Hi8 camcorder

[Scarlett]

I have a number of Hi8 tapes that I recorded years ago on long play. They don't play on my current hi8 camcorder. I am willing to buy a new camera in order to transfer them, but I can't seem to find any! There are 2 on amazon but they are �250! Do you know where I could get a cheap one, now that hi8 will soon be obsolete?

[Buenchico]

You'll probably have to buy secondhand. There are loads on eBay, such as this one which (at the time of writing) is still awaiting an opening �25 bid:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cannon-UC-X10-Hi-8-Video -Camera-7-tapes-2-batteries_W0QQitemZ230208013 118QQihZ013QQcategoryZ11724QQssPageNameZWDVWQQ rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(eBay search hint: Try separate searches for 'Hi8' and 'Hi-8'. The hyphen makes a difference).

If you'd prefer to buy a camera with a warranty, they appear quite often (usually very cheaply) in branches of Cash Converters.

Alternatively, ask at your local library for contact details for your local video group (or photographic club). They'll almost certainly have members who've still got Hi-8 equipment which they might be prepared to loan (or, if they no longer use it, to sell).

Chris

[souldriver]

You could also try your local free ads paper, theres bound to be some in there.