Old Camcorder Problem

[Gungnir]

I've been asked to look at a relatives camcorder, Sony TRV255E Digital 8, which displays two grey blocks right across the screen upon playback. Footage judders with intermittant sound loss.

Any advice on possible causes? Is the camera knackered?

 

[Gungnir]

I've run the head cleaning tape through a few times but the problem still persists.

The grey blocks don't show up in the viewfinder but do carry over when footage is transferred to the PC.

Any help is very much appreciated

 

[Gungnir]

It appears to have spontaneously fixed itself?????

Just tried it so I could post a sample clip and it's fine

Thanks for your help.