Camcorder Showing Signs of Black Screen Syndrome

Dear Colleagues,

Hello,

I hope that you are able to assist me.

I have a Panasonic camcorder NV-GS17 model no. NV-GS17EB which has operated without any problem for 5 years.

The camcorder when in record mode has recently started to show signs of the "black screen syndrome" i.e. a black screen, identical to that which occurs when the lens caps is on, is displayed.

However on this occasion the lens cap is not on and the viewfinder screen and lens both show a black screen when the camcorder is in record mode.

When I play an existing mini DV cassette containing existing video content the viewfinder and the lens both correctly display the video images.

Do Colleagues have any possible suggestions as to what may be causing the problem and how the problem can potentially be fixed?

Many thanks in advance for your assistance.

Yours,

OACNET.