here is a simple to solve this problem a little bit. take off the battery, put the camera on record (A) or (M) then put the battery back on and that should work but u have to do that every time u are going to record. your welcome.

i have the same problem since approx.last 6 months. My camera GR-DVX507A a. use this already since 2 years. Sometimes solve this problem, 1- open the camera towards strong light, when not, 2- open the camera, saw the black Screen, push the memory switch to video, when not, 3- wait a while, open the black camera again and again. best luck armagan

Please note that DF models displaying this symptom are "not" covered by JVC's special "free" repair programme that covers various other models and which has been running for about three years now, albeit that this now expires at the end of June 2009. Although JVC does not accept that these models were fitted with image sensors from the same faulty batch that were fitted into all the other models, the fact remains that over a period of time there has been quite a number of DF range models with this type of failure, some of known to have been repaired by JVC as a "goodwill" measure in the same way as is commonly done with "qualifying" "D" followed by two digit models, as these models "were" acknowledged as having been fitted with sensors that had the potential to develop the problem. ("Qualifying" meaning that you must be the original purchaser) Another snag exists though, that being that this model can sometimes develop a fault with the system switch which results with the same "lens cap" warning, so this has to be checked out first. If anyone feels inclined to consult JVC customer services of wherever they may be located they "might" be offered a goodwill repair, but this being totally dependant on who you talk to and how you plead your case. (outrageous! but experience has shown thats how it seems to work)

VHS-C Camcorders GR-FX15E, GR-FXM393E, GR-FXM39E, GR-FX16E, GR-FXM404E, GR-FXM40E, GR-SX19E, GR-SX25E, GR-SXM29E, GR-SXM49E, GR-SX26E, GR-SXM30E, GR-SXM50E DVC Camcorders GR-D20E, GR-D21E, GR-D22E, GR-D30E, GR-D31E, GR-D40E, GR-D50E, GR-D60E, GR-D70E, GR-DX25E, GR-DX35E, GR-DX45E, GR-DX55E, GR-DX75E, GR-DX95E, GR-PD1E, JY-HD10E, GR-D18E, GR-D225E, GR-D23E, GR-D24E, GR-D32E, GR-D33E, GR-D34E, GR-D43E, GR-D53E, GR-D54E, GR-D63E, GR-D73E, GR-DX27E, GR-DX28E, GR-DX36E, GR-DX37E, GR-DX47E, GR-DX48E, GR-DX57E, GR-DX67E, GR-DX77E, GR-DX78E, GR-DX97E

JVC are offering free repairs for the lens cap problem as a bad chip had been put in to certain models, you will have to call JVC to confirm if your model is one of them.

JVC knows this kind of broblem. check with JVC if it Includes your model. follow up this infomaition from JVC: http://www.jvc.com/support/notification/index.jsp?pageID=2 ISRAEL SKOP SVC Digital Service & Support www.svc.co.il

I have the exact same problem with the same camcorder. After 6 months of using it only 5 or 6 times the range finder/lcd doesn't function and the screen remains black. I called JVC and they said they will only cover parts the labor is going to be a minimum $69. If JVC doesn't add this model to the defect list soon I am going to file a class action. I will never buy a JVC again.

I have the same problem. I just called JVC and they said they will not cover the labor because it is past the warranty period. I bought it back in Sept 05 and have only used it a few times. The person I spoke with was kind of rude and said if it is not on the list it will not be covered. I can't believe they will not cover it when they clearly know there is a problem.

Same problem. I have a GR-DF450U.

I just bought this camcorder 2 weeks ago and have this problem too, sometimes work ok but others are nothing in the screen; so today I went to the place that i got it and exchanged for another well; guess what? this brand new does not event work all is black, so I decided to returned and get my money back. my husband said jvc it's j for junk lol at least not me will buy anything jvc.