error. It just keeps coming back. I have the HDR-HC1 and have been wacking the bottom of it for months now. Seems every few days it happens again. It's getting tedious.

How to you disable the moisture sensor? I don't car how moist it thinks it is. Just record what I'm pointing it at.

Is there any proper fix for it? Apparently not. WACK!

Dobly
Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:23:25 +0000

I got the HDR-HC1 too and it gave me the same C:21:00 error. The dang thing has been sitting in my closet for nearly 3 years and I was going to throw it away.
Thought to try that error code and found this website. Gave it a whack and the damn thing worked !!!! Amazing!!!!.

OK. Now, a serious question. I see so many HC1 with the same problem. Is the a Sony DEFECT?!!!!. How about everyone called them and complaint and see if they can swap out the sensor or something. Their support phone number is 1-239-768-7547. Everyone, please call so that they know this is a BIG PROBLEM.

Charles
Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Workedfor me as well.. didnt believe it but it worked

Brad
Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:36:14 +0000

Excellent, worked for me. Keep on wacking the damn thing!

BS
Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:01:44 +0000

Fantastic. I got the same damn problem last year and it disappeared after a few weeks... This time just a question of 5 sec when following the battery removal and whacking procedure :-).
The question is:
Why does this work?
Is this a problem of bad contacts?
Does it go into some type of autoreset when hit?
I agree that it is unacceptable that so many people got the same problem with different models. If it was a car manufacturer they would have had to call back all cars for modifications.
Best of all though was to read everyone's comments on this site :-)

Good laugh DCR-HC1E
Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:17:49 +0000

I have a HDR-DC100E that had been showing the C:21:00 error for months. I was almost to the point of throwing it away and buy a new one, then found this site with google.
Couldn't believe it. It worked !
Now my hand is aching a bit, but I'm happy.

Aldo
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:08:14 +0000

This Is Freak'n amazing? Thanks guys for the help. been trying to solve this for a couple of years. Battery out, smack that bottom and BINGO no more C21. Thanks so much. People try this it Works!!!!!

Ray Jay
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:05:14 +0000

Amazing.. i had this camera for years on the shelf, and the error never went away.. WHACK and wonder! thanks!

Sean
Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:39:48 +0000

Yes indeed here is another success story, hit me with your big stick and watch your camera bounce back into life !

Bill Furtova
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:55:46 +0000

Damn if it didn't work was ready to chuck the unit

Tom
Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:51:28 +0000

I feel almost obliged to add to this list. I paid over a thousand pounds for this camera when it first came out and have had nothing but trouble with it. The first fix I found was pressing the reset button to clear the jammed door. That worked a treat. This solution for the C21 error has amazed me. I took off the battery and whacked the camera as instructed and it simply cleared the fault. Sony need to hang their heads in shame!! Thanks Guys.

Senoj
Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:48:13 +0000

Hi, I started to read this thread after finding the C:21:00 error on my PC5. When I got to the hitting hard bit i thought 'what a wind up!' I'll try it anyway its the sort of thing that might work. Guess what. It did. Thanks so much. In this modern technical age I tend to be more gentle with things. Its good to know a good ol' clout can still do the business. Thanks again
Richie

Richie Finger
Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:25:20 +0000

And one more from Finland. It worked even without removing the small battery.

THANKS!

Pekka
Sun, 09 Aug 2009 09:09:18 +0000

Hi David !
it's unbelieveable ! it really works
i did everything, step by step as you recommended
after those quick steps, my camera started to work perfectly.
earlier i couldn't put the cassette inside, but after your advice everything went well

thank you very much, greetings from POLAND :)

Adrian from POLAND
Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:50:48 +0000

THANKS! ALMOST BOUGHT MYSELF A NEW ONE!! IT ONLY TOOK A FEW SECONDS!!

SOJKE

sojke
Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:03:38 +0000

Dude....All I can say is that you're the man. Thanks!

Tim_H-Town
Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:07:03 +0000

Blimey, it worked for me as well. Brilliant. I wonder what Sony say about this?

Jon Marsh
Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:03:49 +0000

Well, I dont know how it works but ...it works !! Great!!!!!

Adam
Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:02:41 +0000

i have the dcr-pc5e - it has had this problem for 4 years! so stopped using it, thought i'd have a look, i tried heating it, cooling it, drying it, even blowing with compressed air and sucking with a vacuum cleaner!!! Read this post, couldnt find a small battery behind the screen so just whacked it - didnt work? so in temper really whacked it - and bugger me its back to normal!

that man deserves many many beers

irish mac
Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:46:21 +0000

MUHAHAHAHA!

Cannot believe it.
Complete panic when I saw the code and camera stopped working.

Whacked it a few times and now it's fine.

Thanks a lot!

Albert
Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:18:23 +0000

THANKS, IT WORKED FOR MR TOO..

NIKOLAOS PAPADAKIS
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:59:16 +0000

This WHACK just worked on my 5 year old HDR-HC1.

YAY!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Bill Grant
Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:30:43 +0000

I have a DCR-TR7000, which I was about to toss because of this. It goes against common sense to 'whack' any electronic device, especially one with the fine mechanical works such as these camcorders, but because of the condensation code, and the fact that the camcorder would not function, AND, because it is over 6 years old and probably not putting any money into, AND, I was going to shitcan it anyways, what the hell, I WHACKED it twice, and IT WORKS FINE!
THANKS!!!

neonwillie
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:35:55 +0000

OMG!!!! I can't believed this worked. I had the same problems, stuck cassette door, error c21:00 and dried it out and did just about everything!!! Thank god for the internet and the wonderful person who posted the cure!!! I hit the camera several times without the battery with no avail.. Then read another person hit his camera so hard it hurt his hand so I figured what the heck!!! It doesn't work anyway. I had aready given up!! I closed my fist, took out the battery and hit the bottom very hard!!! IT WORKED!!!!! Thx so much!!! Saved me $300.00 dollars Xmas is saved!!!!

Margaret
Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:17:36 +0000

I'm from Shanghai,China. WOW, it really works, I had this issue for 1 month, and I almost wanna go Sony to get it repaired. before it do it , I googled this tip and it works immediately.
Great thanks and this should be the best gift for Xmas

Hank Huang
Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:31:35 +0000

Hi to all,
i am from Germany, i was very displeased, because the Sony Cam does not work on my Holidays, now it was greatly welcome to hit my Sony Cam and it Works :-).
Thanks so much !! and best regards for Xmas

Reinhard
Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:15:16 +0000

It Works!!! For weeks I was alternating between ejecting the tape, pushing the reset button, and pulling the batteries with no success. Eventually my buddy encouraged me to spray electronic contact cleaner in it. THis may have done some good, but did not solve the error message. When this didn't work I slamed it on the kitchen counter 5 time pretty hard out of frustrion as my buddy's jaw dropped. Low and behold it fired right back up and is working like nothing happened. I wonder if Sony charges people the $140 plus for repairs and does the same thing.

John in NH
Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:15:04 +0000

I think all Sony has to do to fix this problem for the vast majority of us with the Sony HDR-HC1 would be to come out with a firmware fix that would REVISE the FIRMWARE NOT to check for the moisture problem. There would be a stern warning indicating that this would void your warantee (who cares, it's already out of warrantee) and that operating the HDR-HC1 with moisture on the rotating recording heads can seriously damage the heads and/or transport mechanism. But who cares the camera with the false moisture problem is already a "brick" and if you want that fixed Sony will gladly take about $511 to fix the problem. For that much money you can buy a new and improved HiDef 1080i 1920x1080 camcorder (not the 1440x1080 of the HDR-HC1). Sony could go a LONG way to improving their recently battered reputation by coming out with this very simple fix. This problem is now a software problem.

Over the years I can count on one hand where I got a legitimate moisture problem with a camcorder. The conditions are usually pretty obvious. Keep the camcorder in a cold environment long enough for it to assume that cold temp. bring it indoors where there's lots of heat and humidity. Duh? Is the moisture sensor (and the firmware that runs it) that necessary if all it's giving is FALSE POSITIVES? The answer is NO!

JohnnyCaps
Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:45:45 +0000

Awesome. it worked. Remove battery and whack.

Manuel
Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:20:59 +0000

Just successfully fixed this issue on DCR-PC5E. IT REALLY WORKS, however the problem appeared soon after fixing again. I've used the RESET button additionally to other tips and it seems to work now. This leads me to a question, if the camera whack is really needed (instead of proper reset).

Matej Syxra
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:06:23 +0000

Mám DCR-PC9E dva roky mi ukazovala chybu C 21:00 a neskôr C 31:21. Po prečítaní odporúčaní som po vybratí baterky dvakrát praskol zo spodu na kameru, vložil baterku, zázrak, ide v pohode.

sisi
Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:12:19 +0000

Hi everyone. I'm having this same problem on my Sony DCR-DVD203, but smacking it doesn't seem to be working. Both I and everyone in my family has given it a go several times, hitting it quite hard, but the problem persists. I've tried every method of resetting the camera that I can think of.

ANY SUGGESTIONS??

I don't want to send it to Sony to get it fixed, cuz they charge a flat rate starting fee of $271! For a faulty sensor problem that's THEIR FAULT! What is this, a scam??

Has anyone here had success with the "whacking" procedure with a DCR-DVD cam? Or only ones with tapes?

If anyone has a suggestion for me, PLEASE contact me at my email address (click my name). Thanks!

Kyle R.
Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:02:22 +0000

I have been pretty bummed out about my DCR HC21 for some time now because it seemed that often I would get that stupid moisture error code C:21:00. There were only a few times when I can see that I should have actually gotten it. But most of the time I would just be using it inside in a dry place. Between uses it would always be in a dry storage place. I smacked it firmly with the palm of my hand on the bottom of the camera, no tape in the slot, power off, battery pack taken out. It is working great so far, hopefully it stays this way. I'm not in a position where I am going to shell out a lot of money where I do not need to. Thank-you so far!

Patrick W.
Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:01:49 +0000

I had the C31:22 error on my 10 year old Sony DCR-PC5E before throwing it in the trash I decided to try the suggestion here. I took out the tape, turned off the power, turned it upside down and smacked it firmly on the bottom, I really couldn't believe it it really did work. Now I'm frantically trying to upload all my tapes. Thanks so much for posting this suggestion, glad to have saved myself several hundred dollars!

Brenda C.
Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:25:26 +0000

Cool! This has worked great. Now I need to get a ribbon cable for my Sony HC1E as the screen has been u/s for ages. Anyone know where to get a ribbon cable? How much etc. I can now get back to making vids about Ancient trees again. Visit youtube and search for 'thetreehunter'. Thanks again.

Rob the Tree hunter
Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:39:40 +0000

I confirm it works that's unbeleavable :) the C21:00 error message has disapear

Cyril
Sat, 27 Mar 2010 08:11:32 +0000

Indeed it works - I had 2 Sony Cameras with this problem
A PC5 and a PD1 (DVCAM) - it worked for them both!
fantastic...

Julian Hadden
Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:15:26 +0000

As one of the early responses said, this has got to be the silliest solution ever. But it worked. Now I can use my 9+ year old TR7000 again. Thanks!
On the Internet the odds are good that the goods are odd. This just proves that rule.

Steve A.
Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:14:38 +0000

Instead of smacking the camera, get a pen or a pencil press it into the reset hole.
Then reset all the features in the camera, after doing this, the yellow light will go away. For the past two weeks, I was not able to use any of my 2 my cameras. I did't want to spend any money at all. As I wrote the comments, I just did the procedures and now both worked.

J.R. Pierre
Mon, 03 May 2010 22:46:33 +0000

HELPPPPPP!!! i have sore hands and tried everything on this forum but still getting the same C21:00 message!

Cherry
Tue, 11 May 2010 15:20:19 +0000

Unbelievable! It worked! I have a class project to tape, and was freaking out! Have had the dang thing worked on before, but that took a week to fix (not same problem) Decided to check the internet one last time, and found this site. Camera is 9 years old, and the guy who fixed it said it was better than what we could buy now days.

alikat
Sun, 16 May 2010 20:27:45 +0000

It worked with my camcorder as well! I have a Sony PC9E and was already thinking to buy a new camcorder. This information saved me hundreds of euro's. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Ben de Haan
Sat, 22 May 2010 12:31:58 +0000

Thank you!!! it worked with my vx2000, i removed the battery and whacked it a few times ...
unbeliaveble!

sonyuser
Sun, 23 May 2010 16:26:33 +0000

Ok. Here's the deal. I have an HC1. I found out somewhere in the net that cleaning a sensor (It's a black sensor at the back left side inside the cassette compartment between 2 solder blobs.) will help. Well, it didn't. I tried re-setting the camera with that small pinhole several times. It didn't help either. My last resort is to hit it just like what many have been successful here. I love my camera so I have it a good tap. Ooops, it didn't work. I tried to hit it harder at the cassette door side. Didn't work. My palm is already aching after 5 or 6 hits. Nothing worked. Finally, I closed my fist and gave it quite a hit. IT WORKED! LOL! This must be the most amazing solution ever. Sony may not like it but this should give them a lesson. What if mechanical trouble happens and if it is still under warranty? They must be fixing a lot of mechanical troubles.. Ha, ha..

Bob Jameson
Mon, 24 May 2010 01:27:58 +0000

It worked! Amazing!

Thanks a lot

koenvand
Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:34:39 +0000

I've a PC9 having the same problem C21:00 and had been smacking every since for over until I found this link (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-hvr-a1-hdr-hc-series/88013- . . .) !! No need to abuse your Sony anymore especially in public!!
No need to throw away a perfectly good camera . even though its old. reuse recycle ... !

hencehungry
Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:42:18 +0000

Whacked it a couple times, didn't work, tried the reset button, whacked it another couple times with the battery off of the camera, it worked that time, keep trying it WILL WORK.

Outstanding solution to this problem.

fraziernivens
Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:24:36 +0000

amazing. i use my camera for work so no camera= no income. it flashed up with the error today. looked on here, hit it and its good to go.. nice one guys. much appreciated

paul jeune
Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:18:53 +0000

Great, it worked in a matter of few swconds on my PC6E too. Thanks for your post!!

EtM
Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:42:28 +0000

Hah! it sure did work!!! I was amazed!

P Greene
Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:06:38 +0000

I posted before that I had great success smacking the camcorder to make it work. I had the same problems again and now, no matter how hard I smack it, the moisture problem stays. Here's a solution that worked for me:

1. Open the cassette door
2. Remove the battery while the cassette door is open.
3. Wait for few seconds.
4. Put the battery back.

It worked for me!

Bob Jameson
Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:32:20 +0000

started to doubt you guys. many whacks over many days .... mmm this ain't gonna work ... one more try. battery out (not the bios one) one whack on sides top and bottom. it finally accepted the tape, no c21:00. just played a tape, rewound it etc. no worries, i am back in the game.
thankyou thankyou thankyou. phewy .... if you need anything from a brilliant graphic designer - i owe you one !

pete UK
Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:09:36 +0000

Had the same problem with my Sony Camcorder HandyCam HDV 1080i/mini DV Model HDR-HC1E. Scanned the internet and found a number of solutions including the "thump it" one here. It didn't work but clearly does for some. I then tried removing the main battery pack but it didn't work. So i tried to find the CMOS battery but couldn't and was about to start dismantling the camera when I found the link mentioned earlier (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-hvr-a1-hdr-hc-series/88013- . . . that suggested cleaning the moisture sensor and discovered mine was completely black also. If you scroll through the responses at the previous link you'll soon find some photos that show the location of the sensor - it's at the very rear of the tape transport compartment on the left hand side and has two solder points at the top of it. So I used a cotton wool bud dipped in CD lens cleaning solution and hey presto after a couple of wipes I removed the blackening to reveal the square black pattern underneath. You'll need quite a long cotton wool bud or small fingers. I re-inserted a cassette - same problem! With the camera switched on I then used a paper clip to push the reset button (flap open the LCD screen and you'll find it below the Auto Lock slider switch. The camera immediately "re-booted" as it did when I first purchased it and I was able to playback and record on the tape just fine. I just reset the time and date and re-entered my setup preferences and it's good as new. Hope that helps.

Steve Jennings
Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:18:25 +0000

Thanks. Also instead of whacking just removing batteries and then pressing good old RESET button pressed with pen wiped out this useless error code.

m
Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:41:11 +0000

HI all,

I just don't belive this, but it works, slapping the camera left and right accually works. This is unbeliveable. Thanks heaps.

manny
Sat, 09 Oct 2010 13:51:00 +0000

hi
just a massive thanks to the person who posted this remedy...havnt been able to video loads over the last 18months when camera packed in ..missed birthdays and hols made all the more important because i have been ill with cancer and just wanted to record everything...guess what it worked got to say was very sceptical but try it ...warmed mine for 30 secs with hairdryer and a good hand bang and hey presto !!!!!!!! fantastic thanks again!!!!!

mandie chan
Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:41:13 +0000

This error is usually caused by failure of, or contact failure with, the dew sensor. On many models this is a black square mounted on a metal pole with a flexicable coming from it. The flexicable conductors can split and give rise to this intermittent fault. It is possible to patch out the faulty flexicable with some thin wire soldered from the dew sensor to the socket where it connects to, or replace the dew sensor. It's fiddly, but with care and about an hour or so of determination, the fault can be repaired by a good electronics enthusiast.

What's interesting about the dew sensor is the resistance actually goes up when it is damp, so an open circuit connection makes the machine thinks there is dew on the heads. What chemistry is in that sensor is something of a mystery!

Colin
www.video99.co.uk

Colin McCormick
Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:14:52 +0000

THANKS SO MUCH.
I've had this PC120E for years.
I took it out and it got wet one day and its been in the cupboard ever since.
Having a clearout today and I was all set to bin the unit when I found this site.
3 increasingly hard thumps later its working again!!!!

For the faint hearted I will describe thunp number three.
I raised the camera approx 12 inches above a solid wooden worktop and brought it down as hard as I could.

That did it !

Thanks again...

Dave W
Kent UK

Dave W
Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:51:12 +0000

wow - got a sony dcr-trv25 camcorder and was about to put it into the hands of a repairman. this forum has saved me a load of cash and time !! I had the same error and streaky lines when playing back tapes. Both problems have sorted themselves out !!!!!!

toothbrush
Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:07:47 +0000

Had the C21:00 error on my 10 year old Sony DCR-PC6E PAL
Tape compartment would not close when inserting tape, only without tape (which naturally is nice but not very usefull). Tried (almost) everything for 3 weeks.

I waited until my wife and kids were at sleep, turned off the camera, removed battery, turned camera upside down and smacked it "kindly" one single time on the bottom. Now it works again! (I then woke up my wife to tell her the great news, and cancelled my order on a new Panasonic)

Thanks for the tip!

PS: did not try the hairdryer tip ...

K. Petersen
Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:26:40 +0000

Hallo

Wie weet waar het kleine batterijtje zit in een DCR-pc9E.
Want ik een lastige fout code 21:00.

Maar kan het batterijtje niet vinden.

Geeft mij de oplossing.

Dank

Mvgr Wil

Wil
Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:18:46 +0000

Muchas Gracias!

Efectivamente le di un golpe seco a la base de mi c�mara Sony y desaparecio el error C:21:00!!!
No puedo creerlo! Que loco como se arregl�!

Angelica
Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:44:16 +0000

Pessoal é mesmo verdade, tirem-lhe a pilha e d�em-lhe uma palmada valente, e a c�mara ( a minha é uma Sony CCD- F388E que j� tinha ido a reparar e que voltou ao mesmo e estava parada � 3 ou 4 anos) voltou a funcionar de novo sem o erro de condensa��o!!!!!!!
Obrigado pela excelente DICA!!!!!!

Antonio
Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:24:50 +0000

Can't believe it. Wack-a-cam works! I have a Sony TRV240 that I have had for 8 years. This has actually been a great camcorder. Must have a couple thousand hours on it. Took it to Florida for Parents 50th anniversary and got the C:31:40 error after about 5 mins of recording. Basically, tape door would not retract with tape in, but would do it with tape out. Couldn't work on it until I got back home. Found this website and tried everything I could read. Tried hitting it a few times and nothing. After about 6 hours of screwing around with it I finally removed the tape, closed the door, took out the battery and smacked the shit out of it twice. The tape now goes in. This goes against everything I ever thought. I have been on my kids for years about not banging up the camera, but it is the only thing that worked. Thank god. Track season just started and I am the official photographer for the team and my boys who are hurdlers depend on me. I want to thank everyone who took the time to post their results. HAPPY CAMERA LADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monica
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:16:12 +0000

I've just tried this on my Sony DCR-PC6E which I've had for years and never had any problem with before. Got annoyed because I wanted to video my 4 yr old son opening his birthday presents and have missed it all. Left the camera for 3 hours. Didn't want to miss the video of his party too. So thought I'd search for a solution. Took battery off (no internal bettery I am aware of) and whacked the camera with the back of my hand a few times. Put battery pack back on and tape back in and it all worked like a dream. Immediately. Bizarre but true. Thanks a million.

Kat
Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:56:35 +0000

ooo dearrr..
it's perfectly worked for my DCR HC-62E
and it doesn't take 5 seconds!LOL!!!

Yan
Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:48:56 +0000

HOY DOMINGO SE TRABO LA MAQUINA C21.00 BUSQUE EN GOOGLE LA SOLUCION ....GRACIAS SI FUNCIONA EL GOLPE.

JUAN JOSE LORA
Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:07:21 +0000

Great, it also worked on my TR7000E that had been sitting in its bag for months, the C:21:00 error disappeared instantly and the tape eject/load function was restored. Many thanks!!! This shows indeed the power of the web...

Peter van der Els
Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:06:36 +0000

Great , many thanks Folks ! it worked as you adviced. I should have know this before as I spoil beautiful images during trips because this C:21.00 error . Thanks again !

Luis Azua
Sat, 02 Jul 2011 10:57:38 +0000

thanks so much you dont know how great ful i am, sony dcr-hc20e firm whack and removal of battery my tapes now work!

chester
Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:17:53 +0000

Wow Amazing. We can't believe that worked. Thanks a lot.

Roisin Moriarty
Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:41:39 +0000

Thanks for posting this solution! I was frustrated with the $200 repair quote from Sony.... tried this solution and worked great.

Nick
Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:04:49 +0000

Just tried smacking my DCR-PC5 (August 3rd, 2011) and sure enough, it got rid of the C:21:00 code.

matt
Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:17:58 +0000

Bob Jameson, you're my hero! I have a Sony PC-9, bought at auction w/a 33:21 message (or something like that--it's gone now!). First, I tried whacking it but actually did some damage and it didn't remove the error! Next, I tried resetting--still no success. Then I tried cleaning the sensor at the back left of the tape compartment--no luck. But then I came across your suggestion and it worked!!! Your method was so simple and easy and almost seems random, but I was almost ready to give up and I'm glad I kept scrolling down! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've pasted details below for everyone:

1. Open the cassette door
2. Remove the battery while the cassette door is open.
3. Wait for few seconds.
4. Put the battery back.

It worked for me!

Bob Jameson
Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:32:20 +0000

Benzy
Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:21:09 +0000

JST RESET THE CAMERA, i had the same problem too but wen i pressed the reset button it all went away

medi erias
Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:07:02 +0000

C:21:00 message - trying with "reset" couple of times, also took out battery. Didn't help.
BUT! I hit the cam from left, then from right....and guess what> the error message was gone :-)

Istvan
Sun, 04 Sep 2011 19:48:48 +0000

Just tried this on an sony A1 and it works. Error code was moisture, c 21 00

2 firm but gentle dunts with the hand. Sorted!

Platform Theatre Glasgow
Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:55:43 +0000

Well 10yr old DCR-PC9E with moisture indicator flashing&error code C:21.00 lovely cam-corder but although it cost over a grand new been debating if it worth spending on for last 4months,tried batt off,reset button,3 days in airing cupboard etc,nothing worked till battery off 2x good smacks and all back to normal!!!
Been laughing for 20 minutes,thanks guys you've made my week

Simon Pearson-UK
Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:58:25 +0000

It worked on the Sony handycam HDR-HC1E pal. thank you, thank you, thank you.

Micky z
Sun, 09 Oct 2011 07:01:12 +0000

Was considering ditching my mini dv as its been misbehaving lately. Just switched on today after a few months storage and got C21 error. Found this thread. Removed battery/tape; gentle tap on the desk; battery back in and viola - up and running.

Thanks for everyone who get this thread alive - some of us still use these antiques

Paulo
Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:42:31 +0000

Sceptical sure, but having removed power, recharged battery, even pressed the reset button the camera stayed in its bag for months. Then one day if fell across this.

Guess what, three reasonably hard taps on the palm of the hand and hey presto, no more condensation.

Mitch
Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:39:07 +0000

wow all i can say is wow worked on my hc1

nick c
Mon, 21 Nov 2011 03:41:23 +0000

omg!! This is amazing! We thought the camera was ruined for sure ... removed battery, one good whack ... good as new! :)

Robin
Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:36:30 +0000

Can't believe it! Never thought it would work but what do I know! Many thanks

Dan
Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:26:23 +0000

SONY DCR-PC 101E error C: 21:00. Thank you very much for your advice. It works.
It's amazing, I've saved € 100.
Thank you Tomas Cz - PÃ�sek

tomas CZ
Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:36:55 +0300

It worked..........
unbelievable, i have no words, thank u

Abdelrahman
Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:07:01 +0300

tengo una PC5E ,sino lo veo no me lo puedo crer,le he dado el guantazo dudando si esto podia ser cierto

.
la berdad .es inaceptable yo ya habia pagado en otro momento 200e por este mismo problema

Gracias amigo

Manuel aguado rodriguez
Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:53:22 +0300

To God be the Glory for your life for this insight. Brethren the whack- Works. I was just about to throw my Mini DV camera on the bin but come across this whack self diagnosis.
Asanti sana Bro David.
Msamariah

Msamariah
Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:40:15 +0400

tenia un problema con el mensaje de error de una camara pc5 de sony y por fin gracias a este foro y lo golpecitos vuelve a funcionar ni me lo podia creer eureka!!!!!!!!!!!! saludos

alberto
Sun, 27 May 2012 14:34:51 +0400

thanx so much
took out battery gave it a bang wasnt too hard
replaced battery and bingo
it worked great
you are a blessing
thankyuuuuuuuuuuuuu

kiwifella
Sun, 03 Jun 2012 16:02:25 +0400

It's absurd trying to fix a moisture condensation error hitting a camera. If you tried everything (reset it, remove battery, exposing to the sun light, hairdryer, etc) and no positive results, try this:
It's possible the problem begun when you tried a more deep cleaning using cotton swabs, besides the video heads, so you "cleaned" the moisture sensor because it looked dirty to you. WRONG. But, what to do? logically get it "dirty" again using the carbon core of a AA zinc-carbon battery as a "pencil" Do it carefully so no pieces of our chalk fall inside and may cause a mechanical malfunction, also aviod touching any othet part than the moisture sensor, watch specialy for the video drum. My english is not the best but my solution is. Saludos amigos

Raul Padron
Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:52:13 +0400

This site is the bomb!
I've been getting this c21 moisture error for a long time and my cassette mechanism hasn't worked. Thanks to the instructions to take out the battery and give the camera a good smack, it's now working again.
Thanks again.

JaneG
Wed, 11 Jul 2012 06:09:23 +0400

Brilliant! Had the problem on my sony Z1, tried cleaning the sensor, but this trick really did it!

Thanks a million

Jop
Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:48:08 +0400

First I tried the sensor cleaning as mentioned in this forum http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-hvr-a1-hdr-hc-series/88013- . . .
But it did not fix the problem. As the last resort I had to WHACK the camera as you all did here. And surprisingly it worked. My HC1 was 7 years old and I have so many tapes cant get rid of the thing soon. Thanks guys

Perera
Mon, 08 Oct 2012 07:20:31 +0400

I'm from Indonesia.
Seven years ago, my Sony camera can not turn on, after 2 months of purchase. No picture, no sound.
After reading this article, I try to do it. And .... bingo!!! successfully.
Thank you very much.....

kukuh andri
Tue, 09 Oct 2012 05:29:56 +0400

Oh, Really!!!
How wonderful this solution is.
I had the C:21:00 error on SONY HDR-HC1.
It works by this article.
Thank you for share!!!

nari6a
Sun, 28 Oct 2012 16:56:07 +0300

Hey ppl out there.
Had the same moisture C21:00 Problem with my Sony DCR-PC4E and found a solution here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-hvr-a1-hdr-hc-series/88013- . . .

Take a Q-Tip soaked with alkohol (I took sterilium) and clean the blue spottet area like in the attached picture.
Wait 2 mins until the alkohol evaporated and turn your device on. Should work :).

Attached Image:

Sony DCR-PC4E Moisture Cond.jpg

Albrecht K�hler
Wed, 06 Feb 2013 23:50:29 +0300

Thanks guys,un-farking- believable, my old DCR-PC5 was showing the dreaded c21 error code. Tape carrier jammed with a tape in it, but closed without a tape inserted,was going to biff it but it's been thru a lot with me, thought? google Sony error codes, came up with this site. The old no-batt.-slap-fix worked a treat, back to normal, will spread the good word down here in the Antipodes. Once again, thankyou all for posting these helpful hints.

Wil. NZ
Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:43:07 +0300

Gracias, se desbloquea al golpe.

Gustavo
Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:46:06 +0300

problema c21:00 es un problema de humedad coje un secador y dale donde va la cinta.coje la bateria y retirala de la camara y ponsela otra vez.a mi me ha funcionado

luis
Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:51:02 +0400

I have an HVR-A1U that has been spitting this error code in my face for the past 3 years, causing me to ignore the camera and relegate it to the closet. Took it out this morning as a backup camera for my daughter's theater performance, looked up the error code online and found this site. Pulled the battery, gave it 3 solid whacks on the bottom with my hand and fired it back up. GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY it worked like a charm. THANKS!!

El Duderino
Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:39:27 +0400

Last used my camera in 2010. Started getting this C21:00 error code and put it in the closet. Got it out today for my daughter's prom and googled this code. Many thanks to you David for sharing. I took the batteries both small and large out and off whacked the camera 3 times and now it is working!!!

LaWonza Benoit
Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:26:20 +0400

grazie ragazzi!! ha funzionato!! un saluto dall'italia!!! ;)

willyam
Fri, 05 Jul 2013 17:34:06 +0400

I tried all the usual things to clear the C:21 error on my old PCR-350E - left it out to acclimatise, battery out, pressed reset and no joy. Read this 'crazy' solution to remove battery and whack the bottom of the camera a few times and it worked first time!! Unbelievable but it really does work. Saved me a fortune in repair bills. Thanks for the help.

Freddo
Tue, 03 Sep 2013 02:00:51 +0400

I bought my camcorder Sony PC101 in 2004. I did work a lot with it. Last year (early 2012) get a C:21:00 for the first time. Sony was asked around 300 euros to replace humidity sensor. I did not accepted and placed the camera in a towel for 2 weeks. That was working. This year ( end 2013) get one more time the C:21:00 problem.
I pressed reset a few times, removed the battery and whacked the camera with my hands.
That 's too great! it does work ! No more c:21:00 and able to place a tape.
Thank you so much !
from Brussels - Belgium

Sharon
Mon, 21 Oct 2013 00:35:31 +0400

i thought this was one of those "waterproof your iphone" mean tricks but it worked straight away first time. 3 solid slaps to the underbelly and now shes sucking diesel again boi!

larry legit
Thu, 12 Dec 2013 15:59:30 +0300

I have a Sony HDR HC1 Mini Dv which has been in mothball for 6 years. After taking it out for a test drive, started displaying the infamous C21:00 error code showing a yellow symbol in the middle of the screen after a few minutes of use. After consulting my friend GOOGLE! and was provided this article. After a few hard sacks, EUREKA. Thank you internet!!!!!!!!!!!!!

STAG
Sat, 15 Feb 2014 17:39:16 +0300

Yes amazingly it does work even today on Sony (DCR-PC5E) camera I bought in HK 14 years ago. Perfect solution!
(If in doubt 'fump it')

Bob
Sun, 09 Mar 2014 21:45:47 +0300

Brilliant remedy, so my style, "if in doubt give it a clout".
Thank you very much.

Chris Moorhouse
Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:07:11 +0300

it worked for me too , thank you - dcr-pc4e bought ages ago here in france. i have been stuck with it for one week when i removed the battery this day and gave the camera a slap twice on the right side of the camera, then replaced it and turned it on and miracle was that the error had disappeared. Maybe a little luck; next time i'll try moisture sensor cleaning.

thierry
Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:38:57 +0400

I can see this solution has made a lot of people happy since 2006. I have a DCR-PC101E camcorder and also had the C:21 error message for some time. So, I thought I give it a go. I tried the "whack" though not too hard. It sure removed the error message and the yellow moisture sign. I was so happy to see this BUT when I placed a tape in the drive and closed the lid it started making funny noises and then spitted out the tape and now the lid doesn't close at all, even without the tape. The mechanism goes down partly but not enough to close the lid and then pops up again. So, now I have a camcorder without moisture but totally useless. I can't even close the lid to pack it and put it away in the cupboard for posterity!
Has anyone got another clever solution for this?

Paul
Mon, 24 Nov 2014 01:03:39 +0300

Hi people!

I took out my PC101E to move film from the cassettes and over to my MacBook and got a couple of tapes done. Then this moisture error appeared and after I took out battery (not internal) and whacked it in the bottom a couple of times (not too hard), it now works again!!!

The last use of this camera was way back in 2006, this is awesome.

Bj�rn
Sun, 14 Dec 2014 11:47:26 +0300

I just did it on a 9 year old HDR-HC1. It worked! Most amazing thing I have seen in years!

Chris
Mon, 16 Mar 2015 09:12:16 +0300

Awesome! Times like this I love tech forums. I though my 10 year old Sony HDR-HC1E was dead and gone but a few wacks with the battery out and its working beautifully!

Michael
Sun, 05 Jul 2015 08:11:18 +0400

Bloo H....!!!!!!! It works with my digital 8!!!!!! This such a genius one. You saved my family's beautiful memmories.... God Bless you David.. i will mark this site for my buddies just in case.

virgilio
Sat, 05 Sep 2015 23:46:57 +0400

I had the recurring error code C21:00 on me Sony HDR-HC3. So, I simply looked in the users manual under troubleshooting and the answer was right there, i.e.
1. Eject the tape.
2. Put in a new tape.
3. Remove the battery/
4. Reinsert the battery.
5. Press the Reset button and go through the motions to set time, date etc. VOILA!!!! The camera works fine without any error codes.
THANKS SONY!!!

Gerrie
Sun, 25 Oct 2015 22:55:16 +0300

Had the same error code on my Sony DCR-TR7000E PAL. So happy to have come across your recommendations! Removed batteries, wacked the camera hard with my hand ... and it works again! Now I can continue to save my old movies from the late eighties to my Mac! Thanks a million!

Marc Semaille
Thu, 26 Nov 2015 14:14:56 +0300

THANK YOU!!! It worked on my old PC6E, a little wacking and now it is working again!!! I can now copy the old tapes to my computer. :-)

Erik
Mon, 14 Nov 2016 17:36:58 +0300

Pro změnu česky: C:21:00 a �luté cosi uprostřed hled�čku: ano, signalizuje to vlhkost v kameře, ale prav� př�čina je zcela prost�.
Baterie, kter� z�lohuje z�kladn� data kamwery (tedy datum a čas) byla u mně svěřen� kamery zcela vybit�. Stačilo ji vyndat a kamrea funguje, tedy v mém př�padě přehr�v� - a to stač�.
Kdyby někdo chtěl m�t i tto funkce obnoceny, stač� d�t novou - v mém př�padě to bCR2025, tedy tat�, co z�lohuje data v motherboardu PC.

MHtv
Fri, 06 Jan 2017 23:46:42 +0300

THANKS SO MUCH! I bought a SONY HVR A1U (so called "professional" video camera) for $900--- probably a rip-off. Anyhow after cleaning the Carl Zeiss lens with a bit of solution I began getting the C:21:00 MOISTER MESSAGE which wouldn't correct after "leaving the camera tape deck open for one hour" as SONY says. Having already gone crazy fixing tape deck problems in my SONY DIGITAL 8 camera--- I knew the C:21:00 problem wouldn't clear-up in an hour. I waited all day, tried YOU TUBE for a fix, and nothing.
Then I luckily found your post, took the camera's main battery out, knocked the camera's bottom once hard on the desk, re-inserted the battery---- AND FIXED!! YOU'RE MAGIC!!!

INGRID IN ALASKA
Fri, 27 Jan 2017 19:18:10 -0800

I had the same problem C21 and a logo clicking.
I tried to blow cool air and let it rested for hours but to no avail.
Then read that post, remove the big lithium battery, bang it in my hand a few times and it works!!!
Thanks a bunch!

Rosaire
Fri, 16 Jun 2017 10:35:51 -0700

ok can anyone explain where the little battery is located. Hitting it has done nothing.

homepiss
Sat, 02 Sep 2017 19:24:49 -0700

I've been a recording engineer for 34 years. I would NEVER have prescribed this technique for a fix, but I'll be damned, it actually.
I've been laughing about the fix all day. Brilliant. My family is ecstatic and now I've opened up pandora's family archives box for the next few weeks starting tonight. My kids (18 and 20) are having a ball watching these old videos from 20 years ago.

Who ever thought this one up........good on ya.

Jay S
Mon, 25 Dec 2017 19:41:06 -0800

Crazy but it works! You saved me a lot of money, instead of buying another mini-DV camera to playback the old cassettes, a couple of soft hits did it! Thanks a lot!

Lars in Sweden
Tue, 10 Apr 2018 13:18:58 -0700

My 11-year old Sony HDR-HC7 had the same C:21:00 problem for long time, and even repair at an official shop wouldn't solve the problem as it came back after a while.
Wacking the old camera didn't help either....
However, Juan Parra's trick solved the problem for me! That is clean the moist sensor with a cotton swab and 96% alcohol (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-hvr-a1-hdr-hc-series/88013- . . . A more elegant trick than beating it up, isn't it?!
Thanks Juan!

Pieter Leenen
Fri, 18 May 2018 04:42:43 -0700

Well, I haven't been able to watch those videos for years now and have given my Sony a big whack and it worked...wish I had seen this earlier! Thanks for the advice

Louise in Australia
Tue, 11 Sep 2018 21:00:12 -0700

So bizarre that this actually worked on a 15 year old camera!

Nancy from New York
Tue, 20 Nov 2018 20:41:08 -0800

Recently purchased a second-hand Sony VX2100 with this issue. Followed advice from the Internet and it WORKED!!!

Janice from VA
Thu, 13 Dec 2018 17:46:51 -0800

Increible, tuve mi hc-1000 guardad por mas de 4 a�os y le habia hecho de todo pero nada y eso que soy tecnico electronico, me rei cuando lei esta soluci�n, pero no perdia nada con probar as� que le saque la bateria y la go
lpie con desconfianza y no lo creeran por magia se arreglo, increible esto es magia.-

JOSE FARIAS
Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:13:28 -0800

I have an ancient Sony DCR PC5 (NTSC) which I bought while overseas in 1995. It's been in storage for the last 12 years because the cassette thing wouldn't close when the video cassette was installed. Because of your advice and successes here, I whacked the thing, top, side, bang bang. Still the same problem. Then someone said whack the bottom! I gave that 3 or 4 whacks and lo and behold the thing works! If Sony incorporates this advice, sue them for copyright infringement! LOL I have other cameras now that don't need whacks, but you never know. :-)Thanks for posting!
Dave in Nova Scotia, Canada

Dave
Fri, 19 Apr 2019 19:23:54 -0700

I thought for sure this was a joke! I cleaned the sensor with alcohol, pressed the reset button, removed power -- no change. Did this multiple times to no avail. Finally, feeling quite silly I smacked the bottom three times. Incredibly, it now works fine. I never would have believed it!

Byron
Wed, 01 Apr 2020 14:45:21 -0700

Excellent. I missed an important recording due to this moisture problem. Removing the battery and a little wack on the bottom did wonders. Thank you guys.

Tshidino
Sat, 11 Apr 2020 18:56:59 -0700

Thanks, it worked on my DCR PC8E. Unbelivable!

Adrian
Tue, 29 Dec 2020 15:13:23 -0800

I was a little sceptical when I read the ߵhit it hard'
Can't believe that it worked - thank you so much
👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍

Rachel
Sun, 10 Oct 2021 05:59:08 -0700

Thank you so much for this very simple solution. Just one little hit on the bottom of my Sony Digital 8 was enough to stop that annoying C:21:00 warning. After 23 years I can watch my tapes with precious memories again….

Cyril
Sat, 29 Jan 2022 05:22:45 -0800

Lol my dcr pc101 did work .thank you i was stryggling for days

scjack
Wed, 18 Jan 2023 21:27:23 -0800

Thought my sony dcr trv11e had died because I couldn't get rid of error c:22, all hope was lost until I stumbled this post and thought I had nothing to lose. Whack, smack error gone. Thanks OP.

dxline
Sat, 25 Nov 2023 22:05:15 -0800

Posting in 2024 to say that whackin' it does, in fact, work. Just beat it.

Christen
Thu, 19 Sep 2024 07:00:11 -0700

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DCR PC5E Error code C 21:00

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